Interview: Big Jeff

By Resonate | November 13, 2020

Words by Kris Griffiths

Photos by Ruby Lawrence

It’s been seven months since COVID-19 swept our nation giving ardent music fans little opportunity for amusement. Many people failed to recognise the full impact of lockdown, and its full impact was arguably only felt after the prolonged starvation of things we had always believed were constants. It’s only then did we realise our true loss. When I sat down to ask Bristol’s biggest live music enthusiast Jeffrey Johns, AKA Big Jeff, of his experiences and perceptions of lockdown and its effect on both himself and the wider ecosystem, I knew that I was asking for a unique perspective. A man who can be consistently found at the front of any given gig on any given night, Jeff embodies the vitality of the Bristol music scene, and his wisdom and experience is unrivalled. Getting his perspective at this time was an insight into a world we are all missing.

In an interview with The Bristol Post in April, you said, “A summer without festivals is a bleak thought”. Just how accurate was your prediction?

Jeff: Accurate, but then again inaccurate. It made me reflect on things in a different way. You’ve got to look at both sides. It’s given me the opportunity to do some things I never thought I’d end up doing, such as a conversation series I’ve been doing with artists for Independent Venue Week.

How did that come about?

J: At the Independent Venue Week launch, Adrian Utley was running late and they needed to fill some time so they asked me, “Would you like to be interviewed by Sean Keaveny?” It all stemmed from that really and then they took me on. The show happens on Thursdays at 5pm.

Is that all you’ve done to occupy yourself without live music?

J: I’ve definitely bought more records than last year, and I’ve been painting a lot. I recently painted an album cover for International Venue Week’s compilation. 

What are your inspirations for painting?

J: There’s a character called Joff Winterhart who’s a really amazing graphic novelist. He’s an illustrator who I’d see at shows with this little sketch pad and he’d draw the artists lighting quick.

What has been the biggest obstacle of lockdown?

J: One thing I’ve missed is being able to openly hug people. I’ve had a couple of hugs, but I didn’t need them at the time. I miss sharing the experience, music means a lot to me”

Would you say that music is a dedication for you?

J: It’s more of an obsession really. There came a point when my entire diary was planned around gigs I was attending.

Have you been to any gigs since the peeling back of restrictions?

J: Yeah, I’ve been to a fair few. One thing I’ve realised is I depend on live music to help me be around people as I still find some social situations quite intimidating. During Covid, places that offered me a safe spot were great, especially places like The Lanes who’ve  been doing fantastic socially distanced shows on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays hosting a variety of great local artists.

Are there any unforeseen challenges you’ve faced while attending gigs?

J: It’s a weird challenge for people who are isolated, but I’m really lucky I have a gig bubble of five or six people who sometimes book a table for me and offer me a seat, so I can know for certainty if I’m going to the gig 100 per-cent yes or 100 per-cent no. I’m a bit cheeky, sometimes they let me in on the side.

How different is the vibe of a local show now compared to January? 

J: I think everyone is in the same bracket. Obviously, the performers haven’t been playing for six or seven months, and then the audience haven’t been to a show for a long time, so everybody has to get used to these new social rules. I still dance, but I dance in my seat.

Whatever your opinion on the pandemic, the guidelines set in place are to be adhered to with the hope that we can reach normality again. Do you have any words for those who choose to flaunt rules?  

J: I know it’s really difficult, and it’s really strange, but we’ve got to try to stick to the guidelines. I know venues, now they’ve received their funding, are opening again, but it’s going to take a long time to get back to normality. I can understand why some people might not respect the restrictions, but we’ve got to have patience.

Any recommendations for the people?

J: You’ve gotta hear Ibibio Sound Machine, they’re great. If you like noisy, post-punk, Ganser, from Chicago had an album called Just Look At That Sky. They’re kinda like Elbow, but a female-fronted version with a really great sound and sharp lyrics. What I try to pick up on when first I listen is rhythm, rhythm is a big thing for me. Their rhythms… I can’t really describe, but I can’t not dance.

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