Wilko Johnson is choosing to go out on a high note. The former Dr. Feelgood guitarist and songwriter, who won a new legion of fans as mute executioner Ser Ilyn Payne on "Game of Thrones," has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and is choosing to forgo chemotherapy, according to a message posted to Johnson's Facebook page by his manager, Robert Hoy.
But, according to Hoy, the 65-year-old Johnson is determined to live life to the fullest for as long as he can.
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"He is currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity," Hoy's post continued, detailing Johnson's plans to finish a new CD, tour France, give a series of farewell concerts in the U.K. and release a live DVD from his last U.K. tour.
"Wilko wishes to offer his sincere thanks for all the support he has had over his long career, from those who have worked with him to, above all, those devoted fans and admirers who have attended his live gigs, bought his recordings and generally made his life such an extraordinarily full and eventful experience."
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Johnson was a founding member of pub-rock band Dr. Feelgood, which is often cited as a key influence on the burgeoning punk scene in Britain in the 1970s. The Essex native also helped form the Solid Senders in 1978, joined the Blockheads in 1980 and went on to keep recording with other musicians as the Wilco Johnson Band.
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His most recent studio album was 2005's Red Hot Rocking Blues and a Dr. Feelgood box set, "All Through the City," was released last year.
Johnson is said to of caught the attention of the "Game of Thrones" casting team with his appearance in the 2009 documentary" Oil City Confidential." He played tongueless royal executioner Ilyn Payne in the critically acclaimed HBO show's first two seasons.
Whatever happens, we applaud his zest for life and wish him well on his travels.
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