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 pronunciation posted on his social media.
“This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and it is with a heavy heart that Wilko Johnson has passed away,” the statement read. “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 disclosed, but he has been open about his previous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He is best known as the guitarist for the British band Dr. Feel good. In 1976, the band’s album “Stupidity” charted at number one in the UK, but Johnson left the band 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 became an iconic musician thanks to his unique guitar style and wild stage presence. Despite being left-handed, he learned and mastered playing the guitar right-handed.
Along with his long music career, Johnson made his acting debut in “Game of Thrones” as 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 was told he had 10 months to live after opting not to undergo chemotherapy. A year later, he was declared cancer-free after an 11-hour surgery to remove a massive tumor.
“Now I spend my time gradually accepting the idea that my death is not imminent, that I will live on,” he said at that year’s Q Awards.