If you've heard the name Dr. Feelgood and the first thing that pops in your mind is the Motley Crue song, well, then this post is definitely for you. Formed in the early 70s and one of the most visible/well-known band of the pre-punk "pub rock" movement, Wilko Johnson & the gang steamrolled their choppy punk rhythms into a glam rock-soaked UK music scene and left an indelible mark on the early sound forged with the first round of punk bands that still hasn't been washed out. I'll never forget reading about the Ramones first trip to the UK in '76 when they were fighting over Dr. Feelgood singles they were missing from their collections, and it seemed that ever since then, you'd see their name popping up in historical overviews of the pre-punk landscape in England.
Their success was ultimately limited to the UK and Europe, but their impact on the formative years of both US and UK punk can still be felt today, and this complete live performance from the 1975 UK TV show The Geordie Scene bears clear witness to their incredible live power. Cropped haircuts, no guitar pick, raw anxiety, and throbbing punk energy seethe through every song, foreshadowing the next year's underground explosion worldwide. Even the girls in the crowd can't stand still, do yourself a favor and get over your pre-disposed inclinations and dive into this insane and exciting live performance.
Here is the full 1975 performance:
And be sure to track down the Dr. Feelgood documentary 'Oil City Confidential' as well:
