Dr. Feelgood (band)
Dr. Feelgood is a nickname given to physicians who overprescribe psychoactive medications.
Dr Feelgood were also leading lights of the British Pub Rock movement of the early to mid 1970s. Hailing from Canvey Island - "Oil City" - east of London, the group created a uniquely British brand of rhythm and blues around Wilko Johnson's choppy guitar style, and simultaneously made Canvey Island a part of the British rock landscape with songs like "All Through The City".
Dr Feelgood were different. They had short hair, they wore suits, and they looked like gangsters. They had great names - John B. Sparks on bass, the Big Figure on drums, Wilko Johnson on guitar and Lee Brilleaux on vocals.
And they sounded different too. Today Rhythm and Blues has different connotations, but in the days of Dr Feelgood it meant no-nonsense high energy rock-blues and one of the most exciting live acts ever seen on the British rock scene. Being at a Dr Feelgood gig felt dangerous. These were guys you did not mess with.
After three studio albums ("Down By The Jetty", "Malpractice" and "Sneakin' Suspicion") and their breakthrough live album "Stupidity", Wilko Johnson left and was replaced by John "Gypie" Mayo. Despite the fact that Wilko's guitar and stage act seemed irreplaceable, the Feelgoods were still a great band and did some of their greatest work with Mayo, and had a string of brilliant hit singles, including the classic "Milk and Alcohol".
Mayo left, and the hits dried up, but Dr Feelgood kept on touring and recording until Lee Brilleax's tragic death from cancer at the age of 42. Even that was not the end, as the Feelgoods revived - after a respectful period - with singer Pete Gage, with whom they recorded one album. Since August 1999 the band continues with Robert Kane (formerly frontman of The Animals) on vocals and harmonica. 2000 saw the album release of "Chess Masters", a remarkable tribute to the grand blues & soul masters of the legendary Chess record label. Still one of the hardest working live bands, get the proof at the official Dr Feelgood website at http://www.drfeelgood.de
Dr Feelgood were the most dangerous band around, until the Sex Pistols arrived and caused the British punk revolution. Wilko Johnson is without doubt one of the greatest and most unique guitarists in the history of British rock, and is still recording and touring with the Wilko Johnson Band.