Looking Back At Barton

by Wilko Johnson

Wilko Johnson talks with Zoe Howe about astronomy, education, Canvey Island, Mick Green, and wielding a red and black Telecaster for Dr. Feelgood, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, and his own three-piece r'n'b bands.

Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ray Smillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this when it was first published and had it stored safely away. Decided a couple of weeks ago to go through my books in boxes to donate most to a charity shop. This was staying with me. A sort of coffee table book with many Wilko anecdotes and plenty of photographs. A must for fans of the late great Wilko Johnson.

[Andy Holdcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb: what a great format. A real insight into the man himself. You must read this.

[Philtrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a coffee table book with long anecdotes. I saw Dr Feelgood back in the late 70s (after Wilko had left) and I'd half followed his career. I was sad to hear the other day that he's been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Would like to get tickets for his farewell tour. He's clearly something of a polymath and I enjoyed the tales of his travels in India. He was obviously a talented artist and the later sections about his interest in astronomy were also good.

What was never really discussed and what would have been very interesting was his marriage. He says he was devoted to his wife, Irene, and they were together for 40 years until she died. But his girlfriends were mentioned a lot throughout the book. There was one mention of the band not approving of his "lifestyle" but further detail here would have been interesting, and not in the prurient sense.

Very enjoyable.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! After seeing Wilko supporting Status Quo in Wolverhampton in April 2014, I became a huge fan. He had so much energy, wildness and love for good old fashioned R&B. Awesome stage presence. Blew Quo out of the water. His band are terrific. Have always admired Norman Watt-Roy's phenomenal bass playing. Dylan Howe was amazing, too. Anyway, after that gig I wanted to find out more about Wilko and Dr Feelgood. I'd only ever seen clips of Roxette on BBC4 programmes. Reading Looking Back at Me I came to love Wilko's straightforward no-nonsense approach to music, life and the universe. Superb photos and his paintings! Wow! Such a talented man. A wonderful cartoonist, too. Apparently, he was also a great teacher. How I wish I could meet this man. Reading the book was the next best thing.

[Steve Harland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, couldn't put it down. Tells a different side to the split from Dr. Feelgood but also it demonstrates what an interesting complex character Wilko can be.