Game of Thrones and Dr Feelgood star Wilko Johnson has died aged 75.
The musician passed away on Monday (November 21) and the news of his death was announced on his social media pages on behalf of his family at the band.
The statement read: “This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and we do so, on behalf of Wilko’s family and the band, with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away at home on Monday evening, 21st November 2022.
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“Thank you for respecting Wilko’s family’s privacy at this very sad time, and thank you all for having been such a tremendous support throughout Wilko’s incredible life. RIP Wilko Johnson.”
The punk icon shot to fame in the early 70s when he joined Dr Feelgood as the band’s guitarist and later became known for his distinctive guitar playing style.
While he had a huge influence on the English punk movement, the star was recognised by a whole new generation in 2011 when he took on the role of Sir Ilyn Payne in the HBO phenomenon Game of Thrones.
In 2013, the actor was diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer and revealed doctors had given him just ten months to live.
(Image: Internet)
But in 2014, it was discovered he had a neuroendocrine tumour which turned out to be a less aggressive and more treatable form of the disease.
Later that year, the star announced he was cancer free when he accepted the Icon Award and praised doctors for “curing” him after an 11 hour operation to remove the tumour.
Tributes began flooding in for the music legend, with fans sharing their devastation at the news underneath the statement.
(Image: Redferns)
One social media user wrote: “So sad to hear this . Seen him with dr feel good ,Ian dury& the blockheads and farewell solo tour sending love and condolences to family band members and friends x.”
Another penned: “So sad to hear this news – a brave man indeed – Thank You For The Music Wilko – you were and are, a Legend!!”
While a third echoed: “Gutted. A guitar hero since the mid 70s who I’ve had the pleasure of working with many times over the years. My condolences to his family and band.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
