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Former Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has spoken of the strange “euphoria” he has experienced since being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Wilko Johnson said the news made him feel “vividly alive” – and lifted the bouts of depression he had previously experienced.

But he said he would cancel his planned farewell gigs if he began to feel sick.

Wilko Johnson, 65, revealed earlier this month that he was suffering from terminal cancer of the pancreas.

He told Radio 4’s Front Row’s John Wilson: “I noticed the symptoms a few months ago – there was this lump in my stomach. I treated it by ignoring it and hoping it would go away.

“When I went in for the diagnosis and the doctor told me <<You’ve got cancer>> it was quite plain it was an inoperable thing, there was nothing they could do.

“We walked out of there and I felt an elation of spirit. You’re walking along and suddenly you’re vividly alive. You’re looking at the trees and the sky and everything and it’s just <<whoah>>.

“I am actually a miserable person. I’ve spent most of my life moping in depressions and things, but this has all lifted.”

Former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has spoken of the strange euphoria he has experienced since being diagnosed with terminal cancer

Former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has spoken of the strange euphoria he has experienced since being diagnosed with terminal cancer

Wilko Johnson explained he was given 9 or 10 months to live and refused chemotherapy when it was clear it might only add another two months to his life.

“I just wanna know how long I’m gonna feel like this, which is absolutely fine,” he said.

Wilko Johnson is due to play four dates in France at the beginning of February, followed by three successive nights at the Greystones pub in Sheffield, UK.

His farewell tour concludes with dates in London, Bilston, Holmfirth and Glasgow in March.

But he admitted: “If the cancer kicks in before that, then I can’t go on stage. I’m not going to go on stage looking ill – I don’t wanna present a sorry spectacle!

“This position I’m in is so strange, in that I do feel fit and yet I know death is upon me.

“I’m not hoping for a miracle cure or anything. I just hope it spares me long enough to do these gigs – then I’ll be a happy man.”

While admitting saying goodbye to people was hard, Wilko Johnson insisted he did not feel down about his condition.

“I am a feather for each wind that blows and the wind’s blowing me this way now. But yet I still retain this marvellous feeling of freedom,” he said.

“The things that used to bring me down, or worry me, or annoy me, they don’t matter anymore – and that’s when you sit thinking <<Wow, why didn’t I work this out before? Why didn’t I work out before that it’s just the moment you’re in that matters?>>.

“Worrying about the future or regretting the past is just a foolish waste of time. Of course we can’t all be threatened with imminent death, but it probably takes that to knock a bit of sense into our heads.”

Wilko Johnson, who also played with Ian Dury’s Blockheads and the Wilko Johnson Band, lost his wife, Irene, to cancer 8 years ago.

He admitted: “I’m still prone to bursting into tears thinking about her, but I’ve never come anywhere near that thinking about myself.

“Right now it’s just fantastic – it makes you feel alive. Just walking down the street you really feel alive.

“Every little thing you see, every cold breeze against your face, every brick in the road, you think <<I’m alive, I’m alive>> – I hope I can hang onto that.

“I’ve had a fantastic life. When I think about the things that have happened to me and the things I’ve done, I think anybody who asks for more would just be being greedy. I don’t wanna be greedy.”

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Former Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.

Wilko Johnson, 65, has vowed to honor his touring commitments and keep playing as long as he can.

His manager posted a statement on the star’s official Facebook page, adding he had declined chemotherapy.

Manager Robert Hoy said: “He said he wants to make the very best of the time he has left, playing and partying when he can.

“He is currently in good spirits and is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity.

“Wilko wishes to offer his sincere thanks for all the support he has had over his long career.

“From those who have worked with him to, above all, those devoted fans and admirers who have attended his live gigs, bought his recordings and generally made his life such an extraordinarily full and eventful experience.”

Former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer

Former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer

Following his diagnosis, Wilko Johnson decided to fly first class to Japan, where he has several scheduled tour dates.

He also intends to complete a new album, a mini French tour and play some farewell gigs in his native Britain.

Wilko Johnson is also planning to release a live DVD, which was filmed on his last UK tour.

His diagnosis in the new year comes after he was forced to cancel a gig in Canvey Island, Essex, in November after falling ill.

Wilko Johnson was known for his unique, choppy guitar style, having learned to play right-handed, despite being left-handed.

He played and wrote with Dr. Feelgood in the mid 1970s, on albums including Down by the Jetty, Malpractice, Stupidity and Sneakin’ Suspicion.

After founding the band Solid Senders in 1977, he went on to join Ian Dury’s The Blockheads in 1980.

In recent years, Wilko Johnson has played a mute executioner in Game Of Thrones.

Wilko Johnson, who lives in his home county of Essex, was left widowed when his wife Irene lost her battle with cancer in 2004.

The couple have a son Simon.