Heartbreaking news. Wilko Johnson is one of my musical heroes. And Dr Feelgood one of my favourite bands of all time.
Although they were/are not well known in the US and Canada, they are one of the most influential British bands of all time, a stripped down, back to basics blues/r&b band whose sound and attitude was loved and copied by punks and New Wave, both bands and fans. Their influence still abounds today, in UK bands like the Arctic Monkeys or Stereophonics. Even recent US acts like The White Stripes.
They were at their peak in the ‘Wilko years’: 1972-77. Although they made great albums through into the 90’s, when lead singer Lee Brilleaux tragically died, also of cancer, aged just 41.
They are one of the best British bands of all time.
Go and listen to them.