Bristol's most famous gig goer is set to return to the stage with his own band for the first time since his accident. 'Big Jeff' Johns has been confirmed to play with The Outlines at Independent Venue Week in Bristol, a UK-wide festival that celebrates grassroots music venues.
Jeff, who plays the drums, and bandmate Zach Hawthorn have been confirmed as the support act for avant-pop artist Nuha Ruby Ra at The Louisiana on February 2. It will be the first time the band have performed live since Jeff was badly burned in a fire at his home in June last year, which left him in hospital for treatment for almost six months.
Big Jeff described his first rehearsals behind the drumkit as "interesting" and is still grappling with burns on his hands. He added that the band "can't wait to get on stage" again in February, having last played at Dot To Dot Festival 2022 last May.
Read more: Big Jeff discharged from hospital almost six months after house fire
Speaking on Independent Venue Week, Big Jeff said: "Independent venues are vital because they offer people access to the stage and allow people to form communities and develop future ideas. To me, they are like churches.
"Being offered a support slot by the amazing Nuha Ruby Ra, especially personally, is just brilliant – bring it on! I saw her play for the first time in 2021 at Green Man Festival when she opened up the Mountain Stage. She’d won the previous year’s Rising Star competition.
"My band, The Outlines, had their first rehearsal last week which was interesting. I kept dropping my sticks because my hands had lotion on where I’m still treating my injuries. But we’re rehearsing again and we just can’t wait to get on stage and open for Nuha Ruby Ra for Independent Venue Week."
Nuha said she was "beyond thrilled to share that Big Jeff and The Outlines" in Bristol. The London-based artist, who has hundreds of thousands of plays on Spotify, said: "Seeing this beautiful friend at my shows, other people’s shows, festivals, anywhere really makes me feel I’m definitely in a good place.
"[Jeff's] the essence of live music in human form! I’m so grateful he’s healing and can be with us again. So goes without saying, I’m very honoured we’ll be sharing a stage at IVW. Love you, Jeff."
Tickets are on sale now for Nuha Ruby Ra and The Outlines for £11. Independent Venue Week kickstarts on January 30 until February 5 to shine a spotlight on local venues and their importance to UK culture, with dozens of cities taking part.
Ambassadors for the festival include Radiohead drummer Philip Selway, Beabadoobee, Young Fathers and Adwaith, and partners include BBC Radio 6 Music, Arts Council England and See Tickets. Speaking on Jeff, IVW founder Sybil Bell said: "If you want to sum up why independent venues and Independent Venue Week are so special and so important, it’s this.
"Big Jeff is such a huge part of our family and one of the catalysts for us setting up Independent Venue Community, of which he is also one of our first ambassadors. We invited Nuha Ruby Ra to play the tenth-anniversary IVW launch event in London last October, one of the most exciting new artists of last year.
"Seeing them come together for this show, in Jeff’s hometown as he continues his amazing recovery from his accident is not only heart-warming but his band, The Outlines, fully deserve the chance to take to the stage. Nuha opening up the support slots on social media shows just how much a community can be formed and come together to create the most memorable nights of your life."
There are nine shows in Bristol as part of this festival, including gigs at Strange Brew and Mr Wolfs. IVW allows artists, audiences and the wider music business to recognise the vital role these hundreds of independent-owned venues play in the industry and local community across the UK.
Independent Venue Week is from January 30 to February 5 across multiple venues
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