They say you can’t keep a good man down, and critically-acclaimed Melbourne alt-country singer/songwriter Rich Webb is proof positive of that old adage, with new single ‘Brunswick St ‘arriving as his first piece of new music for 2023. ‘Brunswick St’ arrives just a few months after the release of his latest album, RIGHT!, with the uplifting, driving track presenting itself as an equally powerful ode to the Melbourne street which bears its name.

Armed with lyrics as nostalgic as they are contemporary, and backed by an instrumental that is punchy and exciting, ‘Brunswick St’ is something of a full circle moment for Rich as he pays tribute to the very same Fitzroy street that crafted and curated unforgettable memories in his early days in Melbourne, and has served as a warm homecoming with every return visit. Approaching his new music with a clearer vision of what he wants to accomplish, ‘Brunswick St’ sees Rich again working with his talented band, and this time taking a greater hand in the mixing process alongside Oh Mercy’s Rohan Sforcina. The end result is a track which is unapologetically Rich Webb, is close to his heart, and takes influence from the very bands and musicians that soundtracked his early years on Brunswick Street, including Magic Dirt, The Fauves, Kim Salmon, Chris Wilson and The Dead Salesmen.

In ‘Brunswick St’, Rich Webb has managed to capture something that is quite often overlooked in an age of over-processed material - authenticity. The track encapsulates everything about an old school Australian venue in one go - close your eyes, and take in the sticky floors, the beer-soaked shitty carpet on the well-worn stage, the aged backline that has acquired the right amount of grit to the tone, and all the faded denim, well-worn docs, and the slight smell of bourbon and stale cigarette smoke, ‘Brunswick St’ transports you to old school bar gigs where the crowd is earned, not bought.

To celebrate the release of ‘Brunswick St’, Rich has put together his top 5 gigs he has witnessed on the famous stretch in Fitzroy.

1. Chris Wilson – Punters Club

The front bar at the Punters was a hugely vibrant unwieldy institution; the main band room an incredible place to watch a band. That’s why the place was so ace and is remembered so fondly I reckon. I remember Chris Wilson’s voice more than anything from this show – or it could be shows, it was a while ago. A massive earthy baritone, rich and hugely alive. He could play the harp too, like we were drinking beer back then. I can’t remember whether we were supporting him or why I was there but I was a big fan of Crown of Thorns so it could have simply been that. I can still see the show now. He was wearing a grey coat, and when he finished I think we pestered him to play some harp on our next record, to which he was the consummate gentleman. I did get to play at a few shows with him after this too and he was always something else to watch and experience. A force of nature. An incredible artist.

2. Kim Salmon – Punters Club

One of the things about parachuting in from Blighty was that I came packing no background on the folks here. Kim was already well up the lkadder by this stage and playing a solo show with an electric guitar and a black leather jacket at the same venue. I was unaware of his immense capability and stumbled in. It was something indeed. He sang a song about a cockroach. Dapper looking fella whenever I’ve seen him in passing on the street too. Must have a good tailor.

3. Cookin’ on 3 Burners – Bar Open

I love a Hammond trio and am a big fan and friend of this band and drummer Ivan Khatchoyan in particular. It was upstairs at Bar Open, among the retro couches and retro wallpaper. I just popped up there to watch a few songs and maybe to say hello to Ivan, but there was something about the eve that ended up being pure magic. It was brilliant music at the right place, at the right time. Mesmerising. Unforgettable. All three of the burners are fabulous, and when they are cooking they are as good as anyone on the planet. One of the few local bands I know – in fact the only local band I know – who have topped the charts in the UK and Europe and that you can still find, sometimes, out playing smaller places. They deserve all of it.

4. Davey Lane and Nic Cester – Workers Club

Talking about rock stars, Nic Cester and Jet were right at the peak of their ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ prime. I was out and about on Brunswick St for a Sunday arvo beer and ended up at The Workers Club at the top end of the drag where the gem that is Davey Lane was kicking out a few tunes with a band. Must have been 20-25 in there tops, perfect for a front bar lig. Davey was sounding good and then Nic Cester stepped up to sing a couple, including an absolutely gorgeous ‘Look what you’ve done’. For a few minutes there it felt like we were in the centre of the rock and roll universe right there on the main Brunswick St drag.

5. Kerryn Fields – Labour in Vain

While places like the Punters Club have closed, others like The Evelyn keep rolling through. There have been additions too. One of my faves is the Labour in Vain, which looks like it’s been there forever but apparently re-opened as a pub about 25 years ago. It’s lush, woody and patinaed – a lovely spot to see live music. Last time I was there was to catch a show by the fabulous Kiwi singer-songwriter Kerryn Fields. Kerryn was with a cracking band and commanded the room. It was a midweek evening show and I was flying solo. I got to chat to a few folks there, had a couple of fine brews, enjoyed an evening of very cool tunes and got to walk home. I love living around here!

Rich Webb’s ‘Brunswick St’ is out now on all streaming platforms.