Wilko Johnson
Musician and actor Wilko Johnson has passed away at the age of 75.
A statement posted on the official Twitter and Facebook page of Dr. Feelgood, the English guitarist’s band, confirmed his death to fans around the globe.
“This is the announcement we never wanted to make, & we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died,” read the post. “He passed away at home on Monday 21st November. Thank you for respecting the family’s privacy at this very sad time. RIP
Wilko Johnson.”
Born as John Peter Wilkinson, the “Game of Thrones” star grew to be a distinctive guitarist with his style of playing the instrument, becoming an influential part of the English punk movement.
Before forming his own band, the Wilko Johnson Band, and then joining Dr. Feelgood, he was part of the bands Ian Drury and the Blockheads. He made his on-screen debut in 2011, playing Ser Ilyn Payne in HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones.” In 2013, Wilko found a lump in his stomach that appeared to be pancreatic cancer and was given 10 months to live. Around a year later, he went for another checkup, and the test results showed that Wilko had another type of tumor that was rare, less aggressive, and malignant. He underwent an operation that same year and had his pancreas, spleen, part of his stomach, and part of his small and large intestines removed. At the Q Awards in October 2014, he declared he was finally cancer-free.
Wilko’s heartbroken fans took to Twitter to pay tribute to him and praise his musical talent, causing “RIP Wilko” to trend globally on Wednesday. @philmyth tweeted: “Aww man,
RIP Wilko. One of the most genuinely unique guitarists.”
@johnjmarley tweeted: “So saddened to hear that Wilko has lost his battle with cancer. Rip Wilko.” @Birmingham_81 tweeted: “RIP Wilko. Not only a truly inspired and incredibly influential guitarist, but also one of music’s great characters. Such sad news.”
@HelmetedBard tweeted: “RIP Wilko. The reason why I play guitar like I do. Defied death and showed us how wonderful life is.” @OGBCollins tweeted:
“Oh man. Wilko Johnson. If there was anyone who you thought might actually be immortal, and seemed to be proving it, it was him. What a legend. What a loss. RIP Wilko. See you in the morning, down by the jetty.”