Like so many Australians, the music of Cold Chisel is part of my DNA. They’ve been pumping out hits since before I was born. East and Circus Animals were on regular rotation as I grew up. I don’t remember when I learned the lyrics to these songs, in much the same way I don’t know when I learned English. It just seems like I always have. So when the band announced their Big Five-0 tour, celebrating 50 years in the biz, I knew I had to be there. Dad passed, insisting he saw them enough times in local pubs and clubs that he didn’t need to brave the crowds now. But as someone who missed those heady days, who has had much more limited opportunities to see Chisel do their thing, I knew I had to be there.
Karen Lee Andrews warmed up the crowd and reminded me just how good she is. I’ve seen her perform a few times now with the Barnes family, but those sets were solo and stripped back. Normally acoustic sets are my bag, but with a full band Karen really shines. Sharing the stage with her band seemed to calm her nerves and she was more confident than I’ve seen before. Her songs are superb and she’s got such a cool, blues-rock voice. I definitely need to listen to more of her original music, because she’s exceptional.
Tickets for Chisel’s Big Five-0 tour were arguably as hot property as tickets for Coldplay or Taylor Swift, but unlike these international luminaries, there weren’t a lot of bells and whistles about the Cold Chisel experience. There were no pyrotechnics, no costume changes, not even any of those screens ensuring people near the back got a closer view of the action. Just a bunch of Aussie blokes on stage doing what they do best. The stages have gotten bigger over the decades but this band refuses to upgrade the spectacle, so the music remains the focus.
And what music it is. Cold Chisel have been mixing up the set list this tour, so you never know exactly what you’re going to get. But with such a rich catalogue, hits can come out early. “Standing on the Outside,” “Cheap Wine,” “Rising Sun,” and “My Baby” in just the first five songs? Incredible. Cold Chisel catered for all kinds of fans, those of us who flogged Chisel Gold and cranked up their tunes whenever they came on the radio and those hardcore enthusiasts who devoured each and every album. I’ve seen Chisel several times now, but I can’t recall them ever playing so many album tracks. Digging into the vault while keeping casual fans happy is a delicate balancing act, but Chisel walked that tightrope beautifully.
Chisel might not tour with the same kind of gruelling schedule that they did back in the day, but there’s such a beautiful chemistry when this band is on stage. You won’t find a tighter act around. Everyone has a crucial part to play. Jimmy attacks those vocals, performing with the sort of gusto that makes you forget he’s only just come back from hip surgery. Ian Moss blows me away each and every time I see him with his guitar skills and those warm vocals that never seem to age. After seeing so many acoustic shows in recent years, I relished seeing him rocking out. Nothing sounds quite as comforting as Don Walker on piano. Bass players never get enough credit, but Phil Small’s instrument is the glue that holds this sound together. Steve Prestwich’s loss created a hole in this band of brothers, but Charley Drayton does an admirable job stepping into his shoes. I’m sorry I missed the names of the saxophonist and harmonica player, but they were also incredible.
Don Walker teased a little “Star Hotel” during the introduction of “Breakfast at Sweethearts,” but strangely that Novocastrian rock anthem never came. It’s a minor quibble though, because this set really delivered so much. As they rocked out one final time to their traditional closer “Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)”, after two encores, I felt well and truly satisfied. After 50 years in the business, Cold Chisel are at the top of their game. And there aren’t a lot of bands who can say that. So many shows are sold out, but if you get the opportunity to see Chisel on any of their upcoming shows, you will not be disappointed.
9 November 2024 – Red Hot Summer @ Victoria Park, Balaarat/Ballarat (SOLD OUT)
10 November 2024 – Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington (SOLD OUT)
13 November 2024 – MyState Bank Arena, Nipaluna/Hobart (SOLD OUT)
16 November 2024 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
17 November 2024 – VAILO Adelaide 500 @ Adelaide Street Circuit, Tarntanya/Adelaide
22 November 2024 – Arts Centre Melbourne @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
23 November 2024 – Arts Centre Melbourne @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
28 November 2024 – Stage 88, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes (SOLD OUT)
30 November 2024 – Roche Estate, Wonnarua Country/Pokolbin (SOLD OUT)
4 December 2024 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney
18 January 2025 – Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown
25 January 2025 – Taupo Amphitheatre & Riverside Park, Taupo
26 January 2024 – Whitianga Waterways Arena, Whitaianga
Photo credit: own photos