British rock guitarist and “Game of Thrones” star Wilko Johnson has died at the age of 75.
The multi-talented musician passed away at his home on Monday, according to a statement posted on his social network.
“This is an announcement we never wanted to make, and it is with a very heavy heart that we make it: Wilko Johnson has passed away,” the statement said. “Thank you for respecting the family’s privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson.”
Johnson’s official cause of death has not been revealed – but he has been open about his previous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He is best known as the guitarist of the British band Dr. Feel good. In 1976, the group’s album Stupidity was number one in the UK, but Johnson left the group a year later. He then joined Ian Drury and the Blockheads and released his own music – including an album with The Who’s Roger Daltrey in 2014.
The guitarist has become an iconic musician thanks to his unique guitar style and wild scene. Despite being left-handed, he learned and mastered playing the guitar with his right hand.
Along with his long musical career, Johnson made his Game of Thrones debut as the mute executioner Per Ilyn Payne in seasons one and two of the HBO series.
Guitarist Wilko Johnson, vocalist Lee Brilleaux, drummer John “The Big Figure” Martin and bassist John B. Sparks of Dr. Feelgood on March 23, 1976 in Los Angeles, California.
English rock group Dr Feelgood.
Lee Brilleaux, John B. Sparks, John Martin and Wilko Johnson in 1975.
Johnson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013 and told he had 10 months to live after deciding not to undergo chemotherapy. A year later, he was declared cancer-free after an 11-hour operation to remove a huge tumor.
“Now I’m spending my time gradually coming to terms with the idea that I’m not in danger of dying, that I’m going to live on,” he said at this year’s Q Awards.
