Original Dr Feelgood Member Sparko
50th Anniversary of Down by the Jetty & Malpractice
1975 - 2025Going Back Home
Bass guitar - Sparko
Legend - A founding member of Dr Feelgood, played bass on all of the classic recordings. What else is there to say other than there's nowhere else on the planet to see an original member of Dr Feelgood doing it right.
Drums and backing vocals Mat Hector, Mat has become widely known for his hard-hitting groove and stylistic adaptability.Mat has worked with :Iggy Pop, Razorlight, Thomas Dolby, Thom Yorke, Marc Almond, KT Tunstell, Glen Matlock, Sharon Corr, Mike Garson, Henry Rollins, Gutterdammerung, and Grace Jones. For 5 years Mat was part of Iggy Pop's touring band and prior to that toured and recorded with Thomas Dolby for a number of years. His stylistic adaptability was showcased in his work with the immersive and visceral live rock/film show. Following his work with Gutterdamerung Mat took on drumming duties with English indie rock superstars Razorlight, completing a number of UK tours.
Guitar and vocals John Simpson - John has been a gigging musician since 1975.
In 2013 he formed The Feelgood Band an adventure which for him came to an end in 2022. During that period he appeared on stage with Wilko Johnson, Sparko, Big Figure, Lew Lewis and Dennis Greaves (Nine Below Zero).
His guitar style resembles the choppy style of Wilko Johnson and in 2023 he reached Number 17 in Mike Read's Heritage Chart with "I Don't Get It" an affectionate tribute to Wilko/DrFeelgood, recorded in his home studio on which he played all instruments and sang all vocals.
John says "As a fan of the original Dr Feelgood line up, I can't wait to get going with this project. If I wasn't in the band I'd definitely be in the audience".
The setlist features many of the tracks from Dr Feelgood's first 4 LPs so a large Wilko content, along with choice picks from the Gypie years and a few rock'n'roll standards for good measure.
THE HISTORY BIT
The band formed on Canvey Island in 1971 by Johnson, Brilleaux and Sparks, who had all been members of existing R&B bands, and soon added drummer John Martin. They took their name from a 1962 record by the American blues pianist and singer Willie Perryman.
By late 1973, the band's driving R&B influence had made them one of the most popular bands on the growing London pub rock circuit, which included regular appearances at the Lord Nelson music pub venue. Like many pub rock acts, Dr. Feelgood built up a dedicated following and were known primarily for their high energy and intense live performances constantly honed through their touring and regular performances. Their studio albums such as Down by the Jetty and Malpractice (1975) added significantly to their rising popularity.
Their breakthrough 1976 live album, Stupidity, reached number one in the UK Albums Chart.
After the 1977 follow-up Sneakin' Suspicion, Johnson left the group. He was replaced by Gypie Mayo. The band with Mayo went on to enjoy their top ten hit single in 1979 with "Milk and Alcohol".
"Sparko" left Dr. Feelgood in 1982, after eleven years with the band.
He played on all these albums
Grab your ticket now to see one of the foundation blocks of British RnB.
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