The Longest Johns

The Longest Johns bring their rousing shanties and tight three‑part harmonies to The Leeds Irish Centre in Leeds on 17 May 2026. Formed in Bristol around a kitchen table in 2012, the trio have carved a place for maritime folk that swings between unaccompanied voices and stripped‑back acoustic arrangements. On stage, they lean into call‑and‑response, work songs and ballads, mixing tradition with originals that tell stories of life at sea.

Catapulted into the spotlight when their version of Wellerman spread across TikTok in 2021, they’ve since kept the focus on the craft: songs drawn from the folk canon alongside self‑penned numbers like Bones in the Ocean. Recent releases have shown their range, from the Pieces of Eight project — eight EPs compiled into a 24‑track set — to Voyage, a fan‑funded album exploring heritage and storytelling.

Expect a set that moves from stomped rhythms to close‑knit choruses, inviting the room to sing along. The Longest Johns are Jonathan “JD” Darley, Andy Yates and Robbie Sattin. Support on the night comes from Seán Dagher.