Jimmy Barnes epitomises the heart and soul of Australian rock & roll. Known affectionately as "Barnesy," he is synonymous with high-decibel rock and uniquely interpreted soul standards.
Jimmy has seen it all and survived to share his stories. He holds the record for the most albums sold by any Australian rock artist, boasting seventeen #1 albums—more than The Beatles. Over four decades, he has delivered some of the most intense and iconic live performances, firmly establishing himself in a league of his own.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19 in 2020, Jimmy's indomitable spirit shone through. He captivated fans with nightly "Iso-songs" alongside his wife, Jane, and family. He also launched his first podcast, "Story Time with Jimmy Barnes," sharing firsthand accounts of adventures, love, and loss. The podcast featured episodes with his former tour manager Peter “Sneaky” McFee, The Living End’s Chris Cheney, golf legend Peter Lonard, writer Debra Oswald, his daughters Jane and Mahalia Barnes, and MasterChef’s Jock Zonfrillo.
To cap off the year, Bloodlines released "Killing Time," a new single featuring the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Written by Jimmy and Don Walker, this track from the last Cold Chisel album completed the "Killing Time" puzzle. His relentless drive extends to supporting numerous causes and charities. In January 2017, Jimmy was appointed an Officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the performing arts and support for not-for-profit organisations, especially those aiding children with disabilities.
Few Australian lives have been as monumental as Jimmy Barnes's. His story fills two books, his music has been Australia's national soundtrack for forty years, and his iconic status is cemented with two inductions into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Throughout his decades in the spotlight, his powerful connection with live audiences remains unwavering, spanning more than 10,000 gigs. It's the wildness of this life that keeps Jimmy Barnes grounded, night after night, year after year.
“My job,” he says, “is to turn every night of the week into Saturday night for people. It’s the best job there is.”
