Wilko Johnson supported by Straight 6

The Forum

Tunbridge Wells

Local music promoter Mark Southgate is bringing another big name to Tunbridge Wells in the form of '70s rhythm and blues guitarist and songwriter, Wilko Johnson.

A mainstay of the '70s pub rock scene, Wilko's band Dr Feelgood were influenced by his unique style: coupling a choppy guitar style with jerky movements and an unusual dress sense (he favoured a black suit and a pudding bowl haircut).

The driving force behind the band, Wilko had a cult following in the mid-1970s, helped by some electrifying stage performances during their extensive tours.

He left the band in 1977, following disagreements over the tracks to be included in the Sneakin' Suspicion album. A couple of years later he joined Ian Dury's band, The Blockheads, but soon split to form the Wilko Johnson Band.

Although he doesn't tour as much as once did, Wilko still attracts a great crowd and continues to put on an intense whirlwind of a show.

With the unenviable task of warming up the audience for Wilko at The Forum are Tunbridge Wells-based covers band Straight 6.

Often found performing at sedate rural pubs and at wedding receptions, Straight 6 aren't daunted by the prospect of supporting the performer who has inspired countless imitators with his often violent stage antics.

Co-vocalist Graham Swan spoke to Go! this week.

"We'll go on and just do our thing. We always look for audience participation and in an hour's set we'll make sure that the crowd is up on their feet and participating so they're fully warmed up for Wilko."

But is The Forum going to be within the band's comfort zone?

"Absolutely," says Graham with certainty. "Any venue and any audience is within our comfort zone. 20 people or 2000 people. As soon as you get into the zone of playing, you're there, no matter what or where. It's got to be the best every single time."

With a constantly evolving playlist, the band currently has between 50 and 60 rock, soul and R&B songs they can perform at any given gig. The list is varied and ranges from old Howlin' Wolf songs to The Zutons' Valerie – all of them popular, up tempo and chosen to get the crowd going.

Having also supported Eddie And The Hot Rods at a packed gig at the Kelsey Arms earlier this year, Straight 6 are very keen to continue providing local support for big artists coming to the area.

"What Mark Southgate is doing for the local music scene is astounding," adds Graham. "He's putting his neck on the line, and his wallet on the line quite often, to make sure that we're getting named bands into the town and giving local bands a chance to support them. We're very grateful."

Saturday July 11 at 7pm Tickets £15 from www.wegottickets.com/event/42414 or on the door. Visit www.molesmusic.com for more information

Wilko Johnson: The Facts

Born John Wilkinson on July 12 1947 in Canvey Island, Essex.

Wilko played in several local groups before going to the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to study English.

Returning to Essex, he played with the Pigboy Charlie Band, which evolved into Dr Feelgood – part of the 1970s pub rock movement.

In 1977, he was a founding member of the Solid Senders.They signed to Virgin in 1978 and released the album, Solid Senders that year.

Was a member of Ian Dury's band, The Blockheads for a while.

He then formed the Wilko Johnson Band, joined by Blockhead bassist Norman Watt-Roy and drummer Salvatore Ramundo.

Throughout 2005 and 2006 the band teamed up with The Hamsters and John Otway to take part in The Mad, The Bad And The Dangerous tour.

He continues to play live, mainly in the south of England.