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Wilko Johnson dead at 75
The former Dr. Feelgood guitarist’s death was confirmed via his family this morning
Guitar legend Wilko Johnson has died aged 75, it has been confirmed via the musician’s family.
In a post shared on Johnson’s social media channels this morning, a statement on behalf of his family reads:
“This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and we do so, on behalf of Wilko’s family and the band, with a very heavy heart:
“Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away at home on Monday evening, 21st November 2022.
“Thank you for respecting Wilko’s family’s privacy at this very sad time, and thank you all for having been such a tremendous support throughout Wilko’s incredible life.
“RIP Wilko Johnson.”
Known for his percussive, ‘fingerstyle’ approach to guitar-playing, Wilko Johnson was one of rock’s most instantly identifiable guitarists. His choppy, simultaneous rhythm and lead style was inspired by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates guitarist Mick Green. Wilko sharpened Green’s template to a razor’s edge that paved the way for punk and rebuilt the blues for a new generation.
Sharply intelligent, as part of British rockers Dr. Feelgood, Wilko was a feral presence. In the mid-70s, as rock music became more indulgent and pretentious, the Feelgoods stripped it right back to the bare essentials: no-nonsense rock’n’roll and cut-throat blues. He appeared on four of the band’s albums between 1975-1977 before leaving Dr. Feelgood under somewhat acrimonious circumstances in April 1977. But his impact had been made on a new generation of punk bands. (“Thousands of people play a Telecaster because of Joe Strummer,” he told Guitarist magazine. “Well, Joe played a Telecaster because of me!” Wilko, of course, played a Telecaster because of Mick Green.)
Johnson would go on to form Solid Senders and The Wilko Johnson Band, also playing with the likes of Ian Dury And The Blockheads, Johnny Thunders and Roger Daltry across a career that spanned six decades.
Between 2013-2014, Johnson battled pancreatic cancer, eventually being given the all-clear in late 2014 following intensive surgery.
Johnson was playing live shows right up until the weeks before his death, having played sets in London, Poole Brighton and Birmingham in recent months. “I’m a miserable so-and-so,” he told Classic Rock in 2017. “The only time I’m happy is when I’m playing, so that’s what I’m going to do. For as long as I’m still able to do so, playing music will fill my remaining allotted years.”
As of this morning, no cause of death has been confirmed.
This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day.
Source: loudersound.com
