WITH a combined age of more than 200, Wilko Johnson, Hugh Cornwell and Mike Sweeney have plenty of songs in their back catalogues.
And they will be all diving into the archives for an intriguing gig at Manchester Academy 1 on Saturday, May 12.
Of the three, former Dr Feelgood guitarist Johnson is the most relieved to still be an active part of the music business.
In late 2012, Wilko was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. But despite the doctors’ worst predictions he continued to perform and present himself with vigour and a new zest for life.
And in 2013, Wilko announced that, thanks to a second opinion and subsequent life-saving surgery, he was cancer free.
He has prospered to find further success after teaming up with Roger Daltrey on 2014’s Going Back Home.
An album of the year, it featured re-workings of songs from Wilko’s Dr Feelgood days such as ‘All Through The City’ and ‘Going Back Home’.
The Wilko Johnson Band was formed with ex-Blockhead Norman Watt-Roy on bass and Dylan Howe on drums.
In September 2017, he celebrated his 70th birthday and 30th anniversary by playing a sold-out show at the Royal Albert Hall.
Hugh Cornwell, 68, is one of the UK’s finest song writing talents and accomplished live performers.
This electric band performance will feature songs spanning his career from early Stranglers to the current day.
As the original guitarist, singer and main songwriter in the British rock band The Stranglers, Hugh has enjoyed massive success with 10 hit albums and 21 Top 40 singles, including ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’, ‘Golden Brown’, ‘Nice n’ Sleazy’, ‘Always the Sun’ and ‘Duchess’.
Saddleworth based Sweeney, 70, also has a slot on the bill together with youngster, Mollie Marriott-daughter of 1960s and 70s rock legend, Steve Marriott – ex Small Faces and Humble Pie.
Tickets for this unique look at rock’s past, present and future are available from: MANCHESTER – Academy 1 box office on 0161 832 1111.
There’s more information online. Doors 4.30pm, on-stage from 5pm; tickets cost £25.00 advance.
Meanwhile, the scheduled gig by Damage at Manchester Club Academy on Friday, March 23 has been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances”.