Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson has been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas, The BBC reports.

The news broke via Wilko's Facebook page, where his manager posted a message entitled, "WILKO JOHNSON - IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT"

The message read like this:

"I am very sad to announce that Wilko has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas. He has chosen not to receive any chemotherapy. 

He is currently in good spirits, is not yet suffering any physical effects and can expect to enjoy at least another few months of reasonable health and activity. 

He has just set off on a trip to Japan; on his return we plan to complete a new CD, make a short tour of France, then give a series of farewell gigs in the UK. There is also a live DVD in the pipeline, filmed on the last UK tour.

Wilko wishes to offer his sincere thanks for all the support he has had over his long career, from those who have worked with him to, above all, those devoted fans and admirers who have attended his live gigs, bought his recordings and generally made his life such an extraordinarily full and eventful experience. 

Thank you.

Robert Hoy

(Manager)"

While never really considered to be a household name, within musical circles he is considered to be one of the most influential and talented guitarists of his generation. He's also turned his hand to acting, with a recurring role in US fantasy series Game of Thrones, playing a mute executioner.

We at Contact Music wish Wilko Johnson all the best.