CANVEY’S legendary pub rock band Dr Feelgood will be gigging close to home in Westcliff next week.

Formed in the early Seventies, the band remains one of the most popular live rhythm and blues acts in the world – despite none of the original members (Wilko Johnson, Lee Brilleaux, John B. Sparks and John Martin) being part of the line-up anymore.

The current line-up features the rhythm section Kevin Morris on drums and Phil Mitchell on bass, both 29 years in the band and Steve Walwyn on guitar who has been with the band for 23 years. Vocalist Robert Kane (formerly of the Animals) is the most recent addition – joining in 1999 after the death of Lee Brilleaux.

The band will be at the Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff next Thursday. <<JAN 18>>

Ahead of the gig, Kevin Morris, mused: “Dr Feelgood was formed on Canvey in 1972 and despite various line-up changes the group has retained its reputation as an exciting live act.

“This line up has been unchanged for the last 20 years.

“Robert Kane the singer is a keen runner and also does yoga, Steve Walwyn the guitarist is a cyclist and woodworker in his spare time. Phil Mitchell the bass player plays golf most days when not working and Kevin Morris the drummer runs the office and does things like this!”

But what can people expect from their gigs?

“Anyone coming to our show can expect 100 per cent input from the whole band, this has always been our policy.”

Do they have any pre-show rituals? It seems it’s pretty civilized nowadays.

“Before any show we like to eat dinner and drink a few beers and/or glasses of wine,” confesses Morris.

Do they still enjoy it?

“Getting a response from the crowd to what we are doing, it is a most uplifting experience.”

For tickets, priced from £20, are available from the box office on 01702 351135.