Don't You Leave Me Here: Wilko Johnson My Life

"'Man, there's nothing like being told you're dying to make you feel alive.'" This stark and powerful statement encapsulates the extraordinary journey at the heart of Don't You Leave Me Here. In 2013, Wilko Johnson, the iconic founder of Dr Feelgood and a much-loved member of the Blockheads, received the devastating news of a terminal cancer diagnosis. Facing a prognosis of just ten months, Johnson made a profound decision: to embrace his imminent mortality and spend his remaining time doing what he loved most – playing music. He took to the road, his calm and philosophical acceptance of his fate only serving to amplify the deep affection and respect he already held in the hearts of his fans.

And then, in a twist that defied all expectations, the strangest thing happened: Wilko Johnson did not die. Don't You Leave Me Here unfolds as a compelling narrative of his life deeply intertwined with music, his unexpected and profound experience of living under the shadow of a terminal diagnosis, and his current existence – a future he had long since believed would never be his.

It delves into the vibrant and influential career of a true musical legend, from his pivotal role in the raw energy of Dr Feelgood to his distinctive presence within the Blockheads. But it also offers a deeply personal and moving account of confronting mortality, finding a sense of peace in the face of it, and then navigating the bewildering reality of a reprieve. It explores how a brush with death can paradoxically heighten one's appreciation for life and the unexpected paths that fate can sometimes carve. Don't You Leave Me Here is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a unique artist and the unpredictable nature of life itself.