Cold Chisel is an Australian rock band that has been captivating audiences with their distinctive sound since the 1970s. Known for their powerful performances and heartfelt lyrics, Cold Chisel has become one of Australia’s most beloved bands. One of the key members of the band is their talented drummer, who plays an essential role in creating the band’s unique sound.
Jon “J.B.” Barnes is the drummer for Cold Chisel, and he is known for his incredible talent and energetic drumming style. Born in Sydney, Australia, Barnes has been playing drums since a young age and has honed his skills over the years to become one of the most respected drummers in the Australian music scene. His powerful beats and precise rhythms add a dynamic element to Cold Chisel’s music, helping to create their signature sound.
In addition to his work with Cold Chisel, Barnes has also collaborated with various other artists and bands, showcasing his versatility and passion for music. His drumming skills have earned him a loyal fan base and have made him a prominent figure in the Australian music industry.
As a member of Cold Chisel, Barnes has contributed to some of the band’s biggest hits, such as “Khe Sanh,” “Flame Trees,” and “Cheap Wine.” His ability to bring the music to life with his drumming and his passion for creating powerful rhythms has made him an integral part of Cold Chisel’s success.
Whether he is rocking out on stage or laying down the perfect beat in the recording studio, Jon Barnes truly embodies the spirit of Cold Chisel and continues to leave a lasting impression on music lovers around the world.
History of Cold Chisel
Formed in Adelaide, South Australia in 1973, Cold Chisel quickly became one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands. The original lineup consisted of Jimmy Barnes on vocals, Ian Moss on guitar, Don Walker on keyboards, Phil Small on bass, and Steve Prestwich on drums.
They released their self-titled debut album in 1978, which featured the hit singles “Khe Sanh” and “Cheap Wine”. These songs solidified Cold Chisel’s place in the Australian rock scene. However, it wasn’t until their third album, East, released in 1980, that the band achieved significant commercial success.
East featured some of Cold Chisel’s most well-known songs, including “Choir Girl” and “My Baby”. The album went on to become one of the highest-selling Australian albums of all time, and its success helped the band gain a large and dedicated fanbase.
Throughout their career, Cold Chisel released a total of eight studio albums, as well as numerous live albums and compilations. Their music blended elements of rock, blues, and pub rock, and their powerful live performances gained them a reputation as one of Australia’s best live acts.
Despite their success, Cold Chisel disbanded in 1984 due to internal conflicts and the members’ desires to pursue solo projects. They reunited in 1998 for a sold-out tour, which led to a second reunion in 2003. Since then, the band has continued to play live shows and release new music.
Legacy and Influence
Cold Chisel’s impact on the Australian music scene cannot be overstated. Their raw and energetic sound, combined with Jimmy Barnes’ distinctive vocals, resonated with audiences and inspired countless musicians.
The band’s songs, often filled with lyrics about working-class life and the struggles of everyday people, struck a chord with listeners and made Cold Chisel one of the most relatable and beloved bands in Australian music history.
Conclusion
Cold Chisel’s history is one of success, conflicts, and reunions. Their music continues to be loved by fans old and new, and their impact on Australian rock is undeniable. With their powerful sound and iconic songs, Cold Chisel will forever be remembered as one of the greatest bands to come out of Australia.
Formation of Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel is an Australian rock band that was formed in Adelaide in 1973. The band was originally composed of vocalist Jimmy Barnes, guitarists Ian Moss and Don Walker, bassist Les Kaczmarek, and drummer Steve Prestwich. They came together with a shared love for blues and rock music, and quickly gained popularity in the local music scene.
The band’s formation can be traced back to the early 1970s when Jimmy Barnes and Steve Prestwich began playing together in a band called Orange. They soon joined forces with Ian Moss and Don Walker, who were members of the group The Mount Lofty Rangers. Les Kaczmarek completed the lineup, and Cold Chisel was born.
The Early Years
In their early years, Cold Chisel primarily played covers of popular rock songs, but they also started writing their own material. Their first self-titled album, released in 1978, featured a mix of original songs and covers. It received moderate success and set the stage for the band’s future endeavors.
Over the next few years, Cold Chisel released several albums, including “Breakfast at Sweethearts” (1979), “East” (1980), and “Circus Animals” (1982). These albums showcased the band’s versatility and established them as one of Australia’s most successful rock bands of the era.
Reunion and Continued Success
After going on a hiatus in the mid-1980s, Cold Chisel reunited in 1998 for a series of shows and recorded a new album, “The Last Wave of Summer” (1998). The album was well received, and the band continued to tour and record throughout the 2000s.
In 2011, Cold Chisel released their final studio album, “No Plans.” Tragically, drummer Steve Prestwich passed away the same year, leading to the band’s decision to disband once again. Despite the loss, Cold Chisel’s impact on Australian rock music continues to be celebrated, and they remain an influential and beloved band.
Discography of Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel, an Australian rock band formed in 1973, has released a number of studio albums, live albums, compilation albums, and extended plays throughout their career.
Studio Albums
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Cold Chisel | 1978 |
| Breakfast at Sweethearts | 1979 |
| East | 1980 |
| Circus Animals | 1982 |
| Twentieth Century | 1984 |
| The Last Wave of Summer | 1998 |
| No Plans | 2012 |
| The Perfect Crime | 2015 |
Live Albums
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Swingshift | 1981 |
| Barking Spiders Live: 1983 | 1984 |
| Last Stand | 1984 |
| Ringside | 2003 |
| The Live Tapes Vol. 1 – Live at the Hordern Pavilion | 2011 |
Compilation Albums
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Chisel | 1991 |
| Teenage Love | 1994 |
| Radio Songs: A Best of | 2001 |
| Standing on the Outside: The Songs of Cold Chisel | 2012 |
Extended Plays
| EP | Year |
|---|---|
| You’re Thirteen, You’re Beautiful, and You’re Mine | 1978 |
| Ita | 1982 |
| Khe Sanh | 1984 |
These are just some of the albums and EPs released by Cold Chisel throughout their career. Their music continues to resonate with fans all over the world.
Notable Hits of Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel, an Australian rock band formed in the late 1970s, has produced numerous hit songs throughout their career. Known for their raw energy and distinctive sound, Cold Chisel has become one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands.
“Khe Sanh”
Released in 1978, “Khe Sanh” is perhaps Cold Chisel’s most well-known song. It has become an anthem for Australian rock music and is often played at sporting events and patriotic gatherings. The song’s lyrics, written by band member Don Walker, reflect on a soldier’s experiences during the Vietnam War.
“Flame Trees”
Another popular Cold Chisel hit is “Flame Trees,” released in 1984. The song tells the nostalgic story of a small town and its memorable landmarks. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with audiences, making it one of Cold Chisel’s most enduring songs.
Other notable hits by Cold Chisel include:
- Working Class Man (1986) – A powerful anthem about the struggles and dreams of the working class.
- When The War Is Over (1982) – A moving ballad featuring heartfelt vocals from lead singer Jimmy Barnes.
- Bow River (1982) – A rocking track with a bluesy edge, showcasing the band’s musical versatility.
- Choirgirl (1982) – A high-energy song that captures the energy and spirit of live performances.
Cold Chisel’s catalog includes many other beloved songs, each with its own unique sound and storytelling. Their music continues to captivate fans and inspire new generations of Australian rock musicians.
