Down to the Doctors again! It has been a long time since I have witnessed Dr. Feelgood in concert. I first saw that in the early to mid 1970s supporting Hawkwind. They emerged from the Canvey Island/London pub rock scene and had a unique blend of rhythm and blues with rock, fronted by the charismatic, seedy, haunting show man Lee Brilleaux on lead vocals and mouth harp, alongside the equally charismatic and energetic guitarist Wilko Johnson who strutted about the stage and played magnificent chubby, staccato guitar on his Fender telecaster. They were unique and the forerunners of what was to come in the form of punk rock.
I saw them several times after that at the City Hall, and the Reading Festival which they headlined on the Friday night one year. Wilko would soon depart, to be replaced by a succession of guitarists including Gypie Mayo. The last time I saw Dr. Feelgood was probably in the 1980s at Newcastle Mayfair with Lee as the only original member. Following the sad passing of Lee Brilleaux, the band continued with new singer Pete Gage and more recently Rob Kane, who hails from my own hometown, Sunderland.
From the current tour publicity: “Dr. Feelgood formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970’s and have enjoyed a string of hit singles in many countries including ‘Milk & Alcohol’, ‘Down at the Doctors’, ‘Roxette’, ‘She’s a Wind Up’ and ‘See You Later Alligator’.” “Some places are particularly important and highlights on the tour roster. Newcastle’s Cluny is one of those highlights. We have played the Cluny regularly for well over a decade, fantastic crowd, fantastic beer! The audience are right there in front of you, always up for it and so are we! Importantly it will be a fabulous gig and we can all sample some excellent real ales once again.” (Dr. Feelgood Facebook)
The current membership of Dr. Feelgood is: Phil H. Mitchell – bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, Kevin Morris – drums, percussion, backing vocals, Gordon Russell – lead and slide guitars, backing vocals (all of whom have been with the band, on and off, since 1983) and Robert Kane – lead vocals, harmonica (who joined the band in 1999).
The Cluny was packed and as Jackie, Norm and I made our way into the venue. First led up was a cool blues singer and guitarist, who played a natty cigar box guitar and warmed the audience up for the main act. I warmed myself up with a cool pint of Guinness which set me well into the mood for the great rhythm and blues which was to follow on from the excellent support (pictured right).
Now I mentioned that singer Robert Kane comes from Sunderland and I have seen him in many local bands and venues over the years including an early performance upstairs in the Londonderry, as a member of the Showbiz Kids in Sunderland Locarno, Newcastle Mayfair and various workingmen’s clubs, and more latterly as front man of a later lineup of local heroes The Animals. He was always super energetic, charismatic and would take charge of the stage and captivate the audience with his presence and strong vocals.
The legacy and soul of the Feelgoods remains safe in the hands of the current line – up. They did justice to all the classics including their biggest hit “Milk and Alcohol”, “Roxette”, “Down at the Doctors” and my particular favourite “She Does It Right”. The Cluny crowd lapped it up. They played everything that I expected them to and more. Their set was over in the blink of a choppy guitar riff. Excellent. I had held reservations about going to see this lineup and whether they could live up to the legend that was, and is, Dr. Feelgood. I need not have worried. The original R&B merchants continue.
Many thanks to Jackie for taking the photos, Norm for coming along and helping out and Chris for helping put this on to WordPress.
Setlist: (something like this) Drives Me Wild; No Mo Do Yakamo; I Can Tell; Mary Ann; All Through the City; She Does It Right; You Don’t Love Me; Damn Right I Do; Milk and Alcohol; Shotgun Blues; Baby Jane; Riot in Cell Block #9; Keep it Undercover; Back in the Night; Roxette; If My Baby Quits Me; See You Later Alligator; Going Back Home; Down at the Doctors; Give Me One More Shot.
Encore: Last Call; Route 66.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Prof_Alistair on November 26, 2023 at 9:37 pm
Sounds to have been good fun (as befits the band’s name! Coincidentally, this piece on the original Dr Feelgood popped into my email over the weekend (its a great little e-magazine/blog I signed up to a few years ago, never fails to amuse). You may find it interesting. Cheers!!
https://www.messynessychic.com/2023/11/24/everybody-who-was-anybody-had-dr-feelgood-and-his-speed-shots-on-speed-dial/?__s=t6kr9s6qc5vwsm6xn4rs&utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Weekend%20Conversation%20Starters&utm_content=Weekend%20Conversation%20Starters&fbclid=IwAR3zDSdmyunw7tuLXgN6uIUMEHvwmp-U67pNvRT3jf_SeRXn5NtHWNByb20
Posted by vintagerock on November 27, 2023 at 11:03 am
Many thanks Alistair I shall have a look at it cheers Peter
Posted by Mark Watson on November 27, 2023 at 11:06 pm
I never saw the original Feelgod, a little before my time. I finaly got to see them, at least with Lee on vocals, in the early 90s at a local leisure centre, they were great. Im really a fan of Wilko era feelgood and a few years ago i became aware of the Feelgood band. They only played Wilko era songs and they were amazing. I saw them four times but sadly the guitarist has now left. They have a new guitarist and now play songs recorded following Wilkos departure. Still good though. Ive seen the new version of Dr Feelgood and was not impressed. The Feelgood band are the one to see. Sadly they are southern based butif you get the chance see them. Videos on you tube.
Posted by vintagerock on November 28, 2023 at 2:31 pm
Hi Mark yes Wilko remains great and was the driving force in the original band. I really enjoyed the new band the other night but will look out for the Feelgoods. Thanks for sharing happy days Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on November 28, 2023 at 9:55 pm
Hi Peter, great to think that the Dr Feelgood legacy is still going. They were just such a great band. Hard to step into Lee Brilleaux’s shoes but seems like the new singer did a fine job. He must thrive on a challenge if he has also fronted a revived Animals.
Glad you had a good night.
Posted by vintagerock on November 29, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Thanks Ciaran yes Rob does a great job in Doctor Feelgood. Happy days Peter