Tributes to guitar legend Wilko
THE music world has paid tribute to singer-songwriter and Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, who has died aged 75.
The musician found fame in the 1970s pub-rock band who helped pave the way for punk, and also enjoyed a successful solo career. The Who’s Roger Daltrey, who recorded an album with Johnson in 2014, said: “More than anything, Wilko wanted to be a poet. I was lucky to have known him and have him as a friend.”
BBC presenter Bob Harris said: “Wilko was absolutely unique. His energy and spirit were incredible. We’ll really miss him.”
Johnson was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer in 2013, and given just 10 months to live. He initially chose to avoid treatment after being told he was terminal and embarked on a farewell tour with the album he made with Daltrey.
But, after an 11-hour operation which removed a tumour, his pancreas, spleen, parts of his stomach and intestines, and some blood vessels around his liver, the musician was declared cancer-free.
Johnson also found fame in the TV hit series Game Of Thrones as mute Lannister executioner Ser Ilyn Payne.