Wilko Johnson, the guitarist for the ‘70s-era British rock act Dr. Feelgood and ‘Game of Thrones’ actor, died aged 75 at home on November 21. As a notable figure who had helped shape pub rock and inspired many rock musicians, his passing left the music scene heartbroken. Among the many tributes to the beloved singer, Jimmy Page and Billy Idol also shared messages on their social media accounts.
“I’m sad to hear today of the passing of Wilko Johnson, the Dr. Feelgood guitarist and singer/songwriter,” Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page wrote on Twitter. He recalled, “I saw Wilko perform at Koko in Camden in May 2013, and the atmosphere was electric. This show was originally billed as his farewell tour.”
Page then shared his appreciation of the late musician in a separate tweet, writing, “But, thankfully, he continued performing and thrilling crowds until recently. I really admired him, and we’ll all miss him. Rest in peace Wilko.”
Johnson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013, so the doctors had told him he had nine or ten months left. However, it was discovered following his UK farewell tour that the guitarist had a more treatable form of the disease. Thus, he kept performing on stage after being announced as cancer-free in 2014.
Another tribute to the late musician came from Billy Idol. The singer wrote on Twitter, “I used to see Wilko johnson play with Dr. Feelgood on the pub rock circuit back in ’74, and his guitar breaks were always super exciting, and I shared a flat with him in ’77… Rest in peace.”
During the 1970s, Dr. Feelgood was a major influence on the rock scene with their distinctive R&B sound, and the band was often praised for Wilko Johson’s stage presence and exceptional guitar work. They became one of the pioneers of pub rock and heavily inspired upcoming bands like the Clash and the Sex Pistols.
But, thankfully, he continued performing and thrilling crowds until recently.
I really admired him and we’ll all miss him. RIP Wilko.
Photo © @scarletp https://t.co/XB1oftfmdb
— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) November 23, 2022
I used to see #wilkojohnson play with Dr Feelgood on the pub rock circuit back in ‘74 & his guitar breaks were always super exciting & I shared a flat with him in ‘77…RIP. https://t.co/VgxsOWR06F
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) November 23, 2022
