Dr Feelgood guitarist has terminal illness

Musicians and admirers have expressed their sympathy and support after guitarist and some-time actor Wilko Johnson was revealed to have been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The former Dr Feelgood musician – noted for exuberant performances and his mad-eyed stare – has spurned chemotherapy and is continuing to tour, as well as planning new recordings. He has become an unlikely TV star in recent years after taking a role in the HBO series Game Of Thrones, which is screened in the UK by Sky Atlantic.

The 65-year-old developed a choppy style of playing in which he plays both rhythm and lead guitar, and taught himself to play a right-handed instrument, despite being left-handed.

His manager Robert Hoy confirmed the illness, terminal cancer of the pancreas.