Mardi Gras. For so long, it’s been seen by non-New Orleans folks as an excuse to get wasted, see some titties, and collect colorful beads while parties happen all over the place. In reality, it’s got religious overtones linked to the Christian concepts of Lent and Easter.
This year, however, it’s also linked to the release of a new cover by the supergroup Down. Rather than go rock or metal with it, they opted to cover a local hero of theirs, Dr. John and his song “Right Place, Wrong Time”. Known as an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, Dr. John was more about blues, funk, jazz, and R&B than anything else — so basically a departure from Down’s sound.
Still, the dudes took a chance and released the single and accompanying music video. Speaking of the video, it was apparently shot last March and pays homage to Dr. John’s various appearances on the late-night musical variety show The Midnight Special.
As someone that grew up with Dr. John in their lives, vocalist Phil Anselmo explained why the band opted to do such a niche cover.
“Dr. John’s ‘Right Place, Wrong Time’ is probably one of the first songs I ever learned or knew of as a kid. We grew up in the French Quarter and Dr. John’s music was everywhere. Recording this song was something that I always wanted to do and I’m happy that I did it with DOWN. The video was an absolute blast to make. Even my mom is in it! Because of her, I know Dr. John’s music very well.”
There’s been a lot of talk that 2026 will be the year we get a new Down record. Though we haven’t heard anything seriously concrete from anyone in the Down camp, here’s hoping we’ll get some more traditional Down in the near future.
DOWN Live:
6/03/2026 Sweden Rock Festival – Norje, SE
6/05/2026 Mystic Fest Poland – Gdańsk, PL
6/21/2026 Hellfest – Clisson, FR
10/03/2026 Aftershock – Sacramento, CA
10/24/2026 Sick New World Texas – Fort Worth, TX