Bye bye, Wilko

IT WAS a send-off in style.

In what must count as one of the best gigs ever to be staged at Fermain Tavern, last weekend's appearance by Wilko Johnson and his band was a fitting end locally for a musician who has struck a chord with many – in more ways than one.

Following the news earlier this year that Wilko had inoperable pancreatic cancer, no-one would have blamed the musician for hanging up his Telecaster and calling it a day. But not Wilko. Eschewing treatment, the musician has done what he does best; get back up on stage and give it some no-nonsense, adrenaline-fuelled R'n'B.

According to national press reviews, the guitarist has been playing a series of blistering performances across the British Isles over the past few weeks. He rounds off the farewell tour with two shows this weekend in his home town of Canvey Island.

Last Friday and Saturday 400 punters – including one fan who travelled from Boston – packed into the Tav to see Wilko and his band play in the island one last time.

The guitarist, who is suffering from cancer, had spoken openly of a 'strange euphoria' on hearing his diagnosis and it was evident that he seemed almost rejuvenated.

Far from a downbeat atmosphere, the venue seemed to crackle with electricity as punters filled the floor – after all, this was a celebration of the man and his music; a last hurrah for someone who inspired generations to pick up a guitar, me included.

A seminal influence on many bands to emerge from the pub rock/punk scene and since, Wilko's first band, Dr Feelgood, paved the way.

But it was his intense, choppy R'n'B guitar that defined their sound.

On the Saturday, Wilko gave us a run-through of some Feelgood tunes together with lesser known songs from his solo back catalogue.

All were delivered with his trademark psychotic stare as he machine-gunned the crowd with his Tele, flitting sideways across the stage.

Compelling to watch, as ever,

he was ably backed by former Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy and drummer Dylan Howe, playing as tight as always. This world-class rhythm section were exemplary and both took a solo towards the end of the set that displayed their musicianship to its fullest. All the while, Wilko beamed with joy.

A brief moment of poignancy came with one of the last songs; a staple of Wilko's set, Chuck Berry's Bye Bye Jonny.

The moment could have lapsed into sentimental mawkishness, but didn't.

This was a life-affirming performance from a musician intent on not taking it lying down but going out with a bang.

And the crowd waved and sang along with Wilko: 'Bye, bye, bye, bye...'.

Colin Leach