Wilko Johnson, the guitarist for the British blues-rock band Dr. Feelgood, has died. He was 75 years old. According to a statement posted on November 23 on Johnson’s official social media accounts on behalf of his family, the musician died on November 21 at his home in southeast England.

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“This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and we do so, on behalf of Wilko’s family and the band, with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Westcliff On Sea on Monday evening, 21st November 2022. He was 75. Thank you for respecting Wilko’s family’s privacy at this very sad time, and thank you all for having been such a tremendous support throughout Wilko’s incredible life. RIP Wilko Johnson,” the Facebook post read.

Johnson, born John Wilkinson in 1947, grew up on Canvey Island. Before forming Dr. Feelgood with other local friends, he studied Anglo-Saxon literature at Newcastle University and worked as a schoolteacher.

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Johnson, in addition to being the lead guitarist of the blues-rock band, also played Ser Ilyn Payne on “Game of Thrones.” Johnson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012 and was told it was terminal. His creative energies were unexpectedly revived by the prospect of death.

He refused chemotherapy, went on one final tour, and recorded a “final” album, “Going Back Home,” with Roger Daltrey of The Who. “I suddenly found myself in a position where nothing matters anymore. You walk down the street and you feel intensely alive. You’re ‘Oh, look at that leaf!′ You’re looking around and you think, I’m alive. Ain’t it amazing?,” Johnson said, The Associated Press reported in 2013.

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Johnson declared himself cancer-free in 2014 after undergoing surgery to remove a 3-kilogram (6.6-pound) tumor. In 2018, he released another album, “Blow Your Mind,” and he continued to perform with his Wilko Johnson Band until last month.