Bristol folk icons, The Longest Johns, are continuing their latest project, Pieces of Eight; a series of eight 3-track EPs, released monthly through to October 2025. The releases began back in March, and are going swimmingly well.
Wanting to reconnect with their roots, the Band (Jonathan ‘JD’ Darley, Andy Yates, and Robbie Sattin) are sharing the powerful and historical songs of the sea they feel everyone should know.
"We started out around a kitchen table in Bristol, united by our love for these timeless songs," says co-founder JD. "Now, we’re excited to share that passion with fans across the globe.”
Born from late-night tour bus demo sessions while supporting Bellowhead on their 20th anniversary tour last November, these 24 tracks have been meticulously arranged and reimagined by the band amidst their extensive 2025 tours across Australia, the USA, the UK, and Europe.
Fans can look forward to a rich collection of shanties, keeping the spirit of maritime music alive and well.
As for that Pieces of Eight title?
Pieces of Eight are considered the world’s first global currency—Spanish dollars divided into eight segments, or ‘bits,’ used by sailors around the world. Two ‘bits’ made a quarter of a dollar, and they were legal tender in the USA until 1857.
We mentioned their touring schedule, and it brings them to Wavendon venue The Stables next Tuesday, June 17.
Support comes from Natalie Holmes. Get your ticket: https://stables.org/event/the-longest-johns
