The Dead Salesmen are a band from mid-90s Ballarat and chances are if you love the band you’re also from that frosty township. As a result, this gig – their last ever – was filled with warmth and love for this band and filled with people from “Rat City”.

Kicking off proceedings was another native of Ballarat, Matheson. Sometimes an full outfit, tonight Aaron James Matthews threshed through a solo set of solid rock and folk tunes. He might have benefited from the momentum of a band, but the crowd was happy enough with this humble solo performance of twanging acoustic guitar and raw, honest vocals.

The low-key mood was to be continued by Augie March frontman Glenn Richards showing off his new solo set but unfortunately, he was a late omission from the line-up. And so on staggered “MC Eric”, announcing in completely bewildering fashion: “don’t call it a comeback: I came on your thigh. Ladies & gentlemen, the Dead Salesmen!”

Through the haze of smoke, pink lights and bubbles, The Dead Salesmen appeared to what was the definition of a hero’s welcome, as all those warm-hearted diehards erupted in cheers. They looked happy to be there, as did the crowd. Such a warm reception could only evolve from years of dedication and honesty to their craft and their audience, all of which shimmered through their set.

The Dead Salesmen write songs straight from the gut and such unpretentious music can do wonders in the hands of a skilled craftsman. Justin “Hap” Haywood fits this bill beautifully and, though his stage moves peaked at a vigorously rhythmic head-scratch, he has personality and directness to capture hearts. Sometimes this came across with intensity and aggression, as in Hey Lovers, and at times with level sensitivity, like in Kill It. A number of the songs (both of these for instance) could easily, with a bit of luck, have been hits of the day.

The crowd was behind the band at each step in the way, through punk frenzies, mournful ballads and ever-thoughtful lyrics. Though words like “you won’t remember me, Wendouree” have a special currency if you’re from Ballarat, this night proved that the Dead Salesmen are a band worthy love well beyond the Ballarat city limits.