Roger Wilko

Great to see that Essex legend Wilko Johnson is still with us after announcing he had terminal cancer in early 2013 and might only live for six months. My pal Nigel reports a feisty set from Wilko at the Hammersmith Apollo where he was supporting Status Quo. While incredibly Wilko's new album with Roger Daltrey, Going Back Home, is number two in the Amazon music chart. I've just ordered my copy and from what I've heard it sounds great, covering Wilko's back catalogue and Dr Feelgood classics such as Sneakin' Suspicion, All Through the City and Going Back Home, with Who legend Daltrey making an admirable substitute for the late Lee Brilleaux. It was all recorded in a week too. Order your copy now and help make Wilko number one. And for a great and eccentric trawl through Wilko's life read Looking Back At Me by Wilko and Zoe Street Howe. There's also an account of a below sea-level Johnson gig in his hometown of Canvey Island in my own The Joy of Essex. See you in the morning down by the jetty.