Wilko Johnson Gets Lifetime Contribution Award

Wilko Johnson received a lifetime contribution award at the European Blues Awards in Carlisle at the weekend. The award was given in recognition of his commitment to the genre throughout his career.

Band Of Friends, formed by Rory Gallagher’s former colleagues Gerry McAvoy and Ted McKenna, were named best band; Virgil McMahon of Virgil And The Accelerators won best guitarist and Ian Siegal took the best vocalist award.

Organisers say: “Congratulations to all the highly deserving winners. Voting volume was absolutely phenomenal. Thanks to everyone who voted and made this year’s awards such a tremendous success. Our special thanks to Carlisle International Blues Festival UK for doing a really brilliant job in hosting this year’s results.”

Former Dr Feelgood guitarist Johnson announced in January that he’d been diagnosed with cancer but had decided to refuse chemotherapy, choosing instead to keep working until his health failed him. Despite his decision in the spring to retire from playing concerts, he’s still going strong and will play at the London Jazz Festival on November 21.

He’s brought in Who singer Roger Daltrey for his final album and he’s about to release a live DVD, shot earlier this year.