As we dare to imagine a world where a successful vaccine ushers us back into the electrifying embrace of live music, one artist stands out as my constant companion on that journey: Johnny Dowd. Over the years, I’ve seen him more times on stage than anyone else. I recall one unforgettable trek from Bristol all the way up to The Band Room—hands down, the greatest small venue on earth, at least according to the discerning Hanson Family—nestled deep in the wild beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors. And who could forget the raw magic of his show at The Thunderbolt in Bristol on October 19th, 2016? Pure joy from start to finish.

If Johnny Dowd’s name doesn’t ring a bell, prepare yourself: his music defies easy categorization. Call him a maverick, if you like. Imagine a potent cocktail brewed from the wild genius of Zappa and Beefheart, the gravelly storytelling of Tom Waits and Nick Cave, then add a hefty splash of dry, wry humor—thrown into a blender on full speed and left spinning unattended. The result? Something utterly unique, darkly compelling, and impossible to forget.

Among his many releases, I always find myself returning to No Regrets (2012)—an album that feels like a weathered road map through shadowy tales and sly smiles, where every track resonates long after the last note fades.