AEG presents 

Chart topping folk group The Longest Johns are known the world over for their
rollicking harmonies and raucous energy that are blowing new wind into the sails of
traditional sea shanties and work songs.

Formed in 2012 across a kitchen table in their native Bristol, they bonded over a
passion for traditional maritime folk music, interwoven with a wry humour, a taste for
all things digital. and a flair for their own songwriting – ancient meets modern down
by the docks.

Constant gigging over land and sea, coupled with a rare command of social media
and a string of quality releases saw them build a devoted fanbase at home and
abroad. Their breakout moment came in 2021, when their rendition of ‘Wellerman’
went viral on TikTok, sparking the ‘Shanty Tok’ craze that became a global
resurgence in sea shanty music and saw the band sign to Decca Records.

This year, they have released their tenth album to round up the Pieces of Eight
project – an EP a month for eight months culminating in the 24-track compilation. In
the next 12 months they’ll continue to take folk music back to its roots by many
routes, playing more than 100 shows across the UK, Europe, North America and
Australia.

Their love of heritage and tradition runs deep – in 2024 they released the fan-funded
album Voyage with its companion book of original short stories, artwork and lyrics.
However, as digital natives and avid gamers, The Longest Johns were overjoyed to
play at the opening of the 2025 Pokémon Europe International Championships
where they debuted a new track, Face the World, written especially for the event. 

With a strong digital presence boasting over 500,000 YouTube subscribers and
nearly 700,000 monthly Spotify listeners, they’ve also released a 20-track album of
sea shanties digitally retooled in Chiptune, taken part in the annual Jingle Jam
hosted by gaming stream The Yogscast, and share their own video games on
YouTube and Twitch @LongestJohnsGaming.

The band have toured extensively across the UK, North America, and Europe, as
well as Australia and New Zealand. Their many highlights include selling out The
Troubadour in LA (where Elton John began his conquest of the USA nearly 20 years
before any of The Longest Johns was even born), performing at the late Queen's
birthday party at the British Embassy in Paris, and playing festivals from Glastonbury
to Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival. 

The Longest Johns are Jonathan ‘JD’ Darley, Andy Yates and Robbie Sattin.

Description

The 1865 stands as a significant cultural anchor within Southampton, a converted warehouse that has evolved into the city's premier independent venue for live events. Once a working men's club for the local dockers, its enduring presence now serves as a vital hub, drawing both established and emerging artists to the south coast and providing a dynamic space for community gatherings.

Inside, the venue retains a grounded character, with a spacious stage and a large mezzanine offering clear sightlines across the room. The rich, clear sound from the d&b audiotechnik system fills the air, while the subtle pattern of the carpet underfoot in the raised bar area adds a touch of unexpected comfort amidst the industrial aesthetic. Modern lighting rigs illuminate the space, creating an immersive atmosphere for every performance.

Practicality is well-considered, with two fully-stocked bars ensuring swift service and a range of respectfully priced drinks. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, with dedicated staff available to assist with specific requirements. While on-street parking is limited, several paid car parks are conveniently located nearby, though public transport is often the most straightforward option for event-goers.

Throughout the year, The 1865 hosts a diverse calendar of events. From vibrant club nights and live music spanning various genres to engaging comedy shows and theatrical performances, the venue also accommodates private functions, corporate gatherings, and celebratory occasions, reflecting its versatile role in the city's social fabric.