Dr Feelgood founder Wilko Johnson dies, aged 75
23 November 2022, 11:01
Oil City Confidential – Dr Feelgood documentary trailer
Wilko Johnson was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer almost ten years ago.
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Dr Feelgood founder Wilko Johnson has died at the age of 75.
The news was confirmed today on the singer-songwriter's official social media accounts.
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"This is the announcement we never wanted to make, & we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died," read the post.
"He passed away at home on Monday 21st November.
"Thank you for respecting the family's privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson."
This is the announcement we never wanted to make, & we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away at home on Monday 21st November. Thank you for respecting the family's privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson.
— Wilko Johnson (@wilkojohnson) November 23, 2022
(Image: Leif Laaksonen) pic.twitter.com/1cRqyi9b9X
Johnson founded Dr Feelgood in 1971 with singer Lee Brilleaux, bass player John B Sparks, drummer Terry Howarth and pianist John Potter.
Howarth and Potter left before the band released any material, being replaced by The Big Figure, while Johnson left the group in 1977 after several influential records.
He went on to have a successful career post-Feelgood, with stints in Solid Senders and Ian Dury & the Blockheads, as well as The Wilko Johnson Band.
After being taken to hospital in November 2012, Johnson was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer in January 2013, and was told he had less than a year to live.
Johnson embarked on a final tour, and went on to record a farewell album Going Back Home with Roger Daltrey.
It later emerged that Johnson had been misdiagnosed, and he had a less aggressive and more treatable form of cancer.
He underwent extensive surgery and was given a positive prognosis, announcing in October 2014 that he was cancer free.
In 2018, The Wilko Johnson Band released Blow Your Mind, his first album of new material in three decades.
Wilko also had a small role as mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne in the first two seasons of Game of Thrones, with producers having spotted him in Dr Feelgood's 2009 documentary Oil City Confidential.
