Ramshackle Bristol: Big Jeff praises 20-year reign of ‘legendary’ club night ahead of last event

Bristol’s gig-going legend Big Jeff says he’s saddened to hear of the loss of one of Bristol’s nightlife staples - but praised the popular club night for ‘running for two whole decades - a very good innings’.

Ramshackle Bristol announced today (Wednesday, January 12) that it would host its final event later this month - much to the devastation of party-goers across the city.

The closure of the event, which has been running at Bristol O2 Academy since the early 2000s, has been hailed as the ‘end of an era’ by its regulars.

Jeff Johns , also known as Big Jeff, is perhaps one of the most qualified people to comment on Bristol’s night scene after becoming prolific for attending ‘thousands’ of gigs at various venues across the city.

Jeff said he was ‘saddened’ to hear about the loss of such a popular club night, but added that he thought the fact it had been running for ‘such a long time’ should be celebrated.

He said: “It’s really quite wild that it’s been running every Friday night for 20 years.

“I know gig promoters who haven’t been going anywhere near that length of time.

“So many friendships and relationships will have been formed there over the years.

“I remember going there during my 20s, it was mostly mainstream indie music and a go-to for students.

“It’s been such a staple for Bristol nightlife.”

Jeff went on: “I think the way people is socialising is changing, due to Covid among other things.

“I’m not saying nightclubs will fall from popularity but there is a shift. It’s difficult to foresee.”

The last Ramshackle event will be held on Friday, January 28, with an act by hip-hop duo A1 x J1.

Tickets can be purchased for the event here.