Dr. Feelgood
The most enduring act to emerge from the much touted ‘pub rock’ scene, Dr. Feelgood was formed in 1971. The original line-up included Lee Brilleaux (b. 1953, d. 7 April 1994; vocals/harmonica), Wilko Johnson (b. John Wilkinson, 1947; guitar), John B. Sparks (b. 1953; bass), John Potter (piano) and Bandsman Howarth (drums). When the latter pair dropped out, the remaining trio recruited a permanent drummer in John ‘The Big Figure’ Martin. Initially based in Canvey Island, Essex, on the Thames estuary, Dr. Feelgood broke into the London circuit in 1974. Brilleaux's menacing personality complemented Johnson's propulsive, jerky stage manner, while the guitarist's staccato style, modelled on Mick Green of the Pirates, emphasized the group's idiosyncratic brand of rhythm and blues. Their debut album, DOWN BY THE JETTY, was released in 1974, but despite critical approbation, it was not until the following year that the quartet secured due commercial success with STUPIDITY. Recorded live in concert, this raw, compulsive set topped the UK charts and the group's status seemed assured. However, internal friction led to Johnson's departure during sessions for a projected fourth album and although his replacement, John ‘Gypie’ Mayo, was an accomplished guitarist, he lacked the striking visual image of his predecessor. Dr. Feelgood then embarked on a more mainstream direction which was only intermittently successful. Milk And Alcohol (1978) gave them their sole UK Top 10 hit, but they now seemed curiously anachronistic in the face of the punk upheaval. In 1981, Johnny Guitar replaced Mayo, while the following year both John B. Sparks and the Big Figure decided to leave the line-up. Brilleaux meanwhile continued undeterred, and while Dr. Feelgood can claim a loyal audience, it is an increasingly small one. However, they are a popular live attraction in the USA where their records also achieve commercial success. In 1993, Brilleaux was diagnosed as having lymphoma and, owing to the extensive treatment he was receiving, had to break the band's often-inexorable touring schedule for the first time in over 20 years. He died the following year.