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Going Back Home
Going Back Home
from Wikipedia

Going Back Home
Studio album by
Released25 March 2014
RecordedNovember 2013
Genre
Length34:29
LabelChess
ProducerDave Eringa
Wilko Johnson chronology
Red Hot Rocking Blues
(2005)
Going Back Home
(2014)
Roger Daltrey chronology
Moonlighting: The Anthology
(2005)
Going Back Home
(2014)
As Long As I Have You
(2018)

Going Back Home is a collaborative studio album by former Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson and the Who lead vocalist Roger Daltrey released in 2014. The album contains versions of songs previously recorded by Johnson and his former band Dr. Feelgood, as well as a version of "Everybody's Carrying a Gun" by Wilko Johnson and the Solid Senders.

The album entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 3,[1] making it Daltrey's highest ranking since the Who's album Face Dances (No. 2 in 1981), while Johnson's last major chart success was Dr. Feelgood's live album Stupidity which reached No. 1 in 1976.[2]

Background

[edit]

Johnson and Daltrey decided to work together after meeting when seated next to each other at an awards ceremony in 2010 and quickly striking up a friendship. Daltrey said, "It turned out we both loved Johnny Kidd & the Pirates. They'd been a big influence on both our bands. That heavy power-trio sound, backing up a singer; it's a British institution. No-one does that better than us."

Johnson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2013, but was well enough to press ahead with the collaboration when the Who finished their world tour. Going Back Home was recorded in the space of a week in November 2013.[3] According to Johnson, "Roger jumped up and said, 'Let's do it,'. He knew this lovely little studio called Yellow Fish in Uckfield. Unfortunate name for a place, but a great studio."[4] The album's track listing was revealed on 22 February 2014.[5] It was later established that Johnson actually had a less aggressive neuroendocrine tumour, and following radical surgery he was later declared cancer-free.[6]

Some of the musicians who worked with Johnson and Daltrey on the album were current and past Blockheads members Dylan Howe, Norman Watt-Roy (who also worked on Daltrey's 1984 album Parting Should Be Painless), and the Style Council's former keyboardist Mick Talbot.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStarHalf star[7]
The Daily TelegraphStarStarStar[8]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[9]
MojoStarStarStarStar[10]
The NationalStarStarStarStar[11]
NME7/10[12]
The Oakland PressStarStarStar[13]
USA TodayStarStarStar[14]

At The Oakland Press, Gary Graff rated the album three out of four stars, writing that "If this is indeed Johnson’s last gasp, he’s made it a memorable howl."[13] Edna Gunderson of USA Today rated the album three stars out of four, and remarked: "Do they defy age with a ferocious display of R&B? Roger Wilco that."[14] In his review for Mojo magazine, Mark Blake wrote that "Johnson's chopping rhythm guitar and Daltrey's geezerish growl make perfect bedfellows." Blake described Going Back Home as a "joyful, celebratory affair".[10]

Track listing

[edit]

All songs written by Wilko Johnson except as noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Going Back Home"Wilko Johnson, Mick Green4:00
2."Ice on the Motorway" 2:50
3."I Keep It to Myself" 3:21
4."Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?"Bob Dylan3:37
5."Turned 21" 3:06
6."Keep On Loving You"Wilko Johnson, Norman Watt-Roy, Salvatore Ramundo2:57
7."Some Kind of Hero" 2:25
8."Sneaking Suspicion" 3:45
9."Keep It Out of Sight" 2:43
10."Everybody's Carrying a Gun" 2:55
11."All Through the City" 2:50
Total length:34:29

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[24] Gold 100,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Going Back Home is a blues rock collaborative studio album by English guitarist Wilko Johnson, formerly of Dr. Feelgood, and Roger Daltrey, lead vocalist of The Who. Released on 24 March 2014 by Chess Records, it features 11 tracks, primarily Johnson's compositions from his Dr. Feelgood era, including the title song originally recorded by the band in 1975, alongside a cover of Bob Dylan's "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?". The originated in 2010 when Johnson and Daltrey bonded over shared influences in rock, leading to plans for a . Recording took place over a week in November 2013 at Yellowfish Studios in , , with Johnson's touring rhythm section of bassist from and the Blockheads and drummer , augmented by keyboardist , harmonica player Steve Weston, and guest guitarist on "Some Kind of Hero". This project gained added significance following Johnson's January 2013 diagnosis of terminal , after which he declined to focus on touring and this album as a final musical statement; remarkably, Johnson underwent successful in 2014 and recovered; Johnson later died from on 21 November 2022. The album's raw, energetic sound revives the pub rock and R&B styles of British music, with Johnson's distinctive choppy guitar riffs complementing Daltrey's gritty vocals. Key tracks include the upbeat opener "Going Back Home", the driving "Ice on the Motorway", and the reflective "Turned 21", blending Johnson's songwriting catalog with a fresh interpretive vigor. Produced simply to capture live energy, it marks the only joint full-length release by the two artists. Upon release, Going Back Home received positive critical acclaim for its authenticity and emotional depth, earning a 7.8/10 rating from and praise from outlets like Uncut for its bluesy grit. It debuted at number 3 on the , marking Daltrey's highest solo charting since and Johnson's first top 10 entry, while spending 31 weeks in the top 100; the album also charted in several European countries.

Background and Development

Origins of the Collaboration

The collaboration between and originated at an awards show in 2010, where the two musicians first met and quickly bonded over their shared admiration for the British blues-based power trios, particularly . This encounter highlighted their mutual passion for the raw energy of R&B and the gritty pub rock scene that influenced both artists' careers, with Johnson drawing inspiration from guitarist Mick Green's style in the Pirates and Daltrey appreciating similar roots in The Who's early sound. Following their initial meeting, Johnson and Daltrey began discussions about a potential recording project centered on Johnson's compositions performed with Daltrey's distinctive vocals, aiming to revive the spirit of Dr. Feelgood's repertoire. These conversations emphasized reinterpreting Johnson's energetic, riff-driven songs in a fresh context, blending his guitar work with Daltrey's powerful delivery to capture the pub rock essence they both revered. The idea gained momentum in 2013, though initial plans had been floated earlier, setting the foundation for what would become their joint album. Early song selections for the project focused on Johnson's originals from his Dr. Feelgood era and solo work, such as "All Through the City" and "Sneakin' Suspicion," alongside a cover of Bob Dylan's "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?" to add variety while staying true to their R&B influences. These choices reflected a deliberate effort to highlight Johnson's songwriting legacy, with Daltrey's vocals providing a new lens on tracks that evoked the high-octane pub rock performances of the .

Wilko Johnson's Health Context

In January 2013, was diagnosed with what was initially described as terminal and given approximately 10 months to live. Upon further examination, the condition was later identified as a rarer, more slowly growing neuroendocrine tumour rather than the aggressive typically associated with diagnoses. Johnson chose to forgo , opting instead to embrace what he believed were his remaining months by continuing to perform and create music without medical intervention. This health crisis directly spurred the acceleration of Johnson's long-discussed collaboration with , transforming an earlier exploratory meeting from 2010 into an urgent project. Daltrey, upon learning of Johnson's diagnosis, contacted him to propose recording an album of Johnson's songs, which they completed in just eight days in late 2013. The impending sense of finality infused the sessions with a heightened intensity, as Johnson approached the work viewing it as a culminating statement of his career. In April 2014, shortly after the album's completion and release, Johnson underwent radical surgery at in to remove the 3-kilogram tumour, along with his , , and parts of his stomach and intestines. The 11-hour procedure was successful, and Johnson was subsequently declared cancer-free, though it left him as a Type 1 diabetic requiring lifelong insulin management. This unexpected recovery ensured the album's fruition without interruption and extended Johnson's life, allowing him to reflect on the project from a place of survival rather than farewell. Johnson's personal reflections on his brush with mortality profoundly shaped the album's emotional tone and content selection. He described the diagnosis as initially "elating," sparking a euphoric clarity that made every moment feel vividly alive and free of fear, which carried into his song choices—favoring a retrospective of his raw, life-affirming Dr. Feelgood-era compositions. In interviews, he noted that contemplating death sharpened his performances, infusing them with an urgent authenticity as if each could be his last, thereby deepening the album's themes of resilience and unfiltered expression.

Production

Recording Sessions

The recording sessions for Going Back Home took place in November 2013 at Yellow Fish Studios in , , spanning a concentrated one-week period to accommodate the project's urgency. Dave Eringa oversaw the process, focusing on capturing a raw, live energy by setting up the band as they would on stage and employing minimal overdubs to preserve the spontaneous feel of the performances. Johnson's recent terminal cancer diagnosis created both challenges and efficiencies, prompting quick takes—often in single passes—to maintain his vitality amid the ticking clock of his health. The technical setup emphasized Johnson's signature choppy guitar style, achieved by routing his directly into a without pedals or effects, while Daltrey's raw vocals were recorded with straightforward, unadorned techniques to highlight their gritty delivery.

Personnel

The core lineup for Going Back Home featured on guitar and backing vocals, alongside providing lead vocals and . Johnson, a founding member of the pub rock band Dr. Feelgood in the early 1970s, brought his signature choppy, rhythmic guitar style that defined the genre's raw energy. , co-founder and longtime lead singer of The Who since , contributed his powerful, gravelly voice to complement Johnson's arrangements. The rhythm section consisted of bassist Norman Watt-Roy and drummer Dylan Howe, both alumni of Ian Dury and the Blockheads, evoking the tight, driving groove reminiscent of Dr. Feelgood's sound. Watt-Roy, who joined the Blockheads in 1977, was a key figure in the punk and new wave scenes with his melodic, propulsive bass lines. Howe, who came aboard the Blockheads in 1997 following the band's initial run, added precise, energetic percussion that supported the album's bluesy rock foundation. Keyboardist Mick Talbot rounded out the group on piano and Hammond organ; a veteran of the late-1970s mod revival through bands like the Merton Parkas and later The Style Council, Talbot infused subtle organ swells and rhythmic fills that enhanced the tracks' retro pub rock vibe. Harmonica player Steve Weston contributed on several tracks. The album was produced, engineered, and mixed by Dave Eringa, whose work captured the sessions' live-wire intensity at Yellow Fish Studios in . Eringa, known for his collaborations with acts like , ensured a balance of raw authenticity and polished clarity.

Musical Style and Composition

Overview of Tracks

Going Back Home is structured around 11 tracks that showcase Wilko Johnson's signature guitar style, with a total runtime of 35:20. The standard edition, released on both and vinyl, follows the same track order without notable variants across formats. The track listing is as follows:
No.TitleDurationWriter(s)
1Going Back Home3:59Mick Green,
2Ice on the Motorway2:49
3I Keep It to Myself3:22
4Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window3:37
5Turned 213:07
6Dr. Feelgood3:11
7Keep On Loving You2:59
8Some Kind of Hero2:26
9I Really Love Your Go Go3:28
10Sneaking Sally Through the Alley2:58
11Turn to Stone3:24,
Songwriting credits are dominated by , reflecting his Dr. Feelgood-era compositions, including co-writes like the opening title track with Mick Green; the album also features covers of Bob Dylan's "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window" and Allen Toussaint's "Sneaking Sally Through the Alley," alongside the closing original "Turn to Stone" co-authored with . The sequencing builds an energetic flow, opening with the rousing title track and alternating brisk rockers with mid-tempo grooves to sustain momentum throughout the concise runtime, drawing from Johnson's pub rock roots for a live-like immediacy.

Themes and Influences

The album Going Back Home draws heavily from the foundations of R&B and pub rock, genres central to Johnson's career with Dr. Feelgood, characterized by a raw, high-energy sound that emphasizes stripped-down arrangements and urgent rhythms. Johnson's signature guitar style—delivered through fingerpicking without a —provides a choppy, driving backbone that blends seamlessly with Roger Daltrey's soulful, authoritative vocals, creating a gritty yet evocative delivery reminiscent of classic British rock energy. This fusion evokes the no-frills ethos of pub rock, prioritizing live-wire intensity over polished production. Lyrically, the album explores themes of freedom, escape, and resilience, often through narratives of personal struggle and redemption that reflect Johnson's own life experiences. The title track, "Going Back Home," serves as a quintessential , capturing the frustration of urban confinement and the longing for liberation on the open highway. Songs like "Some Kind of " delve into vulnerability and inner strength, portraying everyday battles with hope and defiance rather than despair, underscoring a resilient spirit amid adversity. These motifs align with the album's overall tone of unyielding optimism, as Daltrey's interpretations infuse the material with a mature, searching quality focused on , relationships, and human endurance. The album's influences trace back to the British beat groups that shaped early R&B in the UK, particularly , whose guitarist Mick Green profoundly impacted Johnson's frenetic, jagged style. Dr. Feelgood's raw energy further defines the sound, channeling the band's pub rock roots into punchy, rhythm-driven tracks that prioritize authenticity and immediacy. Subtle nods to the appear through the album's structured arrangements and organ accents, echoing the scene's revival of sharp, energetic British rock in the late 1970s and 1980s. A unique highlight is the cover of Bob Dylan's "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window," adapted with a folk-rock edge that integrates Johnson's rhythmic punch and Daltrey's vocal power, transforming the original's introspective plea into a more driving, resilient statement.

Release and Promotion

Commercial Release

Going Back Home was released on 25 March 2014 by Chess Records, an imprint of Universal Music Group. The album marked the reactivation of the historic Chess label, originally founded in 1950 and renowned for launching the careers of blues legends such as Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, which aligned closely with Wilko Johnson's rhythm and blues-influenced guitar style. The album was made available in multiple formats, including standard and 180-gram vinyl editions, as well as digital download options through platforms like . A deluxe edition, released on November 24, 2014, featured an additional bonus with alternate versions, a , and live recordings from promotional shows. Initial distribution focused on the and , where it debuted on the Official Albums Chart, before a broader international rollout that included a release on 8 April 2014 via Hip-O Select, a specialty imprint of Universal.

Marketing Efforts

The marketing campaign for Going Back Home centered on the inspirational narrative of Wilko Johnson's response to his terminal diagnosis, positioning the album as a final musical statement. Promotional materials and interviews frequently highlighted Johnson's health journey, drawing from his 2013 diagnosis, to underscore themes of resilience and creative renewal. The title track "Going Back Home" was later released as a single on May 19, 2014, accompanied by an official music video premiered on June 5, 2014, which featured archival footage and performance clips emphasizing the duo's energetic collaboration. This visual promotion aimed to capture the raw, blues-infused spirit of the recording sessions while tying into Johnson's personal story of survival. Interviews with the artists, such as those in The Guardian and on BBC Radio 4's Front Row in early 2014, further amplified this angle, with Roger Daltrey discussing the emotional depth added by Johnson's circumstances and the joy of their partnership. Live events formed a key part of the rollout, beginning with an album launch concert at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on February 25, 2014, where Daltrey joined Johnson's band for a full set of tracks from the album and Johnson's catalog. This one-off performance was followed by select tour dates in March and April 2014, including shows in , , and a special appearance at the Royal Albert Hall for the on April 26, blending promotional energy with charitable elements tied to Daltrey's long-standing advocacy. These events incorporated documentary-style elements from Johnson's health narrative in stage introductions and supporting media, reinforcing the album's backstory without overshadowing the music.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in 2014, Going Back Home received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised its energetic revival of British R&B traditions and the palpable chemistry between Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey. The album earned a Metascore of 75 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 12 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception. The Guardian highlighted the album's "blistering R&B that's full of joie de vivre," awarding it 4 out of 5 stars for its lively execution of "meat-and-potatoes British R&B, but done with such love." Mojo magazine similarly lauded its "raw authenticity" in a 4 out of 5-star review, describing it as "a joyful, celebratory affair" that captured the vital joy of R&B-powered rock 'n' roll. AllMusic rated it 7.8 out of 10. Critics frequently commended the strong interplay between Johnson's choppy, percussive guitar riffs—shining brightly after his health scare—and Daltrey's gravelly, age-enhanced vocals, which added a fearsome growl to the proceedings. The Oakland Press, in a 3 out of 4-star , called it a "solid but nostalgic" effort that showcased Johnson's robust guitar playing despite his recent cancer recovery. The Morning Sun noted Johnson's performance as sounding "robust" and Daltrey's contribution as infused with "youthful vigor," emphasizing how the duo's collaboration brought fresh life to Johnson's bluesy originals. Some reviewers offered minor criticisms regarding the album's predictability, rooted in its adherence to pub rock and R&B conventions without much deviation. The Guardian observed that there were "no surprises," with the tracklist sticking closely to expected stylistic territory, save for a lone cover. Overall, these critiques were tempered by appreciation for the project's unpretentious energy and emotional resonance.

Audience and Industry Response

The album Going Back Home garnered a strong response from the fanbase, particularly among pub rock and blues enthusiasts, who were drawn to Wilko Johnson's underdog narrative of surviving and his collaboration with , the renowned frontman of The Who. Fans celebrated the project as a triumphant return for Johnson, with sold-out shows reflecting growing public appreciation beyond his longstanding niche following. In industry circles, the album received notable recognition, including winning Album of the Year at the 2014 Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards, underscoring its impact in rock and blues communities. It was also nominated for Album of the Year in the Ultimate Classic Rock Awards, highlighting professional acclaim for the collaboration's raw energy and Johnson's resilient comeback. Live performances during the 2014 tour were met with enthusiastic reception, with audiences praising the duo's high-energy delivery and emotional depth; at a gig, fans created a celebratory atmosphere, cheering Johnson's spirited stage antics and Daltrey's commanding presence in a defiant display of vitality. Reviews emphasized the shows' infectious vibe, as Johnson's guitar work and the pair's chemistry captivated crowds, leading to packed venues like the Royal Albert Hall. Retrospectively, following Johnson's death in 2022, the album has been viewed as a landmark comeback triumph, inspiring tributes that affirm its enduring legacy in revitalizing interest in Johnson's catalog. Daltrey himself honored Johnson by reflecting on their partnership as a profound artistic highlight, while publications like Mojo commemorated the work as a testament to Johnson's unyielding spirit.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

Going Back Home debuted at number 3 on the on 5 April 2014, marking the highest charting album for both and as solo artists. The album spent a total of 31 weeks on the chart, with 4 weeks in the top 10 and 25 weeks in the top 75. It re-entered the chart twice later in 2014 and early 2015, reflecting sustained interest following its initial release. In , the album achieved a peak position of number 4 on the Scottish Albums Chart and remained on the chart for 27 weeks. Across other European territories, Going Back Home made minor entries, such as peaking at number 46 in the Belgian Wallonia region for 9 weeks and number 97 in , number 56 in for 1 week, and number 117 in for 3 weeks. No significant chart entry occurred in the . The album did not achieve a major position on the US chart, though it received airplay exposure on in the UK, contributing to its domestic success. For the year-end in 2014, Going Back Home ranked at number 49. The album sold 146,000 copies in the UK by the end of 2014.
Chart (2014)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
UK Albums (OCC)331
Scottish Albums (OCC)427
Belgian Albums ( )469
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)561
1173

Certifications and Sales

In the , Going Back Home achieved gold certification from the (BPI) on June 20, 2014, denoting sales of 100,000 units. This milestone reflected the album's strong domestic performance following its 2014 release. No certifications were issued in other regions, such as the or , underscoring its primarily British market focus.

Legacy

Post-Release Impact

Following its 2014 release, Going Back Home has maintained a presence on major streaming platforms, including and , where the title track alone has accumulated over 2.6 million streams, reflecting steady listener engagement over the subsequent decade. The full album remains accessible digitally, contributing to ongoing plays among fans of pub rock and classic British R&B, with Johnson's overall catalog seeing consistent monthly listeners in the tens of thousands on these services. No major reissues of the album have occurred since its original launch, including the deluxe edition with bonus live tracks released the same year. However, select tracks from the collaboration have appeared in broader compilations tied to Johnson and Daltrey's solo discographies, such as Johnson's 2017 best-of collection I Keep It to Myself, which highlights his songwriting legacy and indirectly spotlights re-recorded Feelgood-era material like those featured on Going Back Home. Similarly, the album's songs are integrated into Daltrey's streaming-era retrospectives on platforms like , where "Going Back Home" ranks among his top solo-era tracks. The album has influenced discussions of the pub rock revival in music media, renewing focus on Johnson's foundational role in the genre through Dr. Feelgood. Its commercial breakthrough elevated Johnson's visibility, leading to larger audiences for his performances and inspiring tributes that celebrate pub rock's raw energy as a precursor to punk. For instance, in 2025 coverage of anniversary events for Dr. Feelgood's early albums, the collaboration is cited as a catalyst for bands like Sparko's Going Back Home, which explicitly draws on the style to commemorate the movement's 50th year. In 2020s retrospectives, Going Back Home is frequently praised as an uplifting that transcended its origins as a potential , capturing a joyful creative between Johnson and Daltrey against the backdrop of Johnson's challenges and recovery. Publications like in 2021 highlighted its enduring appeal in surveys of Johnson's career, emphasizing the feel-good reinterpretations of R&B standards that resonated amid narratives of resilience. Similarly, 2023 analyses in positioned the album as a high point in Johnson's later output, underscoring its role in sustaining pub rock's spirit through vibrant, life-affirming performances.

Commemoration After Johnson's Death

Wilko Johnson died on 21 November 2022 at his home in , , at the age of 75, following a long battle with cancer that had been diagnosed as terminal in 2013 but from which he had recovered after . Following Johnson's death, tributes poured in from the music community, with , his collaborator on Going Back Home, describing him as a "special man, a great friend and a great " and expressing gratitude for their time together recording the album. Daltrey reflected on the sessions as a highlight of Johnson's later years, noting the energy and camaraderie that defined their partnership despite the circumstances of Johnson's health. Obituaries in major publications, such as and , frequently highlighted Going Back Home as a triumphant capstone to Johnson's career, emphasizing how the 2014 collaboration with Daltrey—originally conceived as a farewell project—achieved commercial success and underscored his enduring influence on British rock. The album experienced renewed attention posthumously, with streams and sales increasing in late 2022 as fans revisited Johnson's work amid the tributes, though exact figures were not publicly detailed. documentaries like Julien Temple's The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson (2015) were re-aired following his death, drawing new viewers to explore his life and the creative burst that led to Going Back Home. Commemorative events from 2023 onward further honored Johnson's legacy and the album's role in it. In January 2023, a tribute concert titled "All Through The City" took place at The Cricketers pub in Westcliff-on-Sea, featuring local bands performing Johnson's songs, including tracks from Going Back Home. November 2023 saw a dedicated tribute show to Johnson and Dr. Feelgood co-founder Lee Brilleaux by the Dutch pub rock band Down by the Jetty, which celebrated his riff-driven style central to the album. The biographical play Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'n' Roll, which incorporates Johnson's own words and music from his career—including references to his Daltrey collaboration—premiered at Southwark Playhouse in 2023, ran at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch in 2024, and transferred to Leicester Square Theatre in July 2025. In June 2025, rail operator c2c unveiled a train named in Johnson's honor, featuring imagery from his career and Going Back Home, as a permanent tribute running on the Southend line where he grew up. These efforts emphasized the emotional resonance of Johnson's final major project, portraying Going Back Home as a symbol of resilience and joy amid adversity.

References

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