Craig Scott, 34, was slashed by a masked assailant during a random assault at The Station Bar in Stevenston, Ayrshire, on December 20 of last year.
He required 27 stitches for the severe facial injury sustained when the thug ripped his skin from his jaw to his chin.
He is now recounting his terrifying ordeal for the first time, following the sentencing of his attacker, Craig Byers, to 10 years in prison for the violent assault.
Byers, 34, was also found guilty of stabbing Craig’s friend. Recalling the events, Craig told the Daily Record: “I had seen the guy earlier in the evening for a couple of seconds when I was out getting a cigarette. He passed, spoke to my friend and then spoke to me.
“He told me he needed to go up the road because he had an electronic tag on and I said, ‘no worries, man, all the best for Christmas’. I shook his hand and off he went.
“Later on, he ran in with a balaclava on, slashed my friend at the bar, then slashed me on stage. He ran back out and the whole thing was over in about 30 seconds.
“It was incredibly frightening. It was mental and shocking for everyone. I had only one interaction with this individual in my life and I don’t know why he did what he did. I was thinking all sorts of stuff.
“Asking myself if I’d said something wrong in that tiny interaction, but I know for a fact I didn’t.”
The harrowing ordeal led Craig to take an almost four-month hiatus from performing, yet he has since mustered the courage to return to the limelight.
He said: “I was in the shadows for a couple of months and didn’t socialise. I had anxious fears over my appearance and that was difficult for me. I had to mentally build up to going back out on stage.
“I was always really nervous anyway, so it’s definitely hard at the moment. I’m basically putting on a brave face and faking my way through it, while feeling extremely overwhelmed.
“It takes a lot out of me, but I’ve had unbelievable support from many many people who have helped me through. I couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who has helped me and are continuing to help me rebuild some confidence.”
Commenting on Byers’ sentencing, Craig remarked: “I think that’s a fair sentence. I’m actually surprised it wasn’t longer, but I still wouldn’t wish it upon him. I’ve read about his other crimes and his track record.
“That makes me feel like he’s going to have his work cut out for him to keep the head for 10 years. Ideally, you want people to turn their lives around and be better. I just hope the system continues to work and actually rehabilitates him.”