Bristol legend Big Jeff likely to remain in hospital for 'many months' after house fire

The family of Bristol music fan ‘Big Jeff’ Johns has issued an update on his condition after he was seriously injured in a house fire.

Jeff Johns, known as Big Jeff, was badly burnt in a fire when cooking at his Totterdown flat on June 6.

The 39-year-old is well known for attending most gigs in the city

He is still in hospital but regained consciousness over the weekend.

A statement from Jeff’s family and his art manager, Lee Dodds, said he is likely to remain in hospital for 'many months'.

The statement reads: "We are pleased to be able to share with you that Jeff has made some good progress with his recovery over the weekend. Jeff is now off the ventilator and is conscious.

“He is beginning to be able to receive the wonderful messages of love, support and goodwill - thank you. His condition still remains very serious and we ask you all to continue to keep Jeff in your thoughts.”

As well as being a popular fixture at Bristol gigs for many years, Big Jeff, is also a talented artist and launched his first exhibition in the city last year.

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

Jeff’s Welcome To My World exhibition in 2021 featured 34 artworks that challenged perceptions of anxiety.

The paintings, some of which had a musical influence, were created to instigate conversations about mental health and inspire people in similar situations to get creative themselves.

Jeff said at the time: “Art for me has been about expressing emotions I can’t explain another way. These paintings highlight my issues with hidden anxiety and mental health and the barrier these create.

“How people see me is one thing - but internally I sometimes feel completely different. I use art as a way of expressing things that aren’t always easy to discuss.

“My first painting was of a music artist called Raggs. The painting came together around a blurry photo I had taken at a gig - I began to paint an imaginary world around her image.”

At Glastonbury Festival, Bristol band Idles shared a tribute to Big Jeff, describing him as "everything we wish we represent".

Jeff’s family say there will be regular updates on his social channels @bigjeffjohnsart and his website.