Wilko Johnson, legendary guitarist with Canvey Island pub rock pioneers Dr Feelgood, and Roger Daltrey, lead singer of rock giants The Who are to release a joint album ‘Going Back Home’ on March 10th.
‘Going Back Home’ will be released through the iconic Chess label that has been resurrected for this project. Chess was the home of Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters in the50s and 60s.
Johnson and Wilko started talk of this album back in 2010 for Wilko was diagnosed with cancer. “It turned out we both loved Johnny Kidd & The Pirates,” says Roger in a statement. “They’d been a big influence on both our bands. That heavy power trio sound, backing up a singer; it’s a British institution. No-one does that better than us.”
Wilko Johnson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2013 and given months to live. He made the decision to not have any treatment and live out his life as best he can by performing live and making music. One thing he wanted to make was the album he and Roger talked about three years earlier.
“Roger jumped up and said, ‘Let’s do it,’” says Johnson. “He knew this lovely little studio called Yellow Fish in Uckfield. Unfortunate name for a place, but a great studio.”
The album was recorded in November, 2013 with a band featuring Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy and drummer Dylan Howe, with ex-Style Council and Dexy’s keyboardist Mick Talbot also guesting. Wilko credits the producer, Dave Eringa, with pulling it all together in such a short time. “Everyone got on famously,” says Johnson, “it was a great atmosphere.”
Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey will perform songs from the album at a very special one-off show in London at O2 Shepherd’s Bush on February 25.
Goin’ Back Home tracklisting
All Through The City (Wilko Johnson)
Sneaking Suspicion (Wilko Johnson)
Going Back Home (Wilko Johnson)
Everybody’s Carrying A Gun (Wilko Johnson)
Keep It Out Of Sight (Wilko Johnson)
Keep On Loving You (Wilko Johnson, Norman Watt-Roy, Salvatore Ramundo)
Some Kind Of Hero (Wilko Johnson)
Turned 21 (Wilko Johnson)
I Keep It To Myself (Wilko Johnson)
Ice On The Motorway (Wilko Johnson)
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window (Bob Dylan)
