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Biography
James Dixon was born in Glasgow, Scotland but grew up in Elizabeth, the city that he and his family moved to when he was four years of age. His parents divorced soon after they settled down and the young James would later take the name of his stepfather Reg Barnes, but through the hard times, they remained a musical family. Because of this, he and his brother Jon would form and play in several different rock bands over the course of their teenage years, and by the end of 1973, Barnes had formed the first incarnation of Cold Chisel, the band that would catapult him to stardom. The band made a name for themselves almost immediately, but Barnes had a tempestuous relationship with the rest of the group, leaving and re-joining them at little more than a moment’s notice. By 1977 he was all set to leave Cold Chisel and join his brother’s band Feather, but his farewell gig was so astonishingly good he changed his mind, and a single month later, the band signed their first record deal.
In three years the band became the biggest rock group in Australia, and Barnes himself became notorious and loved for his hard-drinking, rock and roll lifestyle. The problem was that the internal friction in the band didn’t let up, and the band acrimoniously split in 1983, almost precisely a decade after they first formed. Barnes was still Australia’s highest profile rock musician however, and a month after the band split he began his solo career, signing to Mushroom Records for the release of his 1984 debut “Bodyswerve”. Ever since then he’s remained one of the most beloved Australian rock stars of all time, talked about in the same breath as Angus Young and Nick Cave in his home country. With over four decades of experience, few musicians can rock quite like Jimmy Barnes, and for that, he comes highly recommended.
Live reviews
Scottish born, Australian raised Jimmy Barnes is an intense performer to watch live. A varied and interesting musical history means his stage show feels completely personal to him, there are no gimmicks or gadgets, it's a simple affair between Barnes and the audience. A huge influencer in Australia, with nine solo number one albums, the demand to see this performer live is still huge.
Barnes was originally part of Australia's biggest blues rock band of the 80's, Cold Chisel. He still performs some of their original tracks including passionate renditions of 'You Got Nothing I Want' and 'When The War is Over'. He's had a string of hits in his homeland, yet he rarely plays what many would consider to be a greatest hits set anymore, yet often includes a brilliant rendition of the gritty 'Working Class Man'.
The performer also rarely performs his INXS collaborations which gave him his most international notoriety. However what he dismisses in setlist, he compensates in that synonymous gruff, blues vocal which sounds fantastic all these years later and no matter what tracks Barnes chooses, he performs them to 110% and always leaves his loyal fans cheering and clapping for more.
sean-ward
Jimmy was as awesome as ever. Never get tired of listening to his voice which like good wine seems to get better with age. Is there anything he can't sing. Seems just as natural with his latest soul and R&B numbers as his old hard rock, managing to sneak in his signature screaches seamlessly delighting the audience and with great support from the next generation of talented musicians and back up singers including family. Very entertaining night at a classy venue at the Palais theatre, St Kilda. Can't wait till next performance Barnesy. Sam I.
sam-ielo
I recently saw Jimmy at Roche Estate for the Red Hot Summer Tour. He was awesome. The crowds love him and go wild when he sings the most popular songs, especially Khe Sanh. 12,000 people singing along is a very powerful moment. The only downside to the night are those few rude people that violently push past you to get closer to the stage and if you say something they swear at you as if you’re in the wrong. Otherwise I had a great day and will definitely see Jimmy again.
shellie-pauling
Jimmy was off his form or something on the last evening of the Big Red Bash. His throat sounded like it was affected by a cold. He seemed to struggle to get volume over his band and his interaction with the audience was lacking. He had a hard act to follow. The Angels were power charged, interactive and entertaining. All in all, Jimmy's performance that night was okay, but not up to par with the performances I have seen of his before.
sue-barron-1
