Wilke Johnson is best known as a founding member of Dr. Feelgood, and later as a member of The Blockheads.(Photo: Classic Rock Magazine)
Wilke Johnson, the former guitarist of 1970s band Dr. Feelgood who
has most recently played the mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne on Game of Thrones,
has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. The musician has
refused chemotherapy but still plans on releasing a new album and doing a
few farewell gigs.
His manager posted the news on the Dr. Feelgood Facebook page.
"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 aseries 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."
Considered one of the most influential
artists of British punk rock, Johnson left Dr, Feelgood in 1977 and
created his own group, The Wilko Johnson Band.
USA Today