One of the most influential bands of the British pub rock scene in the 1970s, Dr Feelgood played a style of rhythm and blues that encapsulates the roots of rock'n'roll music. The band originated from Canvey Island, Essex, and were formed in 1971. After becoming involved in the pub rock circuit, their first album, Down By The Jetty was released in 1975 on the United Artists label.
The Feelgoods' lineup at this stage was: Lee Brilleaux on vocals and harmonica; Wilko Johnson on guitar; John “Sparko” Sparks on bass; John Martin (The Big Figure) on drums.
Success continued as they released their second album, Malpractice in October 1975, and a live album, Stupidity, the following year.
Constant touring and growing tensions between Brilleaux and Johnson eventually led Johnson to leave the band in 1977 after the release of a fourth album, Sneakin' Suspicion, and was replaced by a new guitarist, Gypie Mayo.
Mayo, Sparks, and Figure all left the group in the early 1980s, leaving Brilleaux as the only original member. He continued touring and recording with a new lineup until his death in 1994. Dr Feelgood continued to tour from 1996 onwards with no original members, in response to Brilleaux’s wish that the band would not die.
To this day, he is remembered as one of rock'n'roll’s greatest performers.