Music / Festivals
Big Jeff given 6 Music pass as petition grows
It was close for a minute, but normal service has been resumed after the BBC agreed to let Big Jeff roam free around the 6 Music Festival.
Rumours spread this week that the man whose dancing silhouette is more famous than most bands on the Bristol circuit was not going to be attend Bristol’s biggest musical event of the year.
However, a petition signed by more than 2,000 people in 24 hours seems to have done the job, after the BBC told Bristol24/7 that Jeffrey Johns will indeed be on the guest list at every venue.
“Big Jeff is a local legend on the Bristol music scene, so we’re very pleased to be able to offer him a 6 Music Festival guest pass,” a statement from the festival said.
The petition, named “Get Big Jeff on the 6 Music Festival guest list in Bristol”, was launched on Thursday and soon picked up speed on social media, with a number of the performers at the festival targeted by campaigners through Twitter.
Lodged on change.org, the petition pointed out that “you know it’s a good gig when you see that mass of blonde curly hair bouncing around front and centre… He is a massive music enthusiast who goes to more local gigs in a month than most people do in five years. He’s also a lovely guy and all round good egg.”
Jeff revealed to Bristol24/7 that he will be DJing for the first time during the festival at the Louisiana. He said: “The petition was flattering, very flattering, but also a bit overwhelming. Because I’m DJing on Friday and Saturday night I’m unfortunately going to have to disappoint some of the bands anyway.”
Jeff has been to between five and seven gigs a week in Bristol for 13 years. Later this month he is due to be appearing in a video for New York band Augustines.
Read more: Preview: Bristol24/7 at the 6 Music Festival fringe
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