Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll 2026

A figure of immense influence in the rock world and beyond, Dr Feelgood co-founder and iconic guitarist Wilko Johnson faced a terminal diagnosis in 2012 with the expectation of just one year left to live. Declining medical intervention, he chose to dedicate his remaining time to a meaningful farewell tour of the people and places that defined his life… only for an unexpected miracle to change the narrative entirely. Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll examines the life of this punk-movement godfather, tracing a career that spanned Dr Feelgood and Ian Dury and the Blockheads, to a late-career turn to acting in Game of Thrones. The production integrates live music and storytelling with the legend’s own words, serving as a practical masterclass in living life to the fullest. The tour opens at Belgrade Theatre, then tours to York, Durham, Worcestershire, Suffolk, Berkshire, Essex, Lancashire, Shropshire, West Sussex, Northamptonshire, Hampshire and Salford from 9 September 2026- 14 November 2026.

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll embarks on its first tour after originating at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in 2024 and transferring to Southwark Playhouse, then Leicester Square Theatre, in 2025. Some of the biggest names in rock and roll will be appearing as guests on the tour, with previous guests at Leicester Square Theatre including Norman Watt-Roy (Ian Dury and the Blockheads, the Wilko Johnson band), Billy Bragg, John Cooper Clarke and Chris Difford.

Wilko Johnson, born in Canvey Island, co-founded the legendary band Dr. Feelgood in 1971. Known for his electrifying stage presence and distinctive, machine-gun guitar style, Wilko and the band are widely regarded as the Godfathers of punk rock and have influenced generations of musicians. Writer Jonathan Maitland said “Wilko’s is one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll stories ever told and his songs are some of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll ever recorded. Even so, when I first read the play to him at his home in Southend five years ago, none of us could have imagined how much his story would go on to connect with audiences. My only regret is that he’s not around to see this tour happen but I know, for sure, that he would have been absolutely thrilled.”

Further Information: Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'N' Roll