Wilko Johnson Train - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Wilko Johnson Train – A LOCAL train operator c2c honoured a music legend of the estuary, naming one of their trains after Wilko Johnson.

Wilko Johnson Train – A LOCAL train operator c2c honoured a music legend of the estuary, naming one of their trains after Wilko Johnson.

A LOCAL train operator c2c honoured a music legend of the estuary, naming one of their trains after Wilko Johnson.

The Canvey native, rock ‘n’ roll icon, and co-founder of the legendary band Dr. Feelgood, was commemorated with a special unveiling of the train nameplate, accompanied by a special rendition of R&B classic ‘Route 66’ – with lyrics adapted to celebrate Southend and the Essex coastline.

The event was attended by a host of special guests including fellow Dr. Feelgood bandmate John B Sparks as well as Wilko’s brother Malcolm Wilkinson and many friends including Kursaal Flyers frontman, Will Birch and Blockheads bassist Norman Watt-Roy.

The nameplate, which can be seen on unit 357316, reads ‘Wilko Johnson 1947-2022 – He did it right,’ and plays tribute to the legendary Dr. Feelgood song ‘She Does it Right.’

It was unveiled by Wilko’s son Simon Johnson on platform 4 at Southend Central station.

He said: “It is very touching that c2c are honouring my father in this way. I am told this is a tribute usually only reserved for poets and royalty. As an aspiring poet, I know he would be well chuffed.”

The ‘Wilko Express’ – as the train has been affectionally named – departed Southend Central on its maiden journey to London Fenchurch Street on June 4th, calling at key ‘Wilko’ locations along the route including Westcliff, Benfleet and Barking.

The event featured a live musical performance both on the platform and on board the charter train.

The performers –Johnson Willis, John House and Georgina Field – are cast members of ‘Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll’, a critically acclaimed production written by Jonathan Maitland that is heading to London’s West End in July.

Jonathan Maitland said: “Wilko was a hugely significant cultural figure, nationally and internationally, but he was above all a proud Essex man, so we are delighted that c2c has chosen to honour him in this way.

“I can’t think of anyone who’s had the honour of a train naming ceremony and then, three weeks later, been the subject of a West End play. But then Wilko was unique.”

Picture: Ceremony to unveil the plaque.

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