The Ecstacy of Wilko Johnson, Sunday August 2 & Monday August 3, QFT Belfast, 8.35pm
JULIEN Temple's documentary about former Dr Feelgood man Wilko Johnson captures the guitar star before and after the miraculous operation which saw him beating a misdiagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer last year.
Having resolved to go out doing what he loved, Johnson had booked a farewell tour and recorded one last album with his mate Roger Daltrey on vocals, thus kick-starting an emotional rock'n'roll rollercoaster for both the Canvey Island man and the legion of fans who turned out in force night after night for a final celebration of their hero.
As Temple's extraordinary film reveals, acceptance of imminent death gave Wilko a newfound appreciation for life that verged on euphoria: beating death has left him shellshocked, in fragile health and somewhat unsure of how to proceed with an existence he thought would be done and dusted by now – beyond a determination to strap on his guitar and get out on the road again as soon as possible, naturally.
:: Tickets from Queensfilmthatre.com.
