Seeing the Longest Johns live in Bristol

Image credit: Haus of Hiatus

Having worked with and alongside the entertainment industry, I was curious to see the ‘The Longest Johns’ live after hearing the ‘Shanty Tok’ craze that went viral during the pandemic.

If you’ve not heard of them, ‘The Longest Johns’ are a vocal group from Bristol, that came together through a shared passion for folk music, sea shanties, and maritime rock. Comprising of Andy Yates, Dave Robinson, Jonathan “JD” Darley, and Robbie Sattin, the quartet began their musical journey by performing traditional songs and their own original compositions. In 2013, they released their debut EP, Bones In The Ocean, followed by their first full-length album, Written In Salt, in 2016, which included the popular track "Drunken Sailor". Their second album, Between Wind And Water, was released in 2018.

From humble beginnings singing in a kitchen, The Longest Johns quickly gained recognition, performing at international folk festivals, touring, and making television appearances. Their unique blend of acapella harmonies and engaging storytelling captivated audiences.

In June 2020, they released their third album, Cures What Ails Ya, featuring the original song "Hoist Up The Thing", accompanied by a humorous video showcasing a ship made entirely of cardboard boxes. However, it was their rendition of the 19th-century folk song "Wellerman" that catapulted them to fame in early 2021. The song went viral on TikTok, entering the UK top 40 singles chart and becoming the anthem of the “Shanty Tok” craze. This newfound popularity led to a surge in followers across their social media platforms, establishing The Longest Johns as key figures in the sea shanty revival and bringing their music to millions of new fans worldwide.

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