Lee John Collinson was born in Durban, South Africa, to English parents,[2] was brought up in Ealing, and moved to Canvey Island with his family when he was 13.

[4] He got his stage name after his sweaty ruffled hair after a performance was compared to a Brillo Pad, but made the word sound more French like to add more "mystery".

In 2011, contemporary artist and Dr. Feelgood fan Scott King announced his intention to commemorate Lee Brilleaux by erecting a 300-foot gold-plated statue of the musician on the foreshore in Southend-on-Sea close to the legendary Kursaal where the band played some of their most important gigs.

[8][9] According to one obituary: "Brilleaux and Johnson developed a frantic act, often charismatically dressed in dark suits and loose ties, shabby rather than smart.

The rough, and almost ruthless, edge which ran through his vocal and harmonica style reflected the character and philosophy of the band.