Question: When does a band become a tribute band? Given there are no original members in the current Dr. Feelgood, nor have there been since 1994, it’s a question to ponder.  On the other hand Phil, Kevin and Gordon have been around since 1983 playing alongside the late great Lee Brilleaux.  Conundrum.  You could ask the same question about the band Gong!

Let’s reflect on their lineups below:

Original Members

• Lee Brilleaux – vocals, harmonica  (1971 – 1994) – rip 1995
• Wilko Johnson – guitar, piano (1971 – 1977) – rip 2022
• John B. Sparks – bass (1971 – 1982)
• John ‘The Big Figure’ Martin – drums (1971 – 1982)

Current members

• Phil H. Mitchell – bass (1983–1991, 1995–present)
• Kevin Morris – drums (1983–1994, 1995–present)
• Gordon Russell – guitars (1983–1989, 2021–present)
• Robert Kane – vocals, harmonica (1999–present)

So Canvey Islands finest pub rock R&B tradition is being kept alive by it’s current incumbents, and they are doing a mighty fine job to. Robert is a charismatic frontman with quite a few Lee moves in him, and has a wonderful voice that complements sound.  Gordon can sure play guitar and is totally understated as compared to Wilko. The backbeat throb and depth are supplied by Phil and Kevin perfectly and it all adds up to a no-nonsense what you see is what you get sound.

The audience tonight is old!  Yes that’s something coming from an young oldie.  Luckily some youngsters turned up later doing their best Status Quo but there was some bad dad dancing and air guitaring going on throughout.  Luckily a bunch of older ladies moved in and put the groove in to save the day 😊.  It took a while for the audience (250ish?) to get going but when they did the Corn Exchange lit up and Robert looked much happier.  Signature songs like ‘Roxette’, ‘Milk and Alcohol’, ‘Back in the Night’ and ‘Riot in Cell Block No 9’ had everyone bopping and singing along.

The night was not just about reminiscing given they played quite a few tracks of their own post original Feelgood recordings. These songs keep to the original formula and in themselves are pretty good tunes e.g. the celebration of drinking song ‘Gimme One More Shot’ is full of the crowd singalong feel good factor.  Gordon does some stunning guitar solos tonight and a bit of showing off playing the guitar above his head – all in the best possible taste.  That aside you can’t take your eyes off Robert who controls the stage and commands attention with his raw energy.  Not a duff track played all night, perfect.

Set list – Doctors Orders Anniversary Tour 2025 (Click on the links to view the YouTube videos)

• Take a Tip – (Private Practice, 1978)
• No Mo Do Yakamo – (A Case of the Shakes, 1980)
• She Does It Right – (Down By the Jetty, 1975)
• Mary Ann – (Damn Right!, 2023)
• I Can Tell – Bo Didley cover
• Put the Blame on Me – (Damn Right!, 2023)
• Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do) – Wilson Pickett cover
• Damn Right I Do – (Damn Right!, 2023)
• You Don’t Love Me – Willie Cobbs cover
• Keep it Undercover – (Damn Right!, 2023)
• Back in the Night – (Malpractice, 1975)
• Roxette – (Down By the Jetty, 1975)
• If My Baby Quits Me – (Primo, 1991)
• Milk and Alcohol – (Private Practice, 1978)
• See You Later Alligator – (Brilleaux, 1986)
• Going Back Home – (Malpractice, 1975)
• Down at the Doctors – Micky Jupp cover, 1978
• Gimme One More Shot – (Chess Masters, 2000)

Encore

• Last Call
• Riot in Cell Block #9 – (The Robins cover)
• Route 66 – (Bobby Troup cover)

There were 6 cover songs, all good ones, but given the back catalogue I wonder if they shouldn’t have played a few more originals – just a thought?

I think Lee and Wilko would approve, so thank you to the current line-up for passionately keeping the music alive and thus ensuring the Dr. Feelgood legacy remains intact.  Dr. Feelgood are defo worth a punt if you want a good night out at a price that won’t break any wallets.

A shout out to my mate Gareth who after 6 pints declared “what a night, I’ll walk back to the station to sober up before I get home” 😊- hic…

Marko (5 Oct 2025)