Mike Rudd & George Butrumlis - Story Teller - NOV 21 - 2026

The Story Teller Series continue in November with the Incredible Mike Rudd (best known for writing Spectrum's huge hit - I'll Be Gone), teaming up with supremely talented George Butrumlis.

Many, many years ago Rudd himself would’ve seen this as an unlikely combination, but the pairing of vintage prog-rocker Mike Rudd with piano-accordionist George Butrumlis has been a fact on Melbourne’s live scene for some years now and demands wider attention.

In any case, George’s experience with bands like the Black Sorrows, Zydeco Jump, The Purple Dentists and Raga Dolls, plus the fact he was an ardent Spectrum fan back in the day, tells you that he’s eminently qualified to join Mike in this reappraisal of Ruddy songs as played by his famous bands like Spectrum, The Indelible Murtceps and Ariel.

It’s been fascinating to watch and listen to Mike Rudd’s evolution from a strictly ‘rock-band guy’ wielding his trademark white Strat, (he still performs round Melbourne with his bands, Spectrum and The Indelibles) to a relaxed singer/songwriter/raconteur. It turns out the new-old Mike Rudd is more chatty than he used to be, which is appropriate as there are so many stories about the writing of his songs and the many characters he’s played alongside that you’ll enjoy hearing.

Rather than the Fender Strat, Rudd sports a shiny Eastman AR 372 guitar that looks like a jazz guitar but can play dirty as well. Rudd still plays blues harp and is still tootling the same ancient wooden recorder he played on Spectrum’s first album, adding the tonal colouring he craves.

There are the versions of Rudd’s singles of course, like the most famous of all Rudd’s songs, I’ll Be Gone (Someday I’ll have money), The Indelible Murtceps’ Esmeralda and Ariel’s Jamaican Farewell, as well as material drawn from the albums, Spectrum Part One and the double, Milesago, The Indelible Murtceps’ cheeky Warts Up Your Nose, Ariel’s earthshaking first release A Strange Fantastic Dream and the Abbey Road album, Rock & Roll Scars.

There are newer songs too, from the Living on a Volcano CD and Breathing Space series of EPs rubbing crotchets with the occasional blues standard - Rudd maintains that the blues was his first love, after-all.

The combination of Rudd’s voice and guitar with George’s educated, but always empathetic piano accordion is something to be savoured. It’s an unexpected blend, but perhaps typical of Rudd’s quirky vision and all part of the less-travelled Ruddy path.

Join us for this very special opportunity to hear not only the songs, but the stories behind them in this intimate setting.

(Bar open from 3pm)

Show Doors open for diners at 6PM
Last meal orders taken at 7:45pm
(desserts, coffees & cake available later)
Arrive no later that 8PM
Groups will be assigned tables as best as possible

Enquiries via 9754-3665

Additional parking in surrounding streets and on Burwood Hwy at the Sherbrook Family & Children's Centre.