Wilko Johnson's Cancer "Terminal"

Wilko's manager today released a statement on the performer's Facebook page:

I am very sad to announce that Wilko has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. He has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy.

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.

He has just set off on a trip to Japan; on his return we plan to complete a new CD, make a short tour of France, then give a series of farewell gigs in the UK. There is also a live DVD in the pipeline, filmed on the last UK 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.

Wilko left Dr Feelgood in 1977, and has since enjoyed a successful solo career. Recently this has included branching out into acting, with Wilko  taking on the role of mute executioner Ilyn Payne in the hit HBO series Game Of Thrones. A recent Facebook campaign has also been started to have him as the new face of The Sky At Night, replacing the late Sir Patrick Moore. 

Irene Knight, Wilko's wife, died of cancer in 2004. Since then much of the musician's efforts have gone into fundraising for research into the disease.