Wilko Johnson To Play Live Again

Wilko Johnson has announced four festival appearances in July and August – even though he thought his terminal illness had ended his live career.

The former Dr Feelgood guitarist revealed in January that he’d been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had decided not to undergo chemotherapy.

He played a farewell tour which was meant to end with two appearances in his Canvey Island home town. They were cancelled after he fell ill following a TV appearance with Madness.

At the time he believed he’d never appear on stage again. Now he’s confirmed he’ll play the Cornbury Festival, Oxfordshire, on July 7; DV8 Festival in Fibbers, York on July 14; the Cusworth Music Festival, Doncaster, on August 25; and the Great British R’n’B Festival, Lancashire, on August 26.

Johnson tells Cusworth organisers: “‘It seems that I am still being spared the final onslaught of my terminal cancer.

“As the memory of the farewell tour recedes I am feeling, again, the desire to get up on stage and do my thing while health allows.

“So it is that I have decided to make some festival appearances during the summer.”

Manager Robert Hoy recently reported: “Such is the interest in his history, influence and positive response to his diagnosis that, as well as the daily flow of goodwill messages and interview requests, there is even talk of a stage play based on his life.

“It seems that after a 40-year career, which many felt did not receive the recognition it deserved, Wilko is now becoming something of a national treasure.”

Johnson is working on a studio album, and a live DVD shot during his farewell tour is due for release soon.