Iconic New Orleans band DOWN have dropped a surprise cover of Dr. John’s funk classic “Right Place, Wrong Time” , just in time for Mardi Gras, complete with a festive new music video.
Originally released in 1973 as part of Dr. John’s In the Right Place album, the song became the biggest hit of his career and remains a cornerstone of New Orleans musical culture. DOWN’s gritty, swamp-soaked reinterpretation pays homage not only to the late legend, but also to his appearances on The Midnight Special, the influential late-night performance show that aired throughout the ’70s.
The video, shot last March by Mike Holderbeast, leans fully into the Mardi Gras spirit while nodding directly to Dr. John’s original vibe.
Vocalist Philip H. Anselmo explains:
“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!”
DOWN’s unmistakable lineup, Anselmo alongside guitarists Pepper Keenan and Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower, and bassist Pat Bruders, brings their trademark sludge-metal weight to the track without losing its soulful roots.
Formed in New Orleans in the mid-’90s, DOWN first made waves with their platinum debut NOLA, later followed by fan favorites like Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow, Down III: Over the Under, and Down IV. Members’ collective résumés include Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and EyeHateGod, making DOWN one of heavy music’s most formidable supergroups.
The band also confirmed they’re working toward new material, with more updates expected in the coming months.
Watch DOWN’s cover of “Right Place, Wrong Time” now on YouTube.