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The Dr Feelgood Story part 1 |
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The Feelgood's were
formed by teenage R&B Lee Brilleaux and guitarist Wilko Johnson
after see the former; joined by John B. Sparks (bass) and drummer
the quasi-legendary Big Figure. They took their name from a Johnny
Kidd & The Pirates B-side after having the early name Pigboy Charlie Band,. They started out on what was to become
the London pub-rock circuit, playing covers of Blues and R and B favourites.
Although their first two LP's, DOWN BY THE JETTY and MALPRACTICE (both
1975) sold respectably, it was their third album, the live STUPIDITY
(1976), which broke the band. It was recorded at Southend's famous Kursaalwhich is on the day-trippers favourite "Golden Mile" A UK #1 album,
it perfectly captured the sweaty anarchy of their shows and the stripped-down
R&B which would inspire the soon to emerge punk bands. The
band's 'non-fashion' statement — all short hair, sober jackets
and no flares — made an impression, as did Wilko's combined rhythm
and lead guitar style, borrowed unashamedly from Johnny Kidd's guitarist
Mick Green. A powerful live attraction for over two decades. Dr. Feelgood
was one of a handful of bands to thrive in both the British blues boom
and the age of punk. Deservedly so. Even today, playing low-key gigs,
and without their late-lamented singer Lee Brilleaux, they can still
kick up a storm.
It was during these early gigs that recurrent bouts of violence among the teddy boy crowd convinced the band to transfer their allegiance from classic rock'n'roll to Brilleaux's and Sparks's preferred R&B. Not until three years into their career, however, that they finally gave up their day jobs and went pro. Despite the hard-earned success, all was not well in the Feelgood camp. In November 1977 the did a session for John Peel which included You upset me baby, She's a wind up, Baby Jane, and 99 and a half. They did another the following year but things were about to change. What's important to note is that the members of Feelgood lent the necessary money for Dave Robinson to start his great independent label Stiff and gave lots of punk artists their first chance. People of the stature of Elvis Costello and Ian Dury. |