Dr. Feelgood is a British pub rock band, formed in 1971. The classic line-u… Read Full Bio ↴Dr. Feelgood is a British pub rock band, formed in 1971. The classic line-up included Lee Brilleaux (b. 1953, d. 7 April 1994; vocals/harmonica), Wilko Johnson (b. John Wilkinson, 1947, d. 21 November 2022; guitar), John B. Sparks (b. 1953; bass) and John 'The Big Figure' Martin (drums).

Initially based in Canvey Island, Essex, on the Thames estuary, Dr. Feelgood broke into the London circuit in 1974. Brilleaux's menacing personality complemented Johnson's propulsive, jerky stage manner, while the guitarist's staccato style dominated the group's idiosyncratic brand of angular rhythm and blues.

Their debut album, Down By The Jetty, was released in 1974, but despite critical approbation, it was not until the following year that the quartet secured due commercial success with Stupidity. Recorded live in concert, this raw, compulsive set topped the UK charts and the group's status seemed assured. However, internal friction led to Johnson's departure during sessions for a projected fourth album and although his replacement, John 'Gypie' Mayo, was an accomplished guitarist, he lacked the striking visual image of his predecessor. Dr. Feelgood then embarked on a more mainstream direction which was only intermittently successful. 'Milk And Alcohol' (1978) gave them their sole UK Top 10 hit. After the punk explosion their raw, jerky sound and clean-cut image provided inspiration to the post-punk generation (John Lydon being a big fan).

Mayo left the band in 1981. Despite this, and various subsequent line-up changes, Dr. Feelgood continued touring and recording, although the band then suffered an almost career-finishing blow, when their frontman, Brilleaux, died of cancer on 7 April 1994. But, as Brilleaux had insisted prior to his demise, Dr. Feelgood reunited, initially with vocalist Pete Gage, and recommenced touring in 1996. Gage was replaced by Robert Kane who, celebrated his 1000th gig as the frontman of Dr. Feelgood in April 2007.

Following Brilleaux's death in 1994, a special concert known as the Lee Brilleaux Birthday Memorial was held on Canvey Island, where former and current Feelgoods celebrated the music of Dr. Feelgood, and raised money for The Fair Havens Hospice in Westcliff-on-Sea. Fans attended from all over the globe, and the 20th and final event was held on 9 May 2014.

Another Man
Dr. Feelgood Lyrics

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(Wilko Johnson)

I'm an easy going kind of man
I really am
But I can tell there's trouble close at hand
You know I can
Heard your name in town
You've been walking round

Acting like a clown
Then I'll understand
That you've got

Another man (8 x)

You can stay out anytime at night
Do what you like
Even come spoiling for a fight
But thats alright
I keep my cool before
But I just can't take no more
When I hear my best friend talking behind his hand
All about

Another man (8 x)

- Guitar Break -

I know you can rock me on the floor
Til I get sore
But just one of those little smiles of yours
And I want more
You got plenty of the things your daddy loves
But there's one thing that you've got that I just won't stand
I'm talking about

Another man (7 x)
Another man

Another man
Another man

Overall Meaning

In this song, Dr. Feelgood is warning a woman that he knows something's not right about her. He's generally an easygoing person, but he can sense some trouble is brewing when he hears her name being talked about in town. Despite the fact that she can stay out late or even pick a fight, Dr. Feelgood keeps his cool until he hears his best friend talking behind his hand about another man that the woman is seeing. This is the one thing he can't tolerate, as he's constantly reminded of the other man whenever he sees the woman's smile. The song is ultimately a warning to this woman that Dr. Feelgood is not going to be played for a fool and she needs to stop seeing the other man if she wants to be with him.

Line by Line Meaning