RIP Wilko

Here’s a photo of The Kursaal, taken at dawn, along the seafront in Southend. The Kursaal was a well know venue for bands, especially in the 70s, with the likes of Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, Queen etc. all playing there. It’s not a pic I’d usually take as I don’t like architectural photos very much at all but the building is a historic landmark and Grade II listed and was... there. Sadly, it's mostly vacant now with only a Tesco Express there.

Anyway, when I got home I read the sad news of Wilko Johnson’s death. From Canvey, he was guitarist and creative force with Dr Feelgood (amongst other things) and I had certainly never heard anything like him back in the mid 70s when they came to fame. If ever there was an advert for the benefits of amphetamine use, he was it… even more so than the US Airforce! :)) RIP Wilko.

For interest’s sake, here’s a 15 minute video from 1975 of Dr Feelgood at The Kursaal. While the music may not interest you, there is a rather fine aerial intro showing the length of Southend Pier and ending up outside this very building.

Dr Feelgood - Live At Southend Kursaal 1975