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Richie Lewis

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Interview with
RICHIE LEWIS
from
TUMBLEWEED

(September 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the full interview below:

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It’s always a joy to sit down with Richie Lewis, frontman of the legendary Australian fuzz-rock outfit Tumbleweed. Richie has been a fixture of the Wollongong music scene for more than 35 years, and whether it’s with Tumbleweed or through new collaborations, his passion for authenticity and storytelling continues to shine.

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The Origins of Tumbleweed

Formed in Wollongong in the early ‘90s, Tumbleweed grew out of the ashes of The Proton Energy Pills. Richie, Lenny and Jay teamed up with Paul and Steven (from The Unheard) and together sparked a sound that fused punk energy with Sabbath-like heaviness.

“Once we slowed everything down and realised it was heavier, that became our sound,” Richie recalled. “Lots of fuzz, wah-wah, and a bit of melody on top.”

The band quickly made their mark with early EPs like Weedseed and Theatre of Gnomes, before signing with Atlantic Records and releasing their self-titled debut. They followed up with Galactophonic (1995), Return to Earth, and Mumbo Jumbo before taking a decade-long break in 2000.

A triumphant return at the 2010 Homebake Festival reignited their spark, leading to Sounds From the Other Side (2013), singles like Shadowland and Patchouli Girl, and their 2023 best-of compilation Killer Weed.

Keeping the Flame Alive

While the line-up has remained largely intact over the decades, the passing of bassist Jay in 2008 was a huge loss. Richie admits Jay is still very much part of the band: “I feel that he’s never far away… I’d leave a spot for him on stage. We talk about him, remember his stories, and keep that memory alive.”

Celebrating Neil Young

Most recently, Richie has stepped into a new project: fronting a Neil Young celebration alongside a powerhouse band that includes Jeff Martin and Shane Nicholson. What started as a one-off challenge has become a deeply rewarding experience: “I can’t sing like Neil, but I can tell the stories the way they’re meant to be told. It’s been a real lesson in sitting back, letting the ensemble shine, and finding authenticity in the performance.”

With sold-out shows and glowing feedback, it’s clear this collaboration has struck a chord — and Richie hints he’d happily do it again.

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Looking Ahead

Richie confirms that Tumbleweed has fresh material in the works, with six songs already recorded and more writing sessions on the horizon. A new release in 2026 is the aim. Beyond music, Richie is also keen to write — possibly even a book — and to keep pursuing experiences that feed his creativity.

His advice for young artists is simple but powerful:

– Be authentic
– Build your own niche and network
– Push yourself creatively, just beyond your comfort zone.
 – Don’t chase fame — it’s fleeting. Love what you do.

The Man Behind the Music

Our chat touched on Richie’s personal loves too: Bowie as his dream collaboration, The Stooges’ debut as his favourite album, and Wizard of Oz as the childhood film that still captures his imagination. He has a soft spot for Japanese food, a good Shiraz, and his favourite tattoo — a lightning bolt intertwined with a snake, inspired by Aboriginal stories of the Wollongong escarpment.

But perhaps what resonates most is Richie’s grounded outlook on life: “I’ve never been a real big breadhead. I’ve always had gratitude for life, people, and experiences. Authenticity is what matters.”

Final Word

With decades of history behind him and new projects ahead, Richie Lewis continues to embody the spirit of Australian rock — resilient, authentic, and always evolving. Whether fronting Tumbleweed, paying tribute to Neil Young, or collaborating on international projects, Richie’s passion is undimmed.

Catch him while you can — because as he says, life is about new experiences, and Richie is making the most of every one.

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Follow TUMBLEWEED
Facebook – Twitter – Spotify

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Watch the full interview below:

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Live Review (below) HERE

CELEBRATING NEIL YOUNG
featuring
RICHIE LEWIS (Tumbleweed)
+ SHANE NICHOLSON
+ JEFF MARTIN (The Tea Party)
@ The Gov, Adelaide,
11th September 2025
(Live Review)

Review by Colin Reid

Photos by Michael Selge (@oz.craftypics)

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Check out Michael Selge’s (@oz.craftypics) full gallery of this event HERE

Check out Jill Hodges’ (@live_music_shoots_photography) full gallery of the Sydney event HERE

Check out Alec Smart’s (@alecsmart_fotos) full gallery of the Brisbane event HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB