The Blockheads replace Wilko Johnson at this weekend's St Ives Blues Festival

St Ives Blues Festival 2014

Sunday 11th May 2014
St Ives Guildhall, Street-an-Pol, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2DS, England MAP
£24

Daily capacity: 500

Last updated: Mon 9th Feb 2015

The Blockheads will replace the previously announced Wilko Johnson as headliners at this weekend's first St Ives Blues Festival, taking place at St Ives Guildhall, Cornwall on Sunday 11th May 2014.

Wilko Johnson was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in December 2012, and has just undergone surgery to remove a neuroendocrine tumour. He has had to cancel his current string of festival appearances, whilst he recovers. Lisa Climie who is the Manager of Wilko Johnson released a statement saying, "Wilko is recovering following a nine hour operation on Wednesday in which doctors removed a large tumour.

"The head of the medical team treating Wilko said that they were happy with his condition.

"Wilko will stay under very close observation for the next few days. Although cautiously optimistic the team have to stress that it is very early days yet.

"The family thank everyone for their good wishes and ask for some privacy at this time so they can support Wilko with his recovery in peace."

Since being diagnosed, Wilko has refused any kind of treatment until now, and a friend of of his who is a cancer doctor became curious as to why he wasn't even getting sick. They then discovered Wilko's pancreatic cancer was a neuroendocrine tumour, a rare kind of malignancy, one that is less aggressive than the usual kind of pancreatic cancer, and it's possible that this latest surgery may lead to a full recovery.

In the meantime at St Ives Blues Festival it will be The Blockheads who will now be headlining, organisers Solid Entertainment said, "Wilko wants these festivals to go ahead and given his association with The Blockheads back in 1980, he will no doubt be very pleased to hear who has replaced him at St Ives!"

The line-up also includes Simon Townshend, Stevie Nimmo, The Spellkasters, Albany Down, Federal Charm, and Mark Pontin Group.

Tickets are priced at £24.

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