Wilko Johnson is preparing for what could well be his last ever live performance when he takes to the stage at Yorkshire’s Bingley Music Live festival this weekend.
The hugely influential former Dr. Feelgood guitarist was sadly diagnosed with cancer at the start of this year, and revealed he would not be seeking treatment. Very soon after, he announced his intention to embark on a ‘farewell’ tour of the UK, whose last date is now due to arrive when the Bingley event takes place over the weekend of August 30th-September 1st.
“What’s been pretty good is we did the Farewell Tour earlier in the year and then I retired, but I didn’t like that much,” Johnson says. “Then summer came along and the festivals started coming in and I thought, ‘Well, I’m not too ill and if I can’t make it then the show will still go on’.”
Tickets remain onsale for the event, which also includes performances from the likes of Primal Scream, CHIC feat. Nile Rodgers, The Human League, The Cribs and The Fratellis.
“This year’s been pretty unusual,” Johnson continues on the UK festival scene. “It’s been marvellous, being out in the sun; as the sun has chosen to shine this year. It’s all about the friendly atmosphere. So I guess you could say my favourite thing is fun in the sun.”