Wilko Johnson
The former Dr. Feelgood guitarist has died
Guitarist Wilko Johnson has closed his eyes forever.
© imago images/agefotostock/Avalon Photoshot
Guitarist Wilko Johnson has died. The musician was 75 years old. With the band Dr. Feelgood, he made his breakthrough.
Wilko Johnson (1947-2022), former guitarist for British rock band Dr. Feelgood, died. The influential musician was 75 years old. In a statement on his official social media accounts it saysthat he died at home on November 21st. “Thank you for respecting the privacy of Wilko’s family at this very sad time, and thank you to all of you who have been so supportive of Wilko throughout his incredible life,” the post continues.
Wilko Johnson had cancer
Johnson was diagnosed with end-stage pancreatic cancer in 2013 and the guitarist decided against chemotherapy. Nevertheless, in 2014 he released the album “Going Back Home”, a collaboration with Roger Daltrey (78) from The Who. Later in the year, he announced he was cancer-free following major surgery to remove a tumor.
Wilko Johnson was born John Peter Wilkinson in 1947 in Canvey Island, Essex. He began his career in 1971 when he formed the band Dr. Feelgood founded. The group established themselves as a fixture on the British pub rock scene. Johnson was known for his distinctive guitar style. He left the band in 1977 after arguments. The musician also appeared occasionally as an actor, so he was seen in four episodes of the series hit “Game of Thrones” from 2011 as the executioner Ser Ilyn Payn.
Stars mourn him
Some stars have already said goodbye to Johnson, including Alex Kapranos (50) from the Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. “His unique, wired playing and stage presence delighted and inspired many guitarists, myself included”, he tweeted. “His presence will be felt for many years to come.” Jimmy Page (78), former producer of the British rock band Led Zeppelin, mourns on Twitter um Johnson: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Wilko Johnson, Dr. Feelgood guitarist and singer/songwriter today.”