"This is my Wembley stadium," Big Jeff joked after performing his first song live since May last year. Jeff Johns, 40, spoke frankly to the crowd that he was feeling exhausted but ecstatic to be back on stage at his 'home away from home', The Louisiana.
Bristol's most famous gig goer and local hero has been described as the essence of live music in human form by singer Nuha Ruby Ra, who he shared the stage with on Thursday evening. The drummer and artist had been invited as a support act with his band The Outlines as part of a string of events for Independent Music Week.
It can be tough to pull a crowd as the opening act, but people had turned up in full force to see Jeff's band with friend, Zach Hawthorn. The self-proclaimed 'nerd rockers' haven't played live since Jeff was badly injured in a fire at his home in June, which left him in hospital for treatment for almost six months.
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"I've been to hell and back," Jeff sang in one of his own songs, a lyric very moving to his situation over the last eight or so months. Not only has he had to relearn to play the drums but to walk and move after he was left with severe burns.
The duo's awkward yet charming stage presence seemed to grow in confidence as it filled the upstairs room of The Louie. They have a real DIY ethos, which is punky at times, with a very matter-of-fact approach to songwriting. Guitarist and lead singer Zach, admitted he was nervous to be back on stage again but seemed to take comfort by chatting with the crowd in between the songs.
"Thanks to the NHS for keeping him alive," Zach said. They dedicated a song to the nurses who went on strike this week against over fair pay and patient safety, as Zach criticised the prime minister highlighting how all the key workers "we clapped are suddenly striking". Jeff has previously spoken at length thanking the NHS staff for looking after him while he stayed at Morriston Hospital in Swansea and later Southmead Hospital.
The warmth for the duo was evident both on and off stage. The singer from the post-apocalyptic synth-pop band Head Noise - who performed after The Outlines - recalled gig memories with Big Jeff on stage in between several costume changes. The band, who were down a member from three to two, impressed with their energy and eccentricity, as well as an excellent cover of A Flock of Seagulls Telecommunication.
To end the night, the headline performance came from avant-pop artist Nuha Ruby Ra, whose hauntingly beautiful vocals were only made more eerie by flitting between two microphones, giving different intensities throughout the set. She had previously told BristolLive that she was very honoured to be sharing the stage with Jeff.
Nuha is destined for big things, having already toured with the likes of Yard Act and Warmduscher, but is already big in her own right having amassed a loyal online following. She commanded the room at the Louie and the crowd seemed more than willing to submit.
The line up was unusual but seemed to weirdly fit together, almost as an ode to Bristol's eclectic music scene that forms the legacy of the city. In the wake of Music Venue Trust's report calling to protect grassroots music venues, the performances seemed more pertinent than ever.
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