Wilko Johnson R.I.P.
Very sad news to hear that Wilko Johnson has passed away. His guitar playing with pub rock greats Dr Feelgood had a huge influence on many of the punk and new wave bands that followed them. This short film shows Dr Feelgood at their prime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzF0AETdRF8. And in this short clip he demonstrates how he played rhythm and lead guitar at the same time (without a plectrum and always crediting Mick Green as his prime influence) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMlhWvIh7U4. One of the best live bands I have ever seen. This photo was taken at Hammersmith Palais in 1976 and swipe to see a portrait taken in Putney in 1981.
Julian Temple's film 'Oil City Confidential' shows the band in their full glory and is regarded as one of the best rock documentaries of all time, 'Looking Back At Me' by Wilko and author Zoë Howe is a highly recommended read. His fight with pancreatic cancer for the last 9 years is the stuff of legend in it's own right. He also played the mute executioner in Game Of Thrones. A true legend. Rest In Peace Wilko.
Here is an obituary featuring one of my portraits in Billboard:
https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/wilko-johnson-dead-dr-feelgood-guitarist-dies-75-1235176040/
