The Whitlams frontman, who has just released the first new single for the band in 14 years, says it gave him the perfect opportunity to get back into the flow of songwriting

"All the weddings were cancelled so I could actually enjoy the house to myself for once," he said from his base in the NSW Northern Rivers.

It was a productive time for Freedman, not only giving him the space to write, but also to get into the studio. He and the band did some recording in pandemic mode at Rockinghorse Studios, one band member in the studio at a time.

The new single, The Ballad of Bertie Kidd, is the first of those recordings to be released - a six-minute crime caper based on one of the failed escapades of one of Australia's most notorious criminals, Bertie Kidd.

Freedman says it's his version of a tale of that's long done the rounds of Australian pubs.

"People have gossiped about this for years," he said. "When you talk about hopeless criminals, this one always comes up."

The song reveals the tale of four blokes, who in 1988, put their balaclavas on too early en route to an art gallery heist. Looking rather suspicious in their stolen Sigma, they are spotted by the cops, and thwarted in their ambition to possess a fine collection of Pro Hart and Ken Done masterpieces.

Fans of Mullumbimby's 'fake genuine Russian folk choir,' Dustyesky, will be pleased to hear them making an appearance in the song. Freedman has known choir founder and music promoter Glenn Wright for years, and says it just made sense to get them in the studio.

"We needed a male choir, I was up here and had just seen Dustyesky on Australian Story. So we got the fellows in, and they even brought their own vodka ... it was an entertaining evening."

The Ballad of Bertie Kidd will be officially launched on Freedman's solo tour, which includes a show at Lismore City Hall on November 12 as part of the Great Southern Nights initiative, and two back-to-back shows at Byron Bay on November 14.

Freedman says it's been a long time since he last played in Lismore.

"We used to play the Tatts every two months when we were touring in the mid '90s. I think out last gig there would have been about 15 or 20 years ago at the uni."

Fans can expect a mix of Whitlams classics like Blow Up the Pokies and No Aphrodisiac, as well as the new single and other tracks from The Whitlams forthcoming album, due for release next year.

Although a solo tour wasn't something Freedman had planned for this year (the band had originally scheduled a national tour for August and September, but were forced to postpone until 2021), he says he jumped at the opportunity.

"As soon as it opened up I was in there. I like being on the road," he said.

And while ongoing restrictions will create an added degree of difficulty, Freedman is just happy to be out performing again.

"We've just got to put our heads down and work twice as hard. The capacities are limited, so I'll often be doing two shows a night. Everyone in showbiz is just doing what they can."

Tim Freedman solo tour

Lismore City Hall, Thursday November 12. Tickets here.

Byron Theatre, Saturday, November 14. Tickets here.

The Street Theatre, Canberra, Saturday, November 28. Tickets here.