Brian Krumm and His Barfly Friends is a project led by Brian Krumm, front man for Chicago’s Americana-noir group The Great Crusades. The band’s debut album, Just Fade Away, was recorded with members of his regular band as well as a who’s who of Chicago music scene notables, with Crusader Christian Moder producing. Just Fade Away was released by Chicago’s Pravda Records. Influences like Robyn Hitchcock, the Jayhawks, Warren Zevon, and Dylan shine through all the material on Just Fade Away with Krumm’s storytelling at the forefront. The single “City That Care Forgot,” an ode to New Orleans, debuted on Pravda Records in May 2025.  

The lineup of the Barfly Friends includes Jessie Hotaling (vocals), Brian Hunt (bass), Brian Leach (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Krumm, and Christian Moder (drums, vocals), with a rotating cast of special guests from the Chicago music scene sitting in frequently.