For so long the thought of losing the inimitable Wilko Johnson, a true British R ‘N’ B legend was unthinkable.
His battle with pancreatic cancer that looked like ending the life even lead to a farewell tour by one of rock’s true survivors as fans and stars rallied to support the guitarist as he set about creating what he thought was his final recording.
Fortunately for Wilko and his horde of fans, the cancer turned out to be a less virulent and treatable form and having undergone surgery, announced he was cancer-free.
Wilko Johnson
His career will be eternally linked to one of the biggest and most respected bands to break out of the legendary London pub circuit in the mid-seventies Dr Feelgood’s Stupidity album hit the top of the LP charts in 1976 though a falling out during the follow-up Sneakin’ Suspicion lead to Johnson leaving and the founding of the Solid Senders plus a stint with Dury’s Blockheads.
The Blockhead connection as continued to this day as the band’s brilliant bassist Norman Watt-Roy provides able support for Johnson’s frenetic, chopping guitar and the whiplash drumming of Dylan Howe.
With Wilko charging around the stage, jerking and strutting with his trusty Telecaster, held as if brandishing a machine gun, the band’s energy was infectious and a visual delight, putting younger bands to shame.
Watt-Roy’s playing was as ever sublime and was also a delight to watch as both front-men belied their years with a truly crowd-pleasing performance and an R ‘N’ B master-class.
Featuring songs from his long career it was always going to be the case that Feelgood tunes would get the greater response and Sneakin’ Suspicion, Roxette and Back In The Night certainly helped raise the roof.
With the Chuck Berry tune Bye Bye Johnny, bringing the evening to a suitable climax the band still looked fresh and able to carry on for another hour, or may be that was wishful thinking on my part.
All the same, watching Wilko Johnson is always a pleasure and long may it continue.
Images Tony Chapman