Wednesday 9 January 2013

Wilko Johnson diagnosed with terminal cancer


DR FEELGOOD star Wilko Johnson has been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas, his manager has announced.

The 65-year-old has chosen not to undergo chemotherapy.

Instead, he is to embark on a trip to Japan before completing a new CD on his return, go on a short tour of France and then play a series of farewell gigs in the UK.

A live DVD from his last UK tour is also in the pipeline.

Manager Robert Hoy said: “He is currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity. 

“Wilko wishes to offer his sincere thanks for all the support he has had over his long career, from those who have worked with him to, above all, those devoted fans and admirers who have attended his live gigs, bought his recordings and generally made his life such an extraordinarily full and eventful experience.

Born in Canvey Island, Essex, as John Peter Wilkinson, rose to fame in the 1970s with Dr Feelgood and was noted for his own guitar style and wild and wacky dress sense.

He went on to work with other acts including Ian Dury and the Blockheads and also released solo material, as well as appearing in the documentary Oil City Confidential in 2009.

That documentary earned him the role of executioner Ilyn Payne is series one and two of HBO’s Game of Thrones, as well as other acting roles in recent years.

He was forced to cancel a show in November 2012 after being taken to hospital.


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