Wilko Johnson Diagnosed With Terminal Cancer

furiousox · 06-03-2013 12:00am

New BBC Radio 2 interview

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p015x8xt

Keep_Her_Lit · 07-03-2013 8:26pm

This could have been a sad occasion but it wasn't, not for me at least. The venue was great, with fantastic lighting and sound, while not being too big. The atmosphere was electric and the place was, of course, packed to the rafters. One or two under-40's managed to sneak past the bouncers but it was otherwise an entirely middle (old??

) aged audience.

I couldn't help wondering beforehand whether Wilko's condition might be starting to take it's toll on his performances. That doubt was obliterated the moment his fabulous black & red Telecaster announced itself to the audience with a typical Wilko-driven Ker-Chaaaangg!!! Everyone roared with approval and we were off!

The set was classic Wilko, from start to finish, just as it should have been - Sneakin' Suspicion, Roxette, Barbed Wire Blues, Paradise, When I'm Gone, Don't Let Your Daddy Know and many more. That gripping, driving rhythm that characterises so many of Wilko's songs was as tight and crisp as ever. Norman Watt-Roy and Dylan Howe were in top form too and, despite the focus on Wilko, weren't forgotten by the audience.

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Standing still to Wilko's music is not something I'm normally physically capable of, though I needed to compromise somewhat last night because the floor was so thronged. That was no loss, however, as it was only right that as many as possible should be given the opportunity to see this legend one more time.

Alison Moyet made a guest appearance for his first encore and provided the vocals for Down By the Jetty and I Don't Mind. Wilko rounded the gig off with Bye Bye Johnny and we all waved our farewells to this peerless guitarist and showman.

Wilko lives for his music and has always loved playing to live audiences. He is prepared to travel considerable distances to play tiny venues (e.g. Leeson Lounge) and clearly isn't in it for the money. This is just what he does and He Does It Right!! It was great to see him one more time and be part of an audience that really wanted to show their appreciation for decades of first class performances.

Those who have yet to see Wilko on his farewell tour are in for a treat. He is in absolutely top form.

Chelon · 08-03-2013 1:42pm

This sounds brilliant - I heard he was in top form is Sheffield also. Roll on Glasgow tomorrow night

mike65 · 10-03-2013 12:45am

five star telegraph review of the Camden show here

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/live-music-reviews/9915669/Wilko-Johnson-Koko-Camden-review.html

Chelon · 12-03-2013 2:46am

Loved this Glasgow review here:-

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Wilko Johnson Plays a Blinder and Bids Farewell To Glasgow
2013-03-10 22:05:02 | westy47

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Photo Review: Wilko Johnson at The O2 ABC, Glasgow

This was always going to be a difficult gig for me as I am a massive Wilko fan and the thought of photographing his last ever Glasgow show was quite overwhelming but also a privilege. Ever since Wilko announced last year he was suffering from inoperable pancreatic cancer and declining treatment his fans have been grabbing their last chance to see this iconic guitarist play with the result of every date on his farewell tour being sold out… Tonight was Glasgow’s chance to show there’s a reason why Glasgow’s audiences have the reputation of being the best in the world and also to pay homage to this great man and his art…

An early 6:30 kick off and the first act The 45’s take to the stage…a ridiculously young band of school lads from Carlisle sheepishly walk on stage and burst into a set of Rhythm and Blues covers and original material…they were in serious danger of stealing the show and even managing to blag Wilko’s famous telecaster when guitarist Tom Hamilton-Hughes breaks a string…. weird to hear an instrument getting a massive cheer.

Eight Rounds Rapid had the un-envious task of following these young lads and despite a great set they never quite managed to catch the audience’s attention and received a polite lukewarm reception…

Now looking around I could be cynical and moan about the number of photographers in the pit ….10 and their reasons for being there! At his last Glasgow show there was myself and one other…but we wont go there…

Then came the moment people were looking forward to and dreading in equal amounts Wilko and his band Norman Watt Roy on bass and Dylan Howe on drums take to the stage and bang play the best set you are ever likely to see…no talk about cancer, no tears in fact no mention at all the reason we are all there just a damn fine rock’n’roll show. All the favourites Back In The Night, Roxette, Dr Dupree, She Does It Right to name a few and every song greeted with rapturous applause. Johnson was on fire treating the audience to his famous manic duck walks and mock machine gun gestures, looking at this man its easy to forget he has only a matter of months to live as he gives the performance of a man half of his 65 years would be pushed to give. The band close the set with She Does It Right and Wilko leaves the stage for the first time… Now there are encores and there are encores!! but what followed can only be described as an ground shaking chant of Wilko Wilko and the great man and his band return to play Chuck Berry’s Bye Bye Johnny …Wilko style ...during which Wilko shows some signs of emotion when the audience start singing bye bye John back to him. A very poignant moment indeed.. Wilko, Norm and Dylan leave the stage and again the audience give another encore of Wilko Wilko…even louder than the first time….Wilko returns with his band once more, visibly touched by the emotion that was being shown to him he announces “One more…why not we’re here anyway”…. Glasgow gets one more and Wilko leaves the stage and announces “good night Glasgow…erm that’ll be good bye”…and left grown men in tears.

And before we know it…its over, Wilko we salute you.

Chelon · 12-03-2013 2:48am

Great pics as well

http://stuartwestwood.gigape.com/user/2013/03/10/wilko-johnson-plays-a-blinder-and-bids-farewell-to-glasgow/

furiousox · 13-03-2013 11:26am

I got there around 7.00 and the place was already pretty full, I couldn't get near the front so I settled for a spot centre stage about 10 bodies back.
As it got close to showtime, the anticipation in the air was building and when the band walked onstage at 8.30 they got a fantastic reception.
With the usual "good evening" from Wilko they were off, straight into 'Down By The Jetty'.
I'd estimate the crowd at 1500-1800 and every manic strut or machine gun motion from Wilko was greeted with a massive roar of approval.
Wilko and the band were playing out of their skins and fed off the crowd's energy.
I've never seen them give a bad performance over the years but they seem to have raised the intensity of the show to another level for these last few gigs.
Wilko was on fire, enjoying himself and giving his absolute all to every note and chord he played.
Norman (the best bass player on the planet imo) was incredible as always, wrestling with his bass to squeeze out even more jaw dropping fret runs than usual.
The songs just rolled by, 'Paradise', 'Roxette', 'The Western Plains', 'When I'm Gone', a wonderful riotous 'Woolly Bully' that we all sang along to.
He finished off with some Feelgood classics and then returned for the finale of Chuck Berry's 'Bye Bye Johnny'
So here he was, singing and waving 'bye bye' to us and we all sang and waved 'bye bye' back to him.
The emotion that passed through the room for that song is something I'll never forget.
He sang about "the train coming down the track, the same train that took his love away, coming now to take him, don't know when but he could hear the train in the distance."
It was such a powerful moment but as he did a Chuck Berry duck walk and then played that famous black telecaster behind his head the mood in the room was one of absolute joy.
As he said "Thank you, goodnight......and goodbye...." the crowd roared their appreciation long and hard.
The chorus of 'Wilko, Wilko, Wilko' grew until the band reappeared for one final song.
They finished off with '20 yards behind' and I did my best to sing along but it wasn't easy with the lump in my throat.
After 30 odd years, it's so hard to accept that I'll never see this wonderful band again but this tour has been an absolute triumph.
God bless ya Wilko!

Keep_Her_Lit · 14-03-2013 1:52am

Great report furiousox. Wilko's decision to simply accept his fate and keep playing regardless really does seem to have been the right course of action, both for him and his fans. There's a real sense of everyone savouring these moments and enjoying them to the full.

The YouTube clips for the Glasgow gig show a lot of spirit among the crowd! It looks like it was a great occasion.

furiousox · 16-03-2013 9:55am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0Q9Zc7nZjw

Max Headroom · 18-03-2013 11:26am

furiousox wrote: »

Seriously tempted to buy this for the man-cave!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330702671191?var=540058392896&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

I hate that $hit.they probably started printing them the day he was diagnosed.....:mad:

Totally awesome unique guitarist, saw them many moons ago , was it the Stadium...???

furiousox · 24-03-2013 6:17pm

Wilko taken ill, tonight and tomorrow night's gigs in Canvey cancelled

furiousox · 27-03-2013 7:56pm

That's it, no more gigs.

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/wilko-has-played-final-show/

Keep_Her_Lit · 28-03-2013 12:38am

A great pity for his home fans in Canvey Island, I can only imagine what fantastic gigs those would have been. But Wilko has handled it all so well up until now and this is probably the right decision for him. I don't think anyone would want to see him struggling to perform.

I'm so glad I got the opportunity to see him play one more time and say my farewells, if only in my head. Hopefully Wilko can hang onto that hugely positive attitude now that he has put down his Telecaster. And here's hoping that he enjoys a reasonable quality of life in the time that remains.

Wilko ....

.... is Going Back Home ....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzF0AETdRF8

furiousox · 24-05-2013 9:16pm

Interview with Wilko next Monday & Tuesday on BBC Radio 4 where he discusses (among other things) the recording of 'Down By The Jetty'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b021mjc4/broadcasts/upcoming

furiousox · 20-09-2013 3:46pm

WILKO NEWS: From Wilko Johnson/ Rob Hoy /Cadiz Music / KOKO

We are delighted to announce that Wilko Johnson with Norman Watt-Roy and Dylan Howe will play KOKO in Camden Town, London on the 13th and 14th October 2013.

Wilko will be on stage at 9pm each night and there will be two support acts. Tickets are £22.50 each and available from Ticketweb and will be on sale from 5pm, 20th September.

Wilko continues to be in good health and spirits and wants to take the opportunity to be as active as possible.

As Elton John recently said “He is too busy living life to think about f***ing dying!”

4Sticks · 20-09-2013 4:17pm

Saw him about 30 years ago in the Half Moon Putney. Fantastic showman glad to see we have not seen the last from him.

Keep_Her_Lit · 20-09-2013 10:52pm

furiousox wrote: »

Wilko continues to be in good health and spirits and wants to take the opportunity to be as active as possible.

Wilko defies all the odds. You can't put a good man down.

furiousox · 21-09-2013 9:55am

Got a ticket for the 13th :-)

Chelon · 23-09-2013 7:06pm

Great news. When you view the gigs page on wilkojohnson.org it returns shows for "Norman Watt-Roy & Friends", no mention of the Koko shows.

Anyone know who Norm's playing with?

furiousox · 23-09-2013 8:22pm

Norman has a solo album out (faith & grace) so he's probably touring that. No idea who he's bringing with him though.

furiousox · 15-10-2013 8:52pm

So, went to this gig on Sunday.
It was (of course) fantastic and very enjoyable, special and poignant.
I got to the venue in Camden around 7.30 just as the first support band were starting.
4 young lads in their teens, all wearing natty suits, one wearing sunglasses and singing songs in the style of Dr Feelgood....it could only be The Strypes.
Except it was a band from Essex called The 45's.
They were pretty good, young and enthusiastic.
Hope they do well.

Koko is a nice venue, an old theatre type building, a bit like The Olympia.
Probably holds about 1500/2000 and it was a sell-out.
When the support band finished, I got myself centre about 10ft back from the stage, lovely!
Wilko came on at 9.00 to a fantastic reception from the crowd.
Clearly moved and in good form, he plugged in and did what only he can do.
He strutted the stage playing the Tele in that unique rhythm/lead style of his while Norman Watt-Roy (simply the best bassist on this planet) played jaw-dropping basslines to every song.
Dylan Howe is a jazzy kind of drummer and he's brought a new dimension to the band.
Wilko played the whole gig with a smile on his face and his good humour and healthy appearance reveberated through band and audience.
During Norman's bass solo, Wilko whispered something into his ear and both of them went into fits of laughter, great to see!
I've probably seen them live about 20-30 times over the years and this was possibly the best I've ever seen them play.
The chemistry between band and audience was electric and very special.
Wilko in full flight, machine gunning us with the Tele, Norman playing bass chords, harmonics, and impossible bass runs at will.
Just mind-blowing stuff!
All too soon it was over and as the band came back on for an encore, Wilko steeped up to say "thanks..."
That was as far as he got, as his voice cracked and he stood back and took in the fantastic ovation he was getting, clearly moved.
I'm so glad I went to this gig.
I first saw him about 30 years ago and I honestly thought Glasgow back in March was the last time I'd ever see him play so I invested a lot of emotion in that show.
Sunday's gig was just joyous, a celebration from start to finish.
Wilko Johnson is still alive and kicking!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpx6uruO5tw

eoinkoenig · 23-10-2013 12:57pm

He set out on a farewell tour in the spring after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. And now he has decided to team up with The Who’s Daltrey after the pair met at an awards ceremony last month.

“They did tell me in January I’d be dead in October, but I may last into next year. I hope we’ll have something done before I go.

“There are a few more things I want to record. I wrote some songs right after getting this diagnosis.

"It won’t be morbid, though. I can’t have any truck with that.

“The music I want to continue to make, I think, generally should be a laugh not a cry. So there’s not going to be any cancer dirges.”

Max Headroom · 27-10-2013 10:14pm

Sorry to hear of the death of Gypie Mayo this week.............and Lou Reed...

Sad week in rock.....:(

RIP

furiousox · 03-11-2013 4:27pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSULKz6c5tQ

furiousox · 14-12-2013 12:18am

Got my copy of the dvd yesterday and it's fantastic.
Beg, borrow or buy a copy for Christmas, you won't regret it!

5116KfFWJVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Chelon · 18-12-2013 9:54pm

If this doesn't come down the chimney it's definitely on the New Year shopping list. See he's been gigging again in December - the "Special announcement" has been taken down from his website; is there any new how he is doing?

Chelon · 18-12-2013 9:57pm

The Watford gig looked like an incredible lineup - Wilko, Nine below zero & Eddie and the Hot Rods. Haven't seen Eddie but did see NBZ with Glen Tilbrook a few years back and they were fantastiche.

furiousox · 22-01-2014 6:57pm

He's still going strong (and so is this thread!)

New cd with Roger Daltrey on vocals is released on March 10th.
One off concert with Roger Daltrey on vocals in Shepherd's Bush Empire on Feb 25th.
Feck it, might go and say goodbye one more time...:)

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/22/wilko-johnson-new-album-the-who-roger-daltrey

furiousox · 24-02-2014 5:34pm

One more sleep!

Chelon · 24-02-2014 8:02pm

So jealous - enjoy

mike65 · 27-02-2014 12:45am

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/feb/26/wilko-johnson-roger-daltrey-review

furiousox · 03-03-2014 9:04am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3oAaElKxKs

furiousox · 03-03-2014 9:11am

WILKO JOHNSON & ROCK LEGENDS TO ROCK BALLYSHANNON FOR RORY GALLAGHER FESTIVAL 2014

Wilko Johnson (Dr. Feelgood) with Norman Roy-watt (The Blockheads) are among over 20 acts that have been unveiled for this year’s Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival that will take place in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal between Thursday 29th May and Sunday 1st June 2014.

Wilko Johnson set to make a rare Irish appearance as the former Dr. Feelgood frontman continues to battle cancer. On Tuesday night last, Wilko Johnson along with Roger Daltrey (The Who) played to a sold-out show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, while on Friday Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey’s New Album “Going Back Home” went to No.1 in the Amazon UK Album Charts. Wilko said “I am delighted to have the opportunity to come to his birthplace and honour the great G-man, its going to be a superb gig and I am really looking forward to playing at Rory Gallagher Festival 2014 in Ireland, going to be great”.

Festival Chairperson Barry O’Neill while launching the 2014 Festival said “this is without doubt the best line-up ever – Rory Gallagher would be honoured and chuffed, we are expecting our biggest attendances ever, this will be one of the most significant tributes to Rory and without doubt the biggest Classic Rock and Rock Blues Music Festival on the island of Ireland in 2014”.

Weekend Early Bird Tickets for the nightly Big Top Concerts are on sale at just €40 for all 3 nights with over 25 hours of Free Outdoor Street Concerts, Exhibitions and Talks also.

Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2014 takes place in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland between Thursday 29th May and Sunday 1st June 2014 with all details available on the Official Festival Website www.rorygallagherfestival.com Email: roryfest@hotmail.com

Chelon · 10-03-2014 9:03pm

Can you get a ticket for the Sunday only or do you have to get the full weekender?

furiousox · 11-03-2014 4:34pm

Just seems to be 'early bird' weekender tickets at the moment.
I'm sure 'daily' tickets will go on sale later?

furiousox · 13-03-2014 8:32pm

He's playing The Academy in Dublin on May 30th.

I urge you not to miss it, especially if you've never seen him before.

furiousox · 30-04-2014 1:53pm

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Wilko Johnson Cancels Commitments For Medical Procedure:

Dr. Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson has today reluctantly had to cancel all of his public engagements.

Wilko, currently riding high in the UK album chart with the Roger Daltrey collaboration 'Going Back Home', has sought further advice about his pancreatic cancer and as a result has undergone a medical procedure that will see him out of action for the foreseeable future.

Doctors are hopeful that following the surgery the prognosis for Wilko will be positive.

Before going into hospital Wilko spoke to Tony Parsons. The exclusive interview can be read at http://bit.ly/WilkoGQ

Chelon · 30-04-2014 10:35pm

He was due to play Stockholm last night - my mate there said he knew something was up when there was no sign of the tour bus etc outside the venue.

Really hope he gets through this - he deserves to.

mike65 · 03-06-2014 10:28am

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/03/wilko-johnson-released-hospital-emergency-pancreatic-cancer-operation

Wilko Johnson is reportedly "making excellent progress" after undergoing an emergency pancreatic-cancer operation on 30 April. The musician, 66, who was told in January 2013 that he had less than a year to live, has now been released from hospital and is "recuperating" at home.

The "incredibly positive" news comes from Johnson's former band, Dr Feelgood: "We're sure you will be as delighted as we are that after making excellent progress at Addenbrooke's over the last few weeks, Wilko is now convalescing back at his home," they wrote on Facebook. "Naturally after such an extensive procedure, Wilko is extremely tired, and it will take him some time to recuperate, so he asks that you respect his privacy."

furiousox · 22-10-2014 7:08pm

Wilko Johnson announced today that he is now cancer free after an 11 hr operation to remove a 3kg tumour back in April.
What an incredible story this has been, can't wait to see him in concert again.

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29727632

gizmo555 · 22-10-2014 7:10pm

furiousox wrote: »

Wilko Johnson announced today that he is now cancer free after an 11 hr operation to remove a 3kg tumour back in April.
What an incredible story this has been, can't wait to see him in concert again.

http://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2014-10-22/wilko-johnson-cured-of-cancer

Fantastic news - Dr Feelgood, indeed!

furiousox · 07-11-2014 3:43pm

New article and interview.
This really is a one in a million story.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/530314/EXCLUSIVE-Emmanuel-Huguet-why-saved-Wilko-Johnson-s-life

http://a1onthejukebox.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/pick-up-thy-telecaster-and-walk.html?m=1

Long Gone · 31-12-2014 9:09pm

Great news. Pity poor old Lee Brilleaux (Canvey island) isn't still around. What a great R&B band....

http://www.willbirch.com/Lee%20Brilleaux.htm

Chelon · 31-12-2014 11:50pm

He's on the Hootenanny tonight

furiousox · 01-01-2015 1:16am

They were a bit rusty, but still great!

adox · 01-01-2015 2:32am

Jaysus was looking forward to watching him tonight and hadn't realised the dramatic changes to his circumstances over the last couple of months.

What an incredible story. Read the Parsons article tonight. Great to see him being able to perform so soon after such a huge operation.

You couldn't make it up really but what a fantastic surprise to see the new year out with.

goldenshark · 16-01-2015 3:00am

whish him all the best.

furiousox · 21-01-2015 5:00pm

He's back, and his first show is a charity gig in aid of the hospital in Cambridge where he had his operation.
Gig is on on March 6th, I might go if I can get a ticket.

http://www.junction.co.uk/wilko-johnson

Chelon · 21-01-2015 6:21pm

furiousox wrote: »

He's back, and his first show is a charity gig in aid of the hospital in Cambridge where he had his operation.
Gig is on on March 6th, I might go if I can get a ticket.

http://www.junction.co.uk/wilko-johnson

You can wear your "Farewell tour" T-shirt, I'm ironing mine now

furiousox · 23-01-2015 11:26am

Got a ticket, booked a flight.

Wilko Johnson Diagnosed With Terminal Cancer

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