“Spencer P Jones, guitarist, singer and prolific songwriter is seriously ill. He has performed live consistently for more than 30 years, but has not been able to work for several months due to his illness.
Author of catchy and poignant tales capturing Australia’s underbelly, driven by his signature guitar sound (Australian Guitar magazine rated Jones as one of Australia's Top 40 best guitarists), and delivered in his melodic but menacing snarl, his impact on the Australian and international rock scene is unsurpassed in this country.
Spencer came to prominence as guitarist, singer and songwriter with The Johnnys (a band so loved by Neil Young he said he wished he could bottle their sound and spirit) and as one part of inner-city swamp rock supergroup The Beasts of Bourbon. Moving out on his own with his 1994 debut Rumour of Death, Jones has gone on to release ten impeccably crafted albums in his own right .
Along his journey, Jones has also been a gun for hire with Paul Kelly, Chris Bailey and The General Dog, Maurice Frawley and The Working Class Ringos, The Sacred Cowboys, Ian Rilen's Hell To Pay, These Immortal Souls, and Shotgun Wedding. And then there’s the international connections - he has played with everyone from The Gun Club to Evan Dando, The Violent Femmes, Shotgun Rationale and Andre Williams as well as touring with members of Television and The Damned.
To support Spencer with the costs of his medical treatment, some of Australia’s finest rock musicians are coming together to celebrate the career of the axeman and master songwriter with benefit shows in Victoria and Western Australia. A great gig is being held on Sunday 20th March at Mojos Bar Freemantle and on Friday 15th April there is a once in a lifetime show at the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda.
If you are unable to attend one of the shows, but would like to contribute to help Spencer with his medical costs you can do so by donating to this fund.
Please support one of Australia’s musical treasures. ”
