Cold Chisel is an iconic Australian rock band that emerged in the late 1970s and has since become one of the most successful and beloved bands in the country. Known for their powerful and energetic performances, Cold Chisel has left an indelible mark on the Australian music scene.
The band was formed in Adelaide in 1973 and originally consisted of vocalist Jimmy Barnes, keyboardist Don Walker, guitarist Ian Moss, bassist Les Kaczmarek, and drummer Steve Prestwich. Their unique sound, a fusion of pub rock, hard rock, and blues, quickly gained them a dedicated following.
Throughout their career, Cold Chisel has released numerous hit songs and albums, including classics like “Khe Sanh,” “Flame Trees,” and “Bow River.” Their raw and honest lyrics, often addressing social issues and personal struggles, struck a chord with audiences and made them one of the most influential rock bands in Australia.
Despite experiencing several lineup changes and temporary breakups, Cold Chisel’s legacy has only grown over the years. Their music continues to resonate with fans of all ages, and their live performances are still celebrated for their energy and intensity. Cold Chisel remains an important part of Australia’s musical identity, and their influence can be felt in the work of countless artists who followed in their footsteps.
The History of Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel is an Australian rock band that was formed in Adelaide in 1973. The band originally consisted of Jimmy Barnes on vocals, Ian Moss and Don Walker on guitars, Phil Small on bass, and Steve Prestwich on drums. They quickly gained popularity in Australia for their energetic live performances and raw, bluesy rock sound.
In 1974, Cold Chisel released their self-titled debut album, which featured tracks like “Khe Sanh” and “Home and Broken Hearted.” The album received critical acclaim and became a commercial success, establishing the band as one of Australia’s most popular rock acts.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cold Chisel continued to release successful albums, including “Breakfast at Sweethearts” (1979), “East” (1980), and “Circus Animals” (1982). They were known for their powerful lyrics, strong melodies, and gritty guitar riffs.
However, despite their success, Cold Chisel faced internal conflicts and tensions within the band. In 1983, they announced their split and played their final show in Sydney, which drew a crowd of over 60,000 fans.
During their breakup, the members pursued solo careers and other musical projects. Jimmy Barnes, in particular, achieved great success as a solo artist in Australia.
In 1998, Cold Chisel decided to reunite for a series of shows, which proved to be immensely popular. They continued to intermittently tour and release new music in the following years.
Tragically, in 2011, drummer Steve Prestwich passed away. Despite this loss, Cold Chisel carried on as a band, recruiting Charley Drayton as their new drummer.
To this day, Cold Chisel remains one of Australia’s most beloved rock bands. Their influence can be heard in the music of many Australian artists, and their live performances continue to captivate audiences.
The Band Members of Cold Chisel
Formed in 1973, Cold Chisel is an Australian rock band that has had a significant impact on the country’s music scene. Throughout the years, the band has undergone some changes in its lineup, but its core members remain as influential as ever.
Jimmy Barnes (Lead Vocals)
Jimmy Barnes is the lead vocalist of Cold Chisel and is known for his powerful and distinct voice. Born in Scotland, Barnes moved to Australia at a young age and has become one of the country’s most beloved rock singers. His passionate performances and emotive delivery have helped define the sound of Cold Chisel.
Don Walker (Keyboards, Backing Vocals)
Don Walker is the keyboardist and one of the main songwriters for Cold Chisel. His contributions to the band’s music have been significant, with his songwriting skills and melodic sensibilities shining through on many of their iconic hits. Walker’s keyboard playing adds depth and texture to Cold Chisel’s sound.
These two members form the core of Cold Chisel, while the band has had additional members over the years who have made valuable contributions to their sound and success. From the guitar talents of Ian Moss and Phil Small to the drumming skills of Steve Prestwich and Charley Drayton, Cold Chisel has been blessed with a lineup of talented musicians.
Together, Cold Chisel’s band members have created a musical legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences. Their unique sound and memorable performances have solidified their place in Australian rock history.
Musical Style of Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel is an Australian rock band that was formed in 1973 in Adelaide, South Australia. They have become one of the most iconic and influential bands in Australian music history. The band has a unique musical style that blends elements of rock, pub rock, blues, and country.
Diverse Influences
The musical style of Cold Chisel is a result of the band members’ diverse influences. They draw inspiration from various genres and artists, including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Little Feat, and the Faces. This eclectic mix of influences contributes to their distinctive sound.
Powerful Vocals and Lyrics
The vocals of lead singer Jimmy Barnes are a defining feature of Cold Chisel’s musical style. His powerful and emotive voice brings depth and intensity to their songs. The band’s lyrics are also a key component of their style, often tackling themes of love, loss, and the Australian working-class experience.
Dynamic Instrumentation
Cold Chisel’s musical style is characterized by dynamic instrumentation. The band members showcase their exceptional skills on their respective instruments, creating a rich and energetic sound. The combination of guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, and occasional saxophone solos gives their music a full and vibrant sound.
Pub Rock Roots
Pub rock, a genre that originated in Australia in the 1970s, heavily influenced Cold Chisel’s musical style. Pub rock is known for its raw and energetic sound, with bands often performing in small venues and pubs. Cold Chisel regularly played in pubs, honing their sound and gaining a loyal fan base.
In conclusion, Cold Chisel’s musical style is a fusion of rock, pub rock, blues, and country, influenced by various artists and genres. Their powerful vocals, poignant lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, and pub rock roots have made them one of Australia’s most beloved bands.
Influences on Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel, an Australian rock band formed in the late 1970s, drew inspiration from a variety of musical genres and artists. These influences played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound and style throughout their career.
Australian Rock
Cold Chisel was heavily influenced by the Australian rock scene, which was thriving during their formative years. Bands like AC/DC, The Angels, and Midnight Oil had a profound impact on the band’s sound, with their raw energy and passionate performances. Cold Chisel drew inspiration from these bands’ hard-hitting guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and powerful vocals.
Blues and Roots Music
The band also incorporated elements of blues and roots music into their sound. Inspired by artists like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Howlin’ Wolf, Cold Chisel infused their rock songs with soulful blues guitar solos and gritty, heartfelt lyrics. This infusion of blues and roots music added depth and authenticity to their sound, setting them apart from other rock bands of the time.
The influence of blues and roots music can be heard in songs like “Flame Trees” and “Bow River,” which feature melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that touch on themes of heartache and longing.
Punk and New Wave
Cold Chisel’s sound was also shaped by the punk and new wave movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bands like The Clash and The Saints had a significant influence on the band, with their aggressive guitar riffs and political lyrics. Cold Chisel incorporated elements of punk and new wave into their music, infusing their rock sound with a sense of urgency and rebellion.
Songs like “Khe Sanh” and “You Got Nothing I Want” showcase Cold Chisel’s punk and new wave influences, with their energetic guitar-driven sound and socially conscious lyrics.
Overall, Cold Chisel’s sound was a unique blend of Australian rock, blues and roots, and punk and new wave. These influences helped to shape the band’s identity and made them one of Australia’s most iconic rock acts.
Australian Rock Music
Australian rock music has a rich history and has contributed greatly to the global music scene. The country has produced many talented and influential rock bands and musicians over the years.
The Early Years
In the 1960s, Australian rock music began to emerge with bands like The Easybeats, who achieved international success with their hit song “Friday on My Mind.” Other notable bands from this era include The Bee Gees and AC/DC.
The Easybeats were formed in Sydney in 1964 and were one of the first Australian rock bands to achieve international success. They had a string of hits, including “She’s So Fine” and “Wedding Ring.” The band’s style was influenced by British rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
The Bee Gees, originally from Queensland, found success in the 1960s with their harmonies and catchy pop songs. They later achieved even greater success in the disco era with hits like “Staying Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
AC/DC formed in Sydney in 1973 and became one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Known for their energetic live performances and hard rock sound, they have sold over 200 million albums worldwide. Their hits include “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black.”
The Pub Rock Era
In the 1970s and 1980s, Australian pub rock became incredibly popular. Pub rock bands like Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Hunters & Collectors gained a loyal following and produced many classic Australian rock anthems.
Cold Chisel formed in Adelaide in 1973 and quickly became known for their powerful live performances and raw, bluesy rock sound. With hits like “Khe Sanh” and “Flame Trees,” they became one of Australia’s most beloved rock bands.
Midnight Oil formed in Sydney in 1972 and were known for their political activism and socially conscious lyrics. They achieved international success with songs like “Beds Are Burning” and “Blue Sky Mining.”
Hunters & Collectors were formed in Melbourne in 1981 and were known for their energetic live shows and unique sound. They had chart success with songs like “Throw Your Arms Around Me” and “Holy Grail.”
Australian rock music continues to thrive today with bands like Powderfinger, Silverchair, and Tame Impala. These bands, along with the ones that came before them, have left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape both in Australia and around the world.
International Rock Influences
Cold Chisel’s eclectic and powerful rock sound was heavily influenced by various international rock bands and artists. Their music was shaped by the following international rock influences:
- The Rolling Stones: Cold Chisel drew inspiration from the rebellious and raw sound of The Rolling Stones. They emulated the Stones’ energy and charismatic stage presence, which contributed to their own electrifying live performances.
- The Who: Another influential band for Cold Chisel was The Who. They admired The Who’s ability to create anthemic rock songs and incorporate elements of punk and hard rock into their music.
- AC/DC: Cold Chisel found inspiration in the high-energy rock and roll of AC/DC. The band admired AC/DC’s ability to create simple yet infectious guitar riffs and deliver powerful live performances.
- Bruce Springsteen: Known for his heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows, Bruce Springsteen’s influence can be heard in some of Cold Chisel’s more lyrical and storytelling songs. Springsteen’s ability to connect with his audience emotionally resonated with Cold Chisel.
- Bob Dylan: Cold Chisel was influenced by Bob Dylan’s poetic songwriting style. They admired his ability to tackle social and political issues in his lyrics, which inspired Cold Chisel to also address important issues in their own music.
- The Clash: Cold Chisel appreciated The Clash’s fusion of punk and reggae, which they incorporated into their own sound. The Clash’s rebellious spirit and politically charged lyrics resonated with Cold Chisel’s own aspirations to make socially conscious music.
By drawing on these international rock influences, Cold Chisel developed a unique and unforgettable rock sound that continues to captivate fans around the world.
