Cold Chisel is a legendary Australian rock band that has captured the hearts and souls of music lovers around the world. Known for their powerful and emotive sound, the band has produced numerous chart-topping hits and has left an indelible mark on the music industry. One of the key factors in the success and popularity of Cold Chisel is their lead singer, who has become an iconic figure in the rock and roll scene.
Jimmy Barnes, born James Dixon Swan, is the talented and charismatic frontman of Cold Chisel. With his distinctive voice and captivating stage presence, Barnes has earned himself a rightful place among the greatest rock singers of all time. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Barnes moved to Adelaide, Australia at a young age, where he would later start his musical journey.
Barnes’ powerful and soulful voice is one of his trademarks and has become synonymous with Cold Chisel’s sound. His ability to convey raw emotion through his vocals has resonated with fans and has made him a beloved figure in the Australian music scene. With hits like “Khe Sanh”, “Flame Trees”, and “Working Class Man”, Barnes has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Throughout the years, Barnes has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums that have showcased his versatility as an artist. Despite his solo ventures, Barnes has always remained loyal to his bandmates in Cold Chisel, reuniting with them for various tours and performances. Together, they continue to captivate audiences worldwide and remind us of the timeless power of rock and roll.
Biography of Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel is an Australian rock band that was formed in Adelaide in 1973. The band originally consisted of vocalist Jimmy Barnes, keyboardist Don Walker, guitarist Ian Moss, bassist Steve Prestwich, and drummer Steve Hill. They quickly gained success in Australia for their energetic and raw sound.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Cold Chisel released a series of successful albums including “East”, “Circus Animals”, and “Twentieth Century”. These albums featured hit songs such as “Khe Sanh”, “Flame Trees”, and “Cheap Wine”, which became anthems of Australian rock.
Breakup and Reunion
In 1983, Cold Chisel announced their breakup, partly due to tensions within the band. Jimmy Barnes embarked on a successful solo career, while other band members pursued their own musical projects.
In 1998, Cold Chisel reunited for a series of performances, which were met with great enthusiasm from their fans. The band continued to tour and release new material, reaffirming their status as one of Australia’s most beloved rock bands.
Legacy
Cold Chisel’s music has had a lasting impact on the Australian music scene. Their raw and energetic sound, combined with their honest and relatable lyrics, resonated with audiences across generations. Their influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary Australian rock bands.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Cold Chisel remains a symbol of Australian rock music and continues to captivate audiences with their powerful live performances.
Formation of the Band
Cold Chisel was formed in Adelaide, Australia in 1973. The band was initially founded by vocalist Jimmy Barnes and keyboardist Don Walker, who had been childhood friends. They were later joined by guitarist Ian Moss, bassist Les Kaczmarek, and drummer Steve Prestwich. The band’s original lineup was completed when drummer Steve Prestwich joined in 1975.
The band’s early years were spent playing gigs around the Adelaide pub circuit, honing their sound and building a loyal local following. They quickly gained a reputation for their electrifying live performances and a sound that blended rock, blues, and pub rock influences.
In 1978, Cold Chisel released their self-titled debut album, which showcased their raw and energetic sound. The album received critical acclaim and helped to establish their name as one of Australia’s most exciting rock bands.
Over the years, Cold Chisel went on to release several successful albums and achieve commercial success in Australia and beyond. Despite various lineup changes and a brief hiatus in the 1980s, the band continued to captivate audiences with their powerful lyrics, catchy melodies, and electrifying live shows.
Today, Cold Chisel remains one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands and their music continues to resonate with fans old and new.
Early Success and Popular Songs
In the early years of Cold Chisel, the band quickly gained success and became one of Australia’s most popular rock groups. Led by their charismatic lead singer, Jimmy Barnes, the band released a number of hit songs that would go on to define their career.
One of their most popular songs, “Khe Sanh,” was released in 1978 and has since become an anthem for Australian rock music. The gritty lyrics and raw energy of the song resonated with audiences, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Another standout track from Cold Chisel’s early years is “Flame Trees,” released in 1984. This haunting ballad showcases Barnes’ powerful vocals and the band’s ability to create emotionally charged music. The song has since become a classic and is often considered one of their best works.
Other popular songs from Cold Chisel’s early discography include “Cheap Wine,” “Bow River,” and “When The War Is Over.” These songs showcase the band’s diverse range of musical styles, from hard rock to soulful ballads, and highlight their ability to write compelling and impactful lyrics.
The early success and popular songs of Cold Chisel solidified their status as one of Australia’s most beloved and influential rock bands. Their unique sound and powerful performances continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Changes in Lineup
Cold Chisel has had a few changes in its lineup over the years, but the one constant member and lead singer is Jimmy Barnes.
The band was formed in Adelaide, South Australia in 1973 and initially consisted of Jimmy Barnes as the lead vocalist, Ian Moss on guitar, Don Walker on keyboards, Steve Prestwich on drums, and Phil Small on bass.
In 1979, Phil Small left the band and was replaced by Mark Evans on bass. However, Evans also left the band in 1983 and was replaced by Phil Small, who rejoined the band.
In 1983, Ian Moss also left the band temporarily, but returned a few years later in 1986.
Unfortunately, the band faced a tragedy in 2011 when their drummer, Steve Prestwich, passed away. He was replaced by Charley Drayton.
Despite these changes in lineup, Cold Chisel has continued to release music and perform live, with Jimmy Barnes always leading the way as the lead singer and frontman of the band.
Overall, although the lineup has changed over the years, Cold Chisel’s music and Jimmy Barnes’ powerful vocals have remained a constant force in the Australian rock music scene.
Hiatus and Reunion
In the late 1980s, Cold Chisel went on a hiatus due to increasing tensions within the band and individual members pursuing solo careers. This decision shocked their loyal fan base as they were at the height of their success. The band’s lead singer, Jimmy Barnes, had already released three successful solo albums during this time.
In 1998, the band members decided to reunite and embark on a nationwide tour, much to the excitement of their fans. The reunion tour was a huge success, with sold-out shows and enthusiastic crowds. The band released a new studio album titled “The Last Wave of Summer” in 1998, which received positive reviews from critics and fans alike.
The Last Wave of Summer
“The Last Wave of Summer” was Cold Chisel’s first studio album in over a decade. It showcased their signature sound of rock with blues and country influences. The album received commercial success, reaching number one on the Australian charts. Songs like “Yakuza Girls,” “Mr. Crown Prosecutor,” and the title track “The Last Wave of Summer” became fan favorites.
Cold Chisel Today
Since their reunion, Cold Chisel has continued to tour and release new music sporadically. They have cemented their status as one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands and have a dedicated fan base that spans generations.
Lead singer Jimmy Barnes has also continued his successful solo career, releasing multiple albums and receiving numerous accolades. The band’s influence and legacy within the Australian music scene are undeniable, and they remain one of the most beloved rock bands in the country.
In conclusion, Cold Chisel’s hiatus and subsequent reunion marked an important chapter in the band’s history. Despite the challenges they faced, they managed to come back stronger than ever and continue to make music that resonates with fans to this day.
Present Day and Recent Projects
In the present day, Cold Chisel continues to perform and tour, delighting fans with their high-energy live shows. Despite several lineup changes over the years, the band has managed to maintain their signature sound and stage presence.
Lead singer Jimmy Barnes remains a prominent figure in Australian music, releasing numerous successful solo albums and collaborating with various artists. His powerful, gravelly voice is still as captivating as ever, and he continues to be a charismatic frontman both on stage and in the studio.
In addition to his solo career, Jimmy Barnes has also published several autobiographies, providing fans with a deeper understanding of his life and musical journey.
Other band members, such as guitarist Ian Moss and keyboardist Don Walker, have also pursued successful solo careers while still remaining active in Cold Chisel.
Cold Chisel’s most recent album, titled “Blood Moon,” was released in 2019 to critical acclaim. The album showcases the band’s ability to create new, fresh music while staying true to their classic rock roots.
Overall, Cold Chisel and its members continue to make significant contributions to Australian rock music and are regarded as one of the most influential bands in the country’s music history.
