Wilko Johnson has revealed that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
His manager Robert Hoy used the Wilko Johnson Facebook page to make the announcement earlier today, confirming that the musician has decided not to seek treatment.
He wrote: “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.”
Continuing, the manager confirmed that Johnson plans to maintain an active work schedule. Hoy added: “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.”
Johnson, 65, played lead guitar with Dr Feelgood from the band’s formation in 1971 until he left in 1977. During his stint, the band scored a Number One album with their 1976 live LP ‘Stupidity’. After departing, Johnson played with The Blockheads for a brief spell in 1980 and released a succession of albums with The Wilko Johnson Band. His autobiography Looking Back At Me was published in June 2012.
Photo credit: Jerry Tremaine