In the mid-1970s, just before Punk hit, pub rock ruled and Dr. Feelgood were truly the only band that mattered, working class blues breakers a million miles away from junkie fueld delta swamped Clapton apostles, hidden behind mansion walls and bodyguards. The blues that were as class conscious as Chicago blues and as sturdy and in it for the rent as LA blues was out of it and covering the coke bill.
The great Lee Brilleau was lead singer and guitar giant Wilko Johnson, with those bugged out eyes, played lead and really, there was no denying the two, expecially on 1975 Malpractice, a huge album at the time that almost broke em Stateside. It was like punk blues pre-punk and all aggro and dirty nails, thrilling stuff.
Lee died of cancer in 1994 and sadly, 20 years later it looks like Wilko is joining him: Wilko's manager , Robert Hoy,issued a statement: stating: "I am very sad to announce that Wilko has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. He has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy. 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. He has just set off on a trip to Japan; on his return we plan to complete a new CD, make a short tour of France, then give a series of farewell gigs in the UK. There is also a live DVD in the pipeline, filmed on the last UK tour.
"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. Thank you."
Going back home, indeed.