Jimmy Barnes, the beloved Australian rock icon, is set to ignite the stage in Adelaide tonight, marking the launch of his solo national tour in honour of his 21st studio album, Defiant. Reflecting on the album’s title, Barnes stated, "The name says it all, I’ve been defiant since I was a young man," during an interview with 9News.
Born in Scotland and raised in Adelaide, Barnes made a bold move at just 16, leaving his job at SA Railways to co-found the legendary Australian rock band Cold Chisel. Over the years, he has garnered a massive global following and now returns with ten new tracks that resonate with the working-class spirit that first captured public attention decades ago. Brandon shared some insights into his creative process, humorously recalling how nurses mistook his in-phone singing for distress, exclaiming, "it’s just the way I sing!"
The resilient Barnes recently completed Cold Chisel’s 50th anniversary tour, culminating in a spectacular show at the Adelaide 500, which attracted tens of thousands of fans. With this new tour, he is not only returning to music but to his roots, expressing, "After all that turmoil and health problems to come back and reset and to do it where I started is an incredible thing." His dedication is evident, as the singer prepares for sold-out performances in Adelaide, Sydney, and Canberra, with remaining tickets quickly vanishing for shows in Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Despite his demanding schedule, Barnes firmly dismisses retirement notions as long as he can still sing. "As long as I can sing, as long as there is an audience who wants to hear me, and what I’m doing is relevant, I’m happy to do it," he affirmed. His tenacity and enduring passion for music ensure that Jimmy Barnes remains a formidable force in the rock scene, proving that he is indeed a true icon who refuses to let anything hold him back.