The UK touring production of Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll—the biographic play with live music celebrating Dr Feelgood co-founder Wilko Johnson—has announced a line-up of special guest stars, including Billy Bragg, for its upcoming Essex homecoming run. The show lands at the Palace Theatre in Southend for eight performances from 12 to 17 October 2026.
Opening night on Monday 12 October will feature special appearances by Simon Johnson, guitarist for Eight Rounds Rapid and son of Wilko Johnson, alongside bass legend Norman Watt-Roy (Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Wilko Johnson Band). The performance will be followed by a post-show Q&A with playwright Jonathan Maitland and Dr Charlie Chan, the doctor whose accurate diagnosis granted Johnson nine additional years of life following a terminal cancer prognosis in 2012.
Guest appearances across the rest of the Southend run include legendary Essex singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, punk icons Ruts DC, R&B virtuosos Nine Below Zero, Johnny Squirrel (Lew Lewis Reformer), Steve "West" Weston, Jeff Chapman (The Roosters), and Wilko’s brother Malcolm Wilkinson. The Essex dates hold added significance as October 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Dr Feelgood’s landmark 1976 album Stupidity, which made history as the first live album to enter the UK charts at number one.
Reflecting on the milestone, Billy Bragg noted that Johnson's unique rhythm and lead guitar dynamic was a massive influence on his own playing style, calling it an honor to perform his songs in sight of Canvey Island. Nine Below Zero's Dennis Greaves added that seeing Dr Feelgood perform in 1975 changed his life forever, inspiring him to form a band the following day.
Written by Jonathan Maitland and directed by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, the production integrates live music with storytelling to trace Johnson's journey from Canvey Island to international rock stardom and his role in Game of Thrones. The nationwide UK tour runs through 14 November 2026, with full venue listings and tickets available via official theatre box offices.
