Tag: Cold Chisel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Mulubinba/Newcastle

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission Covers Cold Chisel For Christmas

I love Christmas. While I don’t believe in decorating your tree before December 1, you also won’t catch me playing Whamageddon either, because I can’t imagine spending this month trying to avoid this and other glorious Christmas songs. So now that it’s December, I’m probably going to bring you plenty of new Christmas music. Deal with it. The first is Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission’s delightful cover of Cold Chisel’s “Home and Broken Hearted”. Lifted from Chisel’s debut album, it’s a track that many Aussies are unfamiliar with, so I’m thrilled that Mick and his crew are bringing it to audiences.

“Brooke [Taylor, who takes lead vocals on the song] wanted a Christmas song she could sing and I thought this is one people constantly overlook and one I was eager to have a crack at. And what a song it is. The first Cold Chisel album is one that had a major effect on me and one I think still stands up after all this time. So many good songs,” Mick enthused. “We toyed with the idea of changing the protagonist’s gender, or even name (‘Dear Jimmy it’s over, goodbye’), but there’s something timeless about the way the words cascade and people know it as it is, so we thought better of it. I guess the mandolin could never really replace Don Walker’s frantic piano in the chorus but you can’t say I haven’t given it my best shot.”

This song comes from Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission’s latest EP Back in the Day, which features some originals and other choice covers. They’re supporting its release with plenty of shows all around the country.

4 December 2022 – Leftys, Meeajin/Brisbane (with Full Power Happy Hour)
11 December 2022 – Longley International, Muwinina Country/Longley (with Teresa Dixon)
13 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Cookie Baker)
14 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Tom Redwood)
15 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Mark Curtis and the Flannelettes)
16 December 2022 – River Hotel, Kaartdijin Noongar/Margaret River (with Carla Geneve)
17 December 2022 – Navy Club, Waylyup/Fremantle (with Carla Geneve)
18 December 2022 – The Oxford Hotel, Boorloo/Leederville (with Carla Geneve)
21 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Skyscraper Stan)
22 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Alana Jagt and the Monotremes)
23 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Maggie Alley Band)
1 January 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek (with Sherry Rich and the Grievous Angels)

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel @ Heifer Station, Orange – 1 February 2020

As a proud Coastie, I don’t tend to travel more than an hour up or down the freeway to attend shows. My easy proximity to Sydney, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley is one of my favourite parts about living on the Central Coast. However, when Cold Chisel announced their Blood Moon tour, I knew it was time to put a full tank of petrol in my Nissan Micra and head off on a road trip. I haven’t quite gotten over my beef with Hope Estate and while this Parramatta fan loves Bankwest Stadium as a place to watch the footy, it’s not where I want to see live music. With friends living in the Central West, a trip to Orange for Heifer Station’s first-ever Day on the Green seemed just the ticket.

I’ve attended Day on the Greens that were all-day events, but thankfully the organisers were smarter than that. They probably had an inkling that it would still be pushing 40 when the gates opened at 4. With concerts like this when seats aren’t reserved, I would normally be amongst the first to walk in. But I am not built for Central West heat. Spending more time in the air-conditioned wineries was a much more appealing option than braving the conditions outdoors. Consequently, we missed up-and-comer Josh Maynard, arriving just as Magic Dirt started their set.

I must admit, I wasn’t a Magic Dirt fan back in the ‘90s. Today it seems I’m still not a Magic Dirt fan. I have great respect for the way Adalita rocks out, presenting a strong female image that we don’t see enough of. But the band’s songs just don’t resonate with me. I tried, but it’s just not my cup of chai. I’m really not sure they were the right choice for the bill, because they certainly weren’t the Triple M staples, but I have to respect that they did things their way.

Birds of Tokyo though were pitched just right. I have always enjoyed their music on the radio but never felt compelled to see them live or buy any of their music. I thought them pleasant, but just a little middle of the road. I have completely changed my tune though. What a charismatic frontman Ian Kenny is. What a tight band they are, sounding just as strong as they do on their recordings. I also didn’t realise quite how many songs I knew. I was pretty excited about Chisel, but I was happy to watch these guys perform for as long as they were prepared to. I’ll definitely have to check them out again.

Cold Chisel was really what got me there though. We might have been roasting, but we somehow found the energy to get to our feet and give these guys the welcome they deserved. They might have officially been on the road to promote the new album, but I’m not sure they got that memo. They seemed far more interested in giving us a greatest hits set. They opened up with “Standing On the Outside” and never really took their foot off the pedal. They played the occasional track from the new release of course, but that seemed like an act of goodwill so we could take a moment and catch our breaths.

We bought the tickets in the back section, where camp chairs were allowed, believing we were too old to stand around all day. However, these guys gave us all a second wind. We’d take a load off for a moment, but then find ourselves standing second later because we had to dance to this one or that.

I was especially thrilled that two of my underrated favourites, “Four Walls” and “Breakfast at Sweethearts” made the set. There’s probably nothing more Australian than singing along to tracks like “Khe Sahn” and “When The War is Over.” And there’s really something special about being in a crowded field on a Saturday night, joining Jimmy and the boys for a raucous rendition of their song celebrating that special part of the week. Ian Moss’s starring turn on “Georgia On My Mind” was another absolute highlight.

By the time the band played “Goodbye Astrid Goodbye,” the traditional closer, I was spent. It was still hot as hell, and the dust storm that had rolled in was playing havoc with my sensitive asthmatic’s lungs. But would I do it all again for a show this good? In a heartbeat. Apparently Heifer Station gets its next Day on the Green in November. Don’t be surprised if I make that trip down the freeway again for more.

Cold Chisel wrap up their Blood Moon tour with two shows at Sirromet Wines in Mt Cotton this weekend.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Cavaleri Covers Cold Chisel

Nathan Cavaleri has put his bluesy stamp on the music of Cold Chisel with his new reimagining of “Rising Sun.” Featuring Diesel on backing vocals, the cover is Nathan’s nod to Jimmy Barnes, the man who helped him land his first record deal at just 10 years old.

“When attempting to renovate a classic, Cold Chisel is like Led Zeppelin – approach with caution, but I guess my creative intuition wanted the challenge,” Nathan explained. “The words of their most bluesy song spontaneously found its way on top of a saucy half-time riff that I’d been jamming with for months. It’s a banger in a recliner seat and one of the crowd favourites live!”

“Rising Sun” is the latest track lifted from Nathan’s forthcoming EP, Demons. Expect tour and festival announcements from Nathan in the New Year to celebrate its release.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hillsong Worship Tops ARIA Charts

The unstoppable Hillsong Worship has scored its latest number one album with Open Heaven/River Wild, an album recorded during the Hillsong Conference in Sydney this July.

Triple J’s Like a Version Volume 11 showed that it’s got really staying power after holding steady at number two this week, despite strong competition from new albums from Demi Lovato, Jamie Lawson, and Pentatonix.

These strong debuts have pushed last week’s number one, Limit of Love by Boy & Bear, down to number seven, just ahead of Cold Chisel’s The Perfect Crime.

There are no Aussies on the singles charts, but hopefully as X Factor mania heats up that will change.

Here are all this week’s top tens.

Top 10 Albums
1. Open Heaven/River Wild – Hillsong Worship
2. Triple J Like a Version Vol. 11 – Various
3. Confident – Demi Lovato
4. Jamie Lawson – Jamie Lawson
5. Pentatonix – Pentatonix
6. 1989 – Taylor Smith
7. Limit of Love – Boy & Bear
8. The Perfect Crime – Cold Chisel
9. Beauty Behind the Madness – The Weeknd
10. X – Ed Sheeran

Top 10 Singles
1. “Downtown” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee & Grandmaster Caz
2. “Hotline Bling” – Drake
3. “The Hills” – The Weeknd
4. “Perfect” – One Direction
5. “What Do You Mean?” – Justin Bieber
6. “Sugar” – Robin Schulz feat. Francesco Yates
7. “Dessert” – Dawin
8. “On My Mind” – Ellie Goulding
9. “Lay It All On Me” – Rudimental feat. Ed Sheeran
10. “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself” – Jess Glynne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boy & Bear Claim Aussie Number One Album

Boy & Bear’s Limit of Love has become the tenth Aussie album to top the charts this year. The achievement is the latest in a dream run for the Sydney indie-folk band, who also hit number one with their last album Harlequin Dream and number two with their debut, Moonfire.

Boy & Bear’s success has pushed Triple J’s Like a Version Volume 11 down to number two this week. Last week’s second-place getters Cold Chisel have to be content with a fall to number four, as Selena Gomez has charted at number three with her latest effort Revival. Parkway Drive have also slipped a few spots this week to land at number seven with Ire.

Hats off to Cyrus Villanueva, who sits at number six on the singles charts with his cover of “Wicked Game.” This strong showing, well above any of the other X Factor efforts makes me think my husband might be right in believing Cyrus has this competition in the bag. Personally I’m pinning my hopes on Matt & Jess, so we’ll see.

Here’s what’s charting in the top 10s this week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Limit of Love – Boy & Bear
2. Triple J Like a Version Vol. 11 – Various
3. Revival – Selena Gomez
4. The Perfect Crime – Cold Chisel
5. If I Should Go Before You – City & Colour
6. 1989 – Taylor Smith
7. Ire – Parkway Drive
8. I’ll Take Everything – James Blunt
9. Beauty Behind the Madness – The Weeknd
10. I Cry When I Laugh – Jess Glynne

Top 10 Singles
1. “Downtown” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee & Grandmaster Caz
2. “What Do You Mean?” – Justin Bieber
3. “On My Mind” – Ellie Goulding
4. “Sugar” – Robin Schulz feat. Francesco Yates
5. “Hotline Bling” – Drake
6. “Wicked Game” – Cyrus Villanueva
7. “Lay It All On Me” – Rudimental feat. Ed Sheeran
8. “Dessert” – Dawin
9. “Locked Away” – R. City feat. Adam Levine
10. “The Hills” – The Weeknd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Like a Version Beats Out Cold Chisel for Number One Album

I was sure that Cold Chisel would take out the top spot on the ARIA charts this week, but another Aussie release has swooped in and overshadowed these local legends. Chisel had to be content with The Perfect Crime charting at number two after Triple J Like a Version Vol. 11 claimed the top spot. Last week’s number one, Ire by Parkway Drive, fell to number three. How good is it to see three local releases at the top of the albums charts?

Jessica Mauboy is the lone Aussie on the top 10 singles charts. Her latest track “This Ain’t Love” climbed three spots to sit at number five this week.

Here are this week’s top 10s.

Top 10 Albums
1. Triple J Like a Version Vol. 11 – Various
2. The Perfect Crime – Cold Chisel
3. Ire – Parkway Drive
4. We Are the Generation – Rudimental
5. I’ll Take Everything – James Blunt
6. Get Up – Bryan Adams
7. Silence in the Snow – Trivium
8. 1989 – Taylor Smith
9. Beauty Behind the Madness – The Weeknd
10. Stories – Avicii

Top 10 Singles
1. “Downtown” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee & Grandmaster Caz
2. “What Do You Mean?” – Justin Bieber
3. “On My Mind” – Elly Goulding
4. “Sugar” – Robin Schulz feat. Francesco Yates
5. “This Ain’t Love” – Jessica Mauboy
6. “Hotline Bling” – Drake
7. “Locked Away” – R. City feat. Adam Levine
8. “Hula Hoop” – Omi
9. “Wildest Dreams” – Taylor Swift
10. “The Fix” – Nelly feat. Jeremih

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel Go to the Movies

Most of us weren’t lucky enough to score tickets to Cold Chisel’s upcoming show at the Hordern Pavilion, but we don’t have to miss out. The show will be beamed to cinemas around Australia live on April 18.

Fans can see the performance as it unfolds in high definition with Dolby 5.1 sound. Given that the Hordern’s a bit of a shed, I wouldn’t be surprised if it sounds better at the movies! The band promises to play tracks from their brand new album No Plans as well as a healthy arsenal of their hits.

“We’re really proud of this new album and want as many people to hear it as possible”, explained Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes. “The idea of having this gig beamed out to Cinemas seemed like a great way of getting people to hear a few of the new songs live as well as all the ones they know. We’ve played a lot of gigs around Australia over the last 35 years but this will be the first time we’ve played in over 100 places on the same night!”

Tickets are on sale now through CinemaLive for $39.50. That’s a bit of a bargain as they come bundled with a copy of No Plans. Will you be tuning in?

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel Launch “No Plans” with Intimate Shows

Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you probably know that Cold Chisel have been hard at work preparing their first new studio album in 14 years. However you might not know that the band got the touring bug during last year’s massive Light the Nitro run, and are planning shows to launch No Plans.

No Plans features 13 songs, including last year’s single “All For You” and “I Got Things to Do” penned by the band’s late drummer Steve Prestwich. The album also features Steve’s last recorded performances. Its title comes from the important lesson the band has learned in the wake of Steve’s untimely death.

“In late 2009 the five of us made plans to record together again and do a tour,” said frontman Jimmy Barnes. “After lots of twists and turns that’s exactly what we’ve ended up doing but due to Steve’s passing those plans changed a lot along the way. The last two years have reminded all of us that sometimes life deals up things you don’t expect. You can’t take anything or anyone for granted. Sometimes it’s best to have no plans.”

Cold Chisel will launch No Plans at Bluesfest on April 5 before is hits stores the next day. Following that, Chisel will play some very special “one night only” album launch shows. After last year’s big arenas, the smaller venues will allow the band to better connect with the fans that have supported them through the years. Tickets for these shows go on sale on March 19, but if you want to get a jump on the competition sign up to the Cold Chisel mailing list for pre-sale information.

See Cold Chisel supporting the release of No Plans at the following shows

5 April 2012 – Bluesfest @ Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay
7 April 2012 – Sandalford Estate, Swan Valley
12 April 2012 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
18 April 2012 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin Still on Top of Singles Charts

I’ve only just returned from some well earned time away from the office, so this week’s chart report is coming to you a bit late. I was happy to arrive home to see Reece Mastin’s still hanging on to his spot on the top of the ARIA singles charts with “Good Night.” While the album’s dropped slightly to number three, it’s still an amazing effort over this competitive Christmas period.

Guy Sebastian is also continuing to hold his own. His summery single “Don’t Worry Be Happy” remains steady at number six.

Cold Chisel’s best of is the only other Aussie release sitting in the top 10 albums chart. It’s slipped slightly to the number 10 position, which is probably to be expected since their tour is done and dusted.

Click below for this week’s top ARIA 10 charts.

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