WILKO Johnson will make an emotional return to the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival which opens in Colne tomorrow night.

The former Dr Feelgood guitarist has personally requested to play at the 24th festival just months after announcing he was to stop touring due to being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

And as well as playing the main international stage at the Muni on Monday, the legendary guitarist will be making a second appearance with rising band The 45s.

He will joing the young Carlisle outfit fot their set on the British stage at Pendle Leisure Centre before moving up the road to the Muni to play his own set.

And WIlko will be presenting The 45s guitarist Tom Hamilton with one of his Fender Telecaster signature guitars – one of only 100 to be made.

Tom and Wilko’s relationship goes back a couple of years when the then 14-year-old blagged his way backstage at a gig in Kendal. Wilko thought he was just a fan and after giving him his autograph said that Tom could ask him a question. Tom asked about his playing technique and Wilko handed him his Telecaster saying show me how you do it? This turned into a masterclass in Wilko’s playing style and a jamming session, while fans waited outside.

Tom then sent Wilko a 45s demo CD which Wilko liked and when a tour date in Carlisle was announced for November last year, Wilko invited The 45s to be his guests for the evening and support him. On the announcement of Wilko’s terminal illness the Carlisle gig was cancelled and Tom and the band thought they had lost their opportunity to play with one of their icons.

However, when Wilko’s farewell tour was announced, the 45s were invited to open the show in Glasgow.

The 45s’ auditioned for the festival’s Jessica Foxley stage and blew the judges away with their performance, little knowing that they would have the chance to appear with their hero.