WILKO JOHNSON

Call it a miracle or call it what you want. Wilko is back!

When Wilko Johnson played at Fuji Rock two years ago, it was supposed to be his last appearance. He had cancer and it had been deemed terminal. Rock ‘n roll was going to lose another icon. But after a successful surgery last year, the cancer went into remission and Wilko kept doing the thing he’s been doing all these years, playing rock ‘n roll.

He played two sets at this year’s Fuji Rock. The main attraction was Saturday night at 3am in the Crystal Palace, a rare chance to see him in an intimate venue of about 300 people. The line to get in stretched all the way through the Palace of Wonder to the rookie stage, meaning there were lots of people who didn’t get in.

This set at the Field of Heaven was a more relaxed celebration of Wilko’s return that could accommodate everyone. He addressed the crowd from the beginning, mainly saying he had no regrets and was just happy to be back. It was a bit emotional, but not overly. He lost no time in getting down to business and playing rock ‘n roll, including all the songs from the Dr. Feelgood catalogue that his fans, friends and long-time supporters wanted to hear.

Thanks Wilko! We hope to see you again soon!

SET LIST

All Through the City
If You Want Me, You’ve Got Me
The More I Give
Going Back Home
Roxette
Sneakin ‘Suspicion
Keep on Loving You
When I’m Gone
Everybody’s Carrying a Gun
Do not Let Your Daddy Know
Back in the Night
She Does It Right
Encore:
Bye Bye Johnny