50th Anniversary Celebration of Down by the Jetty & Malpractice – 1975-2025
There’s exciting news for Dr. Feelgood fans everywhere: John “Sparko” Sparkes, the legendary bass guitarist and original founding member of Dr. Feelgood, is back on the road with his new powerhouse band Going Back Home.
And due to overwhelming demand, an extra afternoon matinee show has now been added!
Sparko, who played bass on every single one of Dr. Feelgood’s classic recordings, remains a true cornerstone of British R&B. If you’ve ever wanted to see an authentic original member of Dr. Feelgood “doing it right,” this is your chance – there is simply nowhere else in the world you can experience this.
Meet the Band: World-Class Musicians Backing Sparko
Bass Guitar – Sparko (John B. Sparks)
A true icon, Sparko was there at the beginning. From 1971 through 1982, he powered Dr. Feelgood’s hard-hitting rhythm section and helped shape the band’s ferocious, high-energy sound. He appeared on all the classic albums that defined the era:
- Down by the Jetty (1975)
- Malpractice (1975)
- Stupidity (1976)
- Sneakin’ Suspicion (1977)
- Be Seeing You (1977)
- Private Practice (1978)
- Let It Roll (1979)
- A Case of the Shakes (1980)
- Fast Women & Slow Horses (1982)
Drums & Backing Vocals – Mat Hector
Known for his powerful groove and versatility, Mat Hector has worked with Iggy Pop, Thom Yorke, Thomas Dolby, Razorlight, Grace Jones, Henry Rollins, KT Tunstall, Glen Matlock, Sharon Corr, and Marc Almond. He spent five years as part of Iggy Pop’s touring band and has graced stages across the world with his explosive playing.
Guitar & Vocals – John Simpson
A gigging musician since 1975, John Simpson is a die-hard Feelgood fan with a playing style heavily inspired by the great Wilko Johnson.
In 2023, his single I Don’t Get It – a heartfelt tribute to Wilko and Dr. Feelgood – reached Number 17 in Mike Read’s Heritage Chart. John brings the same passion and raw edge to Going Back Home, promising a guitar-driven performance any Feelgood fan will appreciate.
“As a fan of the original Dr. Feelgood lineup, I can’t wait to get going with this project. If I wasn’t in the band, I’d definitely be in the audience.” – John Simpson
The Setlist: Classic Dr. Feelgood from the Golden Era
Expect a high-energy set packed with songs from Dr. Feelgood’s first four LPs (a heavy dose of Wilko Johnson-era tracks) plus hand-picked gems from the Gypie Mayo years and a few rock ‘n’ roll standards.
A Quick History Lesson
Formed on Canvey Island in 1971 by Wilko Johnson, Lee Brilleaux, and Sparko, Dr. Feelgood rose from the London pub rock circuit to become one of Britain’s most influential R&B bands.
By the late ‘70s, they were household names with hits like Milk and Alcohol (1979) and a string of classic records. Their 1976 live album Stupidity even hit No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
Sparko left the band in 1982 after eleven landmark years – but his basslines remain etched into the DNA of British R&B.
Don’t Miss This – Tickets Selling Fast
This is more than a gig – it’s a chance to witness a founding member of Dr. Feelgood, live and loud, keeping the true spirit of the band alive.
With the added afternoon matinee show, there’s no excuse to miss out.
Grab your tickets now and celebrate 50 years of Down by the Jetty and Malpractice with Sparko and Going Back Home!
Stay tuned to Guitardoor.com for ticket links and further show announcements and Grab a Ticket for this Great Show here
