Celebrating Dr Feelgood: The Band That Defined British Pub Rock

Before the British punk movement took the music scene by storm in 1976-1977, a distinctive subgenre known as Pub Rock was already making waves in the United Kingdom. Emerging in the early to mid-1970s, Pub Rock served as a back-to-basics response to the era's opulent progressive rock and extravagant glam rock scenes. This movement emphasised simplicity and authenticity, drawing influence from blues and rock 'n' roll, and focused on live performances in intimate settings like pubs and clubs.

Dr Feelgood, the iconic pub rock band, emerged from Canvey Island, Essex, in 1971 and quickly carved a niche in the British music scene. Renowned for their unmistakable R&B sound, which was defined by Wilko Johnson's distinctive choppy guitar style, the group made waves with early singles such as "She Does It Right," "Roxette," "Back in the Night," and "Milk and Alcohol."

The original lineup featured the dynamic vocals of Lee Brilleaux, alongside a formidable rhythm section composed of John B. Sparks, affectionately known as "Sparko," on bass guitar, and John Martin, dubbed "The Big Figure," on drums. While the band's most commercially successful years spanned the mid to late 1970s, their influence has endured despite the passing of Brilleaux in 1994. Today, a version of Dr. Feelgood, comprising none of the original members, continues to keep the spirit of their music alive through touring and recording, proving that their legacy still resonates with fans old and new.

In 1971, a new force in the R&B scene emerged from Canvey Island, as musicians Johnson, Brilleaux, and Sparks came together to form a band that would soon make waves. The trio, veterans of various existing R&B outfits, quickly expanded their lineup by bringing in drummer John Martin.

The band adopted their distinctive name from a 1962 record by American blues pianist and singer Willie Perryman, better known as "Piano Red." This particular track, titled "Dr Feel-Good," was initially released under the moniker Dr. Feelgood & the Interns. The song had a notable impact on the British music scene, being covered by several beat groups throughout the 1960s, including the well-regarded Johnny Kidd & the Pirates.

Interestingly, the name "Dr. Feel-Good" carries additional cultural weight, serving as a slang term for heroin or a physician willing to prescribe narcotics recklessly. This duality in meaning adds a layer of intrigue to the band's identity, as they carved out their place in the vibrant musical landscape of the time.

By late 1973, the band was gaining traction on the thriving London pub rock scene, thanks to their infectious R&B vibe. They often performed at the Lord Nelson music pub, becoming a staple of the circuit. In 1974, they released their debut album, Down by the Jetty, under United Artists. Like many bands in the pub rock genre, Dr. Feelgood developed a loyal fanbase, mainly due to their electrifying live performances that they honed through relentless touring. Albums like *Down by the Jetty* and *Malpractice* (released in 1975) helped boost their popularity even further.

Their 1976 live album, Stupidity, was a game changer, hitting number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking their only chart-topping success. Notably, the Ramones opened for them during their May 1976 shows at the Bottom Line in New York.

After the follow-up album Sneakin' Suspicion in 1977, Johnson left the band due to disagreements with Lee Brilleaux. Gypie Mayo stepped in as his replacement. Although the band's popularity dipped without Johnson, they still managed to score their first top ten hit in 1979 with "Milk and Alcohol." After leaving Dr Feelgood, Johnson, who passed away in 2022, went on to form Solid Senders and later joined Ian Dury and the Blockheads in 1980.

Despite the departure of founding member Wilko Johnson in 1981 and a series of lineup changes that eventually left frontman Lee Brilleaux as the sole original member, Dr Feelgood persevered through the 1980s, continuing to tour and record. However, the band faced a devastating setback with Brilleaux's passing due to lymphoma on April 7, 1994.

In a testament to Brilleaux's vision, Dr. Feelgood reunited in May 1995 with vocalist Pete Gage, who was not to be confused with guitarist Pete Gage from Geno Washington and Vinegar Joe. The band resumed touring in 1996, featuring musicians who had been with Dr. Feelgood for five years or longer, despite the absence of original members. Robert Kane, previously of Animals II and the Alligators, replaced Gage in 1999, celebrating his milestone 1,000th gig with the band in April 2007.

Each year following Brilleaux's death, Dr. Feelgood held the Lee Brilleaux Birthday Memorial concert on Canvey Island. This event brought together former and current band members to honour their music while raising funds for The Fair Havens Hospice in Westcliff-on-Sea, attracting fans from around the world. The 20th and final event occurred on May 9, 2014. Dr. Feelgood continues to tour internationally, with performances across Europe, including Austria, Bahrain, and France as recently as 2010.

In addition to musical commemorations, band manager Chris Fenwick organises annual walks around Canvey Island to celebrate Brilleaux's legacy. These tours highlight key locations in the band's history, such as the iconic Jetty from their first album cover and early performance venues like The Lobster Smack Inn and The Canvey Club, which is humorously referred to as 'The Alibi Club' on the album Sneakin' Suspicion.

The early days of Dr. Feelgood were captured in Julien Temple's documentary Oil City Confidential, which premiered at the London Film Festival on October 22, 2009, receiving an enthusiastic standing ovation. Notable attendees included Brilleaux's mother, Joan Collinson, and his widow, Shirley, along with surviving members of the original lineup and other influential figures in the band's history. The film, released to critical acclaim on February 1, 2010, was described by The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw as a "vivid study of period, music, and place," and it premiered on BBC Four in April 2010.

In 2013, an extensive exhibition celebrating Dr. Feelgood's legacy ran at The Canvey Club, which has since been extended multiple times due to its success.

However, challenges persisted. On June 16, 2021, the band announced that guitarist Walwyn would be unavailable for live performances due to family commitments. In his absence, former guitarist Gordon Russell, who had been replaced by Walwyn over three decades earlier, stepped back into the band, contributing to the new album Damn Right! in 2022—their first collection of original songs since 1993's The Feelgood Factor.

Tragedy struck again in April 2024, when the band's van was stolen from outside bassist Phil Mitchell's home in Hockley, Essex, leaving them without instruments and equipment just a week before a planned tour of Germany. This incident adds yet another chapter to the storied history of Dr. Feelgood, a band that has continually adapted and persevered through the years.

Dr Feelgood's legacy as a pioneering force in the Pub Rock scene endures through their infectious R&B sound and electrifying performances. Despite the challenges of losing founding members and evolving through different lineups, the band's spirit remains alive, resonating with both loyal fans and new audiences. Their commitment to honoring the late Lee Brilleaux through annual memorial concerts underscores the deep bond shared within the band and their community. Dr Feelgood's story is not just one of rock music but also of resilience and the enduring power of live music to connect generations.