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Spencer P Jones Honoured With St Kilda Laneway & Mural

Mary Varvaris

Eight years after his passing, Jones is being honoured with Jonesy Lane and the launch of a striking new mural celebrating his musical legacy.

Spencer P Jones' family, friends and former bandmates at the launch of Jonesy Lane
Spencer P Jones' family, friends and former bandmates at the launch of Jonesy Lane(Credit: Supplied)
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New Zealand-born, Australian-based musician Spencer P Jones will be immortalised with a laneway and mural in the heart of Melbourne, the Port Phillip Council announced on Thursday (30 April).

Jones passed away following a diagnosis of terminal liver cancer in Melbourne in 2018. Best known for his work playing guitar with Beasts of Bourbon, Paul Kelly, and The Johnnys, he was always keen on starting new projects, joining forces with The Drones and Tropical Fuck Storm’s Gareth Liddiard and Fiona Kitschen to form Spencer P Jones and the Nothing Butts in 2012.

Eight years after his passing, Jones is being honoured with Jonesy Lane and the launch of a striking new mural celebrating his musical legacy.

The laneway was previously unnamed and located just steps from Fitzroy Street. And there’s a mural nearby that depicts the musician, preserving the life he led in St Kilda, often heading to music venues such as the Prince Bandroom.

That same venue honoured Jones with a benefit concert in 2018, hosting an incredible line-up of Australian music royalty, including The Drones, Paul Kelly, Renée Geyer, The Johnnys, Tex Perkins, Charlie Owen, Adalita and Tim Rogers.

Longtime St Kilda music promoter Nick Haines initially proposed that the laneway be named Spencer P Jones Lane. While Geographic Names Victoria didn’t approve the full name, they gave the OK to Jonesy Lane.

Local Councils have previously paid tribute to homegrown talents with the likes of Seekers Way and Rowland S Howard Lane in St Kilda, while over in Elwood, Crowded House’s Paul Hester is remembered with Hester Way.

“Rated by Australian Guitar Magazine as one of our nation’s Top 40 best guitarists, Spencer P Jones was revered not only for his immense talent, but for his generosity,” said Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin.

Makin continued, “His willingness to encourage and support other artists earned him the title ‘the gentleman of Australian rock ’n’ roll’. He shaped Australia’s punk, garage and rock ’n’ roll scenes and touched countless lives. We’re proud to honour his legacy through this laneway and mural.”

The mural was painted by acclaimed artist Ling, who’s also paid tribute to the likes of Renée Geyer and Rowland S Howard.

Former bandmate Paul Kelly said of the Council’s tribute, “Spencer loved music - he was endlessly enthusiastic and generous with his knowledge. He was a wonderful mentor to younger musicians, a great songwriter, and he played guitar like nobody else.”