Iconic Aussie rockers Cold Chisel are pulling out all the stops to celebrate five decades in the music industry. The band, which began its journey in Armidale in 1974, is launching a national tour to commemorate their 50th anniversary. This epic tour kicks off in the same town where it all started and includes a series of concerts in major cities and regional centres, culminating in a grand finale in Adelaide.
In a nostalgic twist, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will host the band under a circus big top, reminiscent of their wild and unforgettable gigs during the 1982 Circus Animals tour. Frontman Jimmy Barnes reflects on their enduring career with typical candour: “If you’d asked me 50 years ago if we’d still be doing this, I’d have said no, because I didn’t think we’d live to 21!” Known for his high-energy performances, Barnes and the rest of the band may have slowed down a bit, but their passion remains strong.
Bass player Phil Small emphasises the unique chemistry that sparks each time they take the stage: “It’s the amazing thing about this band. It’s enjoyable on that stage. And that’s what we all look forward to.”
Cold Chisel’s tour kicks off in October, featuring a best-of album release in August that promises to reignite their classic anthems like “Khe Sanh,” “Bow River,” and “Flame Trees.” Guitarist Ian Moss jokes, “There’s definitely a minimum of 14 songs [we need to play] if we want to get out of the venue alive.”
Songwriter Don Walker shares the meticulous process of crafting the perfect setlist, involving lots of collaboration and fine-tuning. This tour holds particular significance for Barnes, who overcame a severe medical emergency last year. Reflecting on his recovery, he notes, “Seizing the moment, and playing music with the people you love … if anything, it brought that home to me.”
