Rock legend Wilko Johnson is continuing his rousing return to the stage by visiting Warrington’s Parr Hall after battling cancer.
It’s now just a week until his band appear on Friday March 1 with the promise of classic hits and new material, accompanied by special guest Glenn Tilbrook.
Following Wilko’s cancer recovery, the original Dr Feelgood guitarist returned to the top of his game with a rousing return to the live arena, a Number 1 album with Roger Daltrey and a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall to mark his 70th birthday.
Heavily influenced by rock and roll guitarist Mick Green, Wilko employs a finger-style, chop-chord strumming action, known as ‘the stab’ in his own words.
This allows for chords and lead guitar to be played at the same time, giving a fluency and distinctive sound very unlike the cleaner swat of a pick.
Wilko became one of the guitar heroes of an era with this economic sound, coupled with that black-suited, scowling look and the yards he covered across the stage pausing only to twist the guitar lead out from under his feet.
Following a stint with Ian Dury & The Blockheads in the 80s he eventually formed The Wilko Johnson Band with ex-Blockhead Norman Watt-Roy on bass.
Also featuring Dylan Howe on drums, the trio have become one of the most exciting rhythm and blues bands in the world today.
Glenn Tilbrook has more than earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished songwriters, singers and guitarists, not to mention an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer.
45 years after he first linked up with Chris Difford to form the band that became the much-loved evergreen Squeeze, his unwavering devotion to, and joy of, playing live shows no signs of diminishing.
For tickets visit parrhall.culturewarrington.org or call Box Office on 01925 442345.
