Port Phillip Council has unveiled a heartfelt double tribute to one of Australian rock’s most revered figures, with the naming of Jonesy Lane and the launch of a striking new mural celebrating the life and legacy of late singer-songwriter Spencer P Jones.
An unnamed laneway, just steps from Fitzroy Street, has officially been renamed Jonesy Lane – a nod to the affectionate nickname used by Jones’ close friends and collaborators. Nearby, a mural commissioned by Port Phillip Council bears his image, ensuring his presence remains etched into the streets of the neighbourhood he called home.
Jones lived for many years in nearby Jackson Street and often walked the laneway connecting to Fitzroy Street, an iconic destination synonymous with live music and venues such as the Prince Bandroom. In 2018, the Prince hosted a benefit concert for Jones that brought together an extraordinary lineup of Australian music royalty, including The Drones, Paul Kelly, Renee Geyer, The Johnnys, Tex Perkins and Charlie Owen, Adalita and Tim Rogers.
The laneway naming was proposed by long-time St Kilda music promoter Nick Haines, who put forward Spencer P Jones Lane. While Geographic Names Victoria was unable to approve the full name, it supported Jonesy Lane, embracing the nickname synonymous with the much-loved musician. The proposal received strong community backing and follows other Council tributes, including Seekers Way and Rowland S Howard Lane in St Kilda and Hester Way in Elwood, named for Crowded House drummer Paul Hester.
Mayor Alex Makin said the latest tribute reflects the Council’s pride in Port Phillip’s music heritage and its future as Victoria’s first declared Live Music Precinct.
“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,” Cr Makin said.
“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.”
St Kilda Ward Councillor Serge Thomann said the recognition was deeply fitting.
“By naming this lane in honour of Spencer P Jones, we recognise a singular voice in Australian music and a cherished member of the St Kilda community,” Cr Thomann said. “Known to many as Jonesy, his music carried the grit, heart and restless spirit of this place. His influence endures – etched not only in song, but now in the very streets of the neighbourhood he lived in and the venues he performed at.”
Acclaimed street artist Ling, who previously painted nearby murals of Renee Geyer and Rowland S Howard, was commissioned to create the mural of Jones. The chosen image captures an iconic and intimate portrait of the musician.
Jones’ impact on Australian music was vast. After moving from New Zealand to Australia, he became a key member of seminal bands including The Johnnys, Beasts of Bourbon, Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls, Sacred Cowboys, and many more. Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie once described him as “the Keith Richards of Australia, without the stardom.”
From the mid-1990s, Jones also pursued an uncompromising solo career, forming bands such as Spencer P Jones & The Last Gasp, The Escape Committee, Cow Penalty and The Nothing Butts, continuing to perform with fierce originality and integrity.
Former bandmate Paul Kelly welcomed the honour.
“Spencer loved music – he was endlessly enthusiastic and generous with his knowledge,” Kelly said. “He was a wonderful mentor to younger musicians, a great songwriter, and he played guitar like nobody else.”
In June 2018, Jones was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. He passed away in Melbourne on 21 August 2018, aged 61.
Spencer P Jones may be gone—but in St Kilda, Jonesy lives on.
