Legendary Bristol gig-goer Big Jeff Johns seriously injured in house fire

Jeff “Big Jeff” Johns – the legendary Bristol-based gig-goer and music fan – has been seriously injured in a fire at his home.

A statement shared on social media said: “Jeff Johns, known to all as Big Jeff, has been very seriously injured in a fire at his home in Bristol. He is in a specialist burns unit in Swansea in a stable condition.

“His family have asked for people to keep Jeff in their thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. His friends have set up a playlist on Spotify ‘Play a record for Big Jeff’.”

Johns is famed for being Bristol’s most frequent and prolific gig-goer, having memorably attended shows every night of the week at venues across the city before coronavirus-enforced lockdown hit in March 2020.

“Jeff Johns, known to all as Big Jeff, has been very seriously injured in a fire at his home in Bristol. He is in a specialist burns unit in Swansea in a stable condition. His family have asked for people to keep Jeff in their thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.” pic.twitter.com/vy7WAECkd1

— Big Jeff Johns Art (@BigJeffJohnsArt) June 13, 2022

He is also considered to be one of the city’s most respected baromoters of musical taste – with his attendance at a show widely considered to be a ringing endorsement for the band performing.

Sending well-wishes to Johns, fellow gig-goer Minty’s Gig Guide wrote: “I love you mate. I love you so much & will of course pray for you every single night. You are a fighter & a wonderful, kind soul. Everyone is here for you. I’m here for you. Just like you were for me.”

BBC Radio Bristol host Laura Rawlings added: “Thoughts and prayers with you big man. Sending love and hoping you get the best care x.”

Last year, Johns launched his first ever art exhibition. Welcome To My World  saw him collaborating with the likes of folk singer Gaelynn Lea Tressler and the Bristol trumpeter Pete Judge.