Tag: Jimmy Barnes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jane Barnes Band @ The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong – 12 May 2023

Jimmy Barnes was the first performer I ever saw live. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen him since his Soul Deep tour in the early ‘90s, but it’s a lot. However, I’ve never seen a show quite like the one I watched on Friday night with the Jane Barnes Band.

Bek Jensen opened the show, as she did for close personal friend and Jane Barnes Band member Mahalia Barnes a couple of months ago. It was a shorter set this time and one that was over all too soon. She has such a beautiful, commanding voice and an incredible collection of song. Captivating an audience with originals as an emerging artist is no mean feat. She already had us mesmerised, but when Mahalia and the sublimely talented Karen Lee Andrews joined Bec near the end of the set we were in raptures. The combination of those three incredible voices in harmony was spectacular. Bec was also joined by her mum, Shauna Jensen, a legend in her own right. Watching them perform a song that they wrote together remotely during the pandemic lockdowns so close to Mother’s Day brought a little tear to my eye.

The Jane Barnes Band continued that celebration of family. Rest assured, this wasn’t a Jimmy Barnes show. All the members of the family took a turn at lead. Jane took some coaxing every time, but it was so sweet watching Jimmy’s encouragement. What a beautiful, supportive relationship they have. After watching Jackie take his turn at the mic, my mum whispered to me her surprise at the quality of his voice. Maybe we shouldn’t be so surprised given his genes, but I’d love to hear him sing a bit more. Mahalia is always flawless, and there’s a reason Jimmy is one of the most beloved singers in this country.

The thread of family ran through the songs that made up the setlist. Jimmy told us that Jane picked most of them, assuring us that he wouldn’t be singing songs by artists like The Carpenters otherwise. But that’s exactly what made this concert so fantastic. The song was peppered with a sprinkling of Jimmy’s hits. “Flesh and Blood” resonated just that little bit more after watching Jimmy with the people he loves most in this world. Watching Jimmy share lead vocals on “When Something is Wrong (With My Baby)” with Shauna Jensen, his former backing singer was so special. And I’ll never get tired of “Flame Trees.” But it was the songs I’ve never heard Jimmy tackle that really made this night so memorable. Tracks like “Bad Moon Rising,” “First Cut is the Deepest”, and “The Rose” (really!) were incredible. We even had a special guest bagpiper! Speaking of bagpipes, I had to take the tissues out again for “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond,” which Jimmy dedicated to his dearly departed friend, Jock Zonfrillo. Just beautiful.

Wyong was the first stop for the Jane Barnes Band and it was one hell of a debut. They insist things will probably go more smoothly as the tour progresses, but I can’t imagine this family ironing out all of the rough edges. That’s a very good thing. These shows let you spend time with an Aussie icon and his loved ones. They’re unfiltered and a whole lot of fun, along with being immensely talented. Here are the remaining dates on this run, but don’t worry if your city isn’t included. The fam is already talking about travelling around the country if these shows go well. If Wyong is any indication, we won’t have to wait too long for a national run.

20 May 2023 – Milton Theatre, Murramarang Country/Milton
21 May 2023 – Milton Theatre, Murramarang Country/Milton
28 May 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
29 May 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
1 June 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Lambton
2 June 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Lambton
10 June 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Country/Gundaroo
11 June 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Country/Gundaroo
18 June 2023 – Joan Theatre, Darug Country/Penrith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Makes Aussie Chart History With “My Criminal Record”

Jimmy Barnes has smashed records this week, becoming the artist with the most number one albums on the ARIA charts in history. His latest album My Criminal Record debuted at number one, becoming his 12th chart-topper. The feat sees him pass Madonna and U2, who both have 11 number ones to their name.

“The songs on this album are really personal because they were inspired by the experiences I had writing and touring my memoirs,” shared Jimmy. “Having this music strike a chord with people therefore feels particularly good. I’m grateful to everyone who’s continued to support me over the years and I’m looking forward to screaming my thanks in person when I get back out on the road shortly.”

He’s coming company with fellow countryman Conrad Sewell’s, whose beautiful debut album Life sits at number eight this week.

Unfortunately there are no Aussies in the top ten singles. In fact, we don’t see an Aussie appearance until Hilltop Hoods, who sit at number 23 with “Exit Sign.” There is so much great Aussie music around at the moment. Start downloading and streaming it people!

Top 10 Albums
1. My Criminal Record – Jimmy Barnes
2. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? – Billie Eilish
3. Diamonds – Elton John
4. Hurts 2B Human – P!nk
5. Ten – Susan Boyle
6. Rocketman – Cast Recording
7. Aladdin – Soundtrack
8. Life – Conrad Sewell
9. Free Spirit – Khalid
10. She is Coming – Miley Cyrus

Top 10 Singles
1. “Old Town Road” – Little Nas x
2. “I Don’t Care” – Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
3. “Bad Guy” – Billie Eilish
4. “Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi
5. “Cross Me” – Ed Sheeran feat. Chance the Rapper & PnB Rock
6. “If I Can’t Have You” – Shawn Mendes
7. “Never Really Over” – Katy Perry
8. “3 Nights” – Dominic Fike
9. “SOS” – Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc
10. “Sunflower” – Post Malone & Swae Lee

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Red Hot Summer @ Roche Estate, Pokolbin – 2 February 2019

In just a few years Red Hot Summer has become one of the highlights of the annual concert calendar, a series of events that showcase classic Aussie acts and some choice international artists. With a number of bills winding their way around Australia’s capitals and regional centres, there’s really something for everybody. The music is always superb; coupled with the good vibes that always seem to surround the concert series I just can’t resist.

This year was the first I’ve seen Red Hot Summer at a winery though. Roche Estate is the perfect venue, a natural amphitheatre which offered the sell-out crowd plenty of space for spreading out. The outstanding wine also made the performers sound just a little bit sweeter!

Chocolate Starfish kicked things off, curiously enough with a cover of Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell.” It was a left-of-centre choice, but one which resonated with this crowd ready to sing along. They got their chance later too with Chocolate Starfish’s own radio-friendly singles “Four-Letter Word,” “Mountain,” and the epic cover of “You’re So Vain.” These moments got the loudest cheers, but the punters were right there throughout the set thanks to the charisma of lead singer Adam Thompson. He was every inch the rock star, dancing up a storm and commanding our attention. What a way to kick off the show.

I’ve seen Richard Clapton more times than I can count because he never disappoints. With such a short time on stage, he could have simply played the hits. “Best Years of Our Lives” and “Down in the Lucky Country” were notable absences in this set for me. But as a real fan, I didn’t mind too much. I was excited to hear less well-known songs like “Dancing With the Vampires” and “Something About You.” The crowd had enough moments to sing along with tracks like “Glory Road,” “Deep Water,” and “Girls on the Avenue.” Richard was in fine form, but then again, I’ve never seen him have an off day. The consummate professional.

Speaking of professionals, how good is Diesel? I saw him once about 20 years ago and I think I forgot how good he was. There’s no risk of getting a case of amnesia again though. Everything came together in this set. He’s such a talent, flawless voice, blues guitar on point, and an exceptional catalogue of songs. It was exciting to hear the way tracks from his Injectors days have evolved. You can still sing along, but a little more blues-rock edge has freshened them up. I really shouldn’t leave it so long before catching him again.

The Living End took me back to my teenage years. Their energetic set woke up anyone who was caught napping in the sunshine. It was furious, frenetic, and so much fun. Crowds rushed the stage, punching their fists in the air enthusiastically to hits like “Roll On” and “Prisoner of Society.” Some punk bands can seem a little tragic railing against the system in their advancing years, but The Living End somehow managed to avoid that. What a tight sound. What passion. They were one of the acts I hadn’t seen before, and they did not disappoint.

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts might not have been the headliner, but the international rock stalwarts were the drawcard for many punters. The standing zone was packed for the performance that featured all the hits, including many I’d forgotten about, and some unexpected surprises. Covers of the “Laverne and Shirley” theme and “Crimson and Clover” were a delight. Smash singles like “Bad Reputation,” “Cherry Bomb,” and “I Love Rock and Roll” were delivered with so much gusto. There was no sign of the fatigue that can often set in when bands have such a storied history. Clearly they still love playing together and doing it for Australian audiences was a real thrill. Joan Jett was every bit as fierce and fabulous as I’d hoped she’d be.

Jimmy Barnes is another act I’ve seen countless times, but it’s been a little while since I’ve seen him rock out. Acoustic shows are a brilliant treat, but I didn’t realise how much I’d missed seeing him really rocking out. The hits came thick and fast, including tracks I didn’t expect to hear like personal favourites “Stone Cold” and “Ride the Night Away.” More surprises came with “Working Class Hero,” a cover of the John Lennon song, and Chris Cheney joining Jimmy for a raucous rendition of “Rising Sun.” As the set drew to a close and the whole crowd united as one for Aussie anthems like “Working Class Man,” “Khe Sanh,” and “Flame Trees,” it made perfect sense why Jimmy was the headliner. He might not have the international profile of Joan Jett, but the love so many of us have for Mr Barnes trumps that. What a way to close out another stellar Red Hot Summer show.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 4 December 2018

I always feel special being one of the 200 guests at a Lizotte’s show. But when the show is a Jimmy Barnes gig that sold out within minutes, as it was on Tuesday night, the word special doesn’t seem to cover it. Jimmy Barnes is a performer who can and does sell out large venues. In just a few short months he’s headlining the Red Hot Summer tour, taking top billing on a line-up featuring such talents as Joan Jett, Richard Clapton, and The Living End. Seeing him in a much smaller space lets Barnesy perform a different kind of show, one that’s more personal and less mainstream. It’s one I feel privileged to have witnessed.

Elly-May Barnes played support act, Jimmy’s youngest daughter and a real talent in her own right. She supported Jimmy the last time I saw him at Lizotte’s two years ago, although at that show she was flanked by Reece Mastin, Sarah McLeod, and Kara Jayne. She was a lot more exposed here, sharing the stage with only a keyboardist and her sister EJ for a few numbers, but I felt she was much stronger than last time. Clad in an LED covered cape and tight-fitting black outfit, she looked every inch the sassy rockstar. Her voice was strong from the start in a set of covers celebrating songs from David Bowie, Neil Young, Dionne Warwick, and more. Her song choice was spot on, her stage presence fierce, and her voice soulful. What a wonderful way to start the night.

Jimmy Barnes was the first musician I ever saw live. I’ve seen him countless times since then. I always enjoy his set, but I’m most excited when he delivers something new. Bigger shows don’t let you do that. Crowds of fans demand to hear the hits, to sing along from the start. Get together a much smaller group, a more select audience, and I find they’re much happier to experience something different. So we heard covers of songs from artists you might not expect Jimmy to cover like Nat King Cole and Mahalia Jackson. There were incredible new songs yet to be released. There was time to tell stories which made our experiences hearing these songs so much richer, because there were no hecklers telling him to get on with it and sing.

Jimmy doesn’t leave audiences without hearing the songs they came to hear though. While this was a set with fewer hits, we still enjoyed chances to sing along with old favourites like “The Weight,” “Khe Sanh,” “Flame Trees,” “Working Class Man,” and “When The War is Over.” His more poignant, understated take on “Working Class Man,” a world away from the pub rock number released, was especially moving.

Jimmy might have been the headliner, but this was really a Barnes family show. Elly-May and EJ both served as backing vocalists alongside their mum Jane. Son-in-law Ben Rodgers had lead guitar duties while son Jackie on drums kept the beat. EJ slayed a solo performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Seeing the members of the Barnes clan all up there supporting and admiring one another was beautiful to witness.

Beautiful isn’t a word that typically springs to mind watching a Jimmy Barnes performance. His shows are typically rocking, bold, ballsy affairs. But I feel so thrilled to have seen the softer side of one of Australia’s most enduring and iconic musicians in Newcastle this week.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes @ Civic Theatre, Newcastle – 6 April 2018

Jimmy Barnes was the first musician I ever saw live. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen him perform since that 1991 show, but I’ve never seen him as I did last Friday night at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. I thought I had an inkling of what to expect, as we saw him at Lizotte’s just before his Working Class Boy tour kicked off last year. That show incorporated stories and songs, so I expected more of the same. However, this time the musical performances took a backseat to the tales from Jimmy’s second book, Working Class Boy.

This show takes the audience on the journey through Jimmy’s fame, from Cold Chisel’s early days through his solo career, warts and all. There’s no sugar coating here. The highs are high and the lows can be very low. He might have been a hero to so many Australians, but Jimmy doesn’t paint himself that way. He’s not afraid to speak candidly his struggles with addiction, his failures in relationships with industry colleagues, friends, and family, his battles with mental health and self-acceptance.

You can’t tell the stories of Jimmy’s career without music though. A video screen beamed film clips and concert footage, which Jimmy would comment on while many of us sang along. I don’t think he could have gotten away without taking the mic for a few musical performances though. As someone who’s seen Jimmy several times, I relished the opportunity to hear him play material a little unexpected. From a cover of The Turtles’ “Happy Together,” one of the songs the members of Cold Chisel used to sing in the milk van as they made their way to Armidale, to a stripped back version of “Still on Your Side,” a dedication to the people who put up with so much from Jimmy through all these years.

People who expect an equal measure of stories and songs in Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories & Songs might be disappointed. My mum was, as she felt like she’d heard it all before from reading Jimmy’s book. For her the show was tedious, with not enough music for her liking. However, I was thrilled to see something new from Jimmy, something that was so powerful and personal. While Jimmy’s book was brave, there is a certain kind of disconnect that comes from putting something down on paper, while you’re alone, then releasing it into the world. When you’re standing on a stage, looking people in the eye as you talk about taking so many drugs that you’re not sure whether you’ll wake up in the morning or attempting to take your own life, those walls are gone. We rarely see blokey men like Jimmy speaking about the need for therapy and having conversations about mental health and addiction. It’s powerful and, as someone whose family has been touched by suicide, I think it’s necessary.

Leave your preconceptions at the door and embrace what Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories & Songs is; not your average Jimmy Barnes concert but an incredibly moving night from one of Australia’s most important entertainers. The tour will make the following stops around Australia.

13 April 2018 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2018 – The Star Theatre, Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
18 April 2018 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury (SOLD OUT)
19 April 2018 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth (SOLD OUT)
21 April 2018 – Keith Michell Theatre, Port Pirie (SOLD OUT)
22 April 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2018 – Frankston Arts Centre Theatre, Frankston (SOLD OUT)
27 April 2018 – Costa Hall @ Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong (SOLD OUT)
28 April 2018 – The Palais Theatre, St Kilda (SOLD OUT)
29 April 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (SOLD OUT)
2 May 2018 – Centennial Hall @ Sydney Town Hall
3 May 2018 – Centennial Hall @ Sydney Town Hall (SOLD OUT)
7 May 2018 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
8 May 2018 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch (SOLD OUT)
10 May 2018 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
11 May 2018 – Spark Arena, Auckland
12 May 2018 – Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
20 May 2018 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
22 May 2018 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns (SOLD OUT)
23 May 2018 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns (SOLD OUT)
25 May 2018 – Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, Townsville
26 May 2018 – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay
27 May 2018 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
29 May 2018 – Caloundra Events Centre, Caloundra (SOLD OUT)
30 May 2018 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton
1 June 2018 – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
2 June 2018 – Concourse Concert Hall, Chatswood
6 June 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
9 June 2018 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
10 June 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths, Amy Shark, Paul Kelly Big Winners at ARIAs

Often I spend the ARIA Awards feeling a little out of step with the industry voters, because the acts I feel passionate about aren’t often the ones who come home with the trophies. Not last night though, where Gang of Youths, Amy Shark, and Paul Kelly took home some of the top prizes. I was also thrilled to see Jimmy Barnes taking out the Best Children’s Album category (who would have thought he could beat out The Wiggles?) and Kasey Chambers recognised for her wonderful album Dragonfly. 2017 has been such a great year for local music and last night’s event was a fitting celebration of that.

Sure, it wasn’t a perfect awards night. Without a host, the night seemed to lack a little direction. Some of the banter felt forced, like the section with the stars of Pitch Perfect 3 and Joel Creasey’s awkward conversation with Jillian Michaels. The sound also left a lot to be desired, at least on the television broadcast. I hope it sounded better in the room. But the performances were all outstanding. It seems wrong to single anyone out, but Jimmy Barnes’ rendition of “High Voltage” was such a fitting tribute to Malcolm and George Young. If you weren’t excited by new Hall of Fame inductee Darryl Braithwaite teaming up with Vera Blue and Guy Sebastian for “The Horses” you’re probably not Australian. I thought Paul Kelly’s new take on “Dumb Things” with A.B. Original and Dan Sultan was inspired. Gang of Youth’s performance showed just why they were so dominant this year.

If you didn’t catch the ceremony, at least make sure you look up some of the performances on YouTube. Here’s one to get you started.

And here are all the winners!

Album Of The Year: Gang Of Youths – Go Farther In Lightness
Best Male Artist: Paul Kelly – Life Is Fine
Best Female Artist: Sia – “The Greatest feat. Kendrick Lamar”
Best Dance Release: Pnau – “Chameleon”
Best Group: Gang Of Youths – Go Farther In Lightness
Breakthrough Artist: Amy Shark – Night Thinker
Best Pop Release: Amy Shark – Night Thinker
Best Urban Album: A.B. Original – Reclaim Australia
Best Independent Release: A.B. Original – Reclaim Australia
Best Rock Album: Gang Of Youths – Go Farther In Lightness
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Paul Kelly – Life Is Fine
Best Country Album: Kasey Chambers – Dragonfly
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: Northlane – Mesmer
Best Blues & Roots Album: All Our Exes Live In Texas – When We Fall
Best Children’s Album: Jimmy Barnes – Och Aye the G’Nu!
Best Video: Bliss N Eso – “Moments” (feat. Gavin James)
Best Australian Live Act: Illy
Song Of The Year: Peking Duk – “Stranger” (feat. Elliphant)
Best International Artist: Harry Styles

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Sharing Stories From New Book on Upcoming Tour

My poor credit card isn’t thanking me, but I seem to be buying concert tickets like they’re going out of style this week. Monday already saw me participating in presales for Red Hot Summer at Cockatoo Island and New Power Generation at the Enmore, and I’ve just bought tickets for Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories & Songs national tour at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. Thank god I don’t have kids because I’m far too busy to manage anything but seeing shows!

Anyway, with the regular sale still a few days away I thought it was best I clue the rest of you in to what’s sure to be an awesome tour. I caught Jimmy on his Working Class Boy tour last year, and this is even half as good it’s going to be phenomenal. Like the previous tour, Jimmy will share stories of his life and songs the songs that shaped him and his career.

To commemorate his upcoming book release and tour, Jimmy will also rerelease a commemorative edition of For the Working Class Man tomorrow. The album comes bundled with a DVD recorded in 1984 at the Playroom in Queensland. Get it on October 20 and your copy of the Working Class Man book and your concert tickets on October 23.

15 & 16 March 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
17 March 2018 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
21 March 2018 – Devonport Entertainment Centre, Devonport
22 & 23 March 2018 – Country Club Showroom, Launceston
24 March 2018 – Wrestpoint Entertainment Centre, Hobart
5 April 2018 – Parklands Resort & Conference Centre, Mudgee
6 April 2018 – Civic Centre, Newcastle
7 April 2018 – Bathurst Entertainment Centre, Bathurst
12 April 2018 – Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane
13 April 2018 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
14 April 2018 – The Star Theatre, Gold Coast
18 April 2018 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
19 April 2018 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth
21 April 2018 – Keith Mitchell Theatre, Port Pirie
22 April 2018 Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
26 April 2018 Frankston Arts Centre Theatre, Frankston
27 April 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
28 April 2018 – The Palais Theatre, St Kilda
29 April 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
3 May 2018 – Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney
8 May 2018 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
10 May 2018 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
11 May 2018 – Spark Arena, Auckland
12 May 2018 – Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
20 May 2018 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
22 & 23 May 2018 – Tank Arts Centre, Cairns
25 May 2018 – Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, Townsville
26 May 2018 – Plenary Halls, Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay
27 May 2018 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
29 May 2018 – Caloundra Events Centre, Caloundra
30 May 2018 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes Addss More Working Class Boy Shows

I can’t remember people raving about a musician’s autobiography as much as they have for Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Boy. My dad got a copy for Christmas and he’s barely put it down. It sold more copies in 2016 than any other adult book in the country.

The response to Jimmy’s upcoming Working Class Boy: An Evening of Stories & Songs shows, where he promises to share tales of the past and some amazing tunes, has been phenomenal. So he’s just announced some new concerts to meet the demand. Regional fans, this is what you’ve been waiting for.

There’s a presale at 2 pm today through Frontier Music. If you miss out on that, there’s a Ticketek presale from 2 pm on Monday 30 January ahead of the general sale from 2 pm on Tuesday January 31.

14 March 2017 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
15 & 16 March 2017 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
18 March 2017 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
23 March 2017 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
24 March 2017 – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith
25 March 2017 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
7 April 2017 – Geelong Performance Arts Centre Playhouse, Geelong
8 April 2017 – Regent Theatre, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jimmy Barnes @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 13 September 2016

Jimmy Barnes is the type of singer who can sell out entertainment centres, so it’s always a thrill when he decides to put on a more intimate show at a venue like Lizotte’s. It’s been far too long since I’ve made the trek down the Pacific Highway to the only remaining Lizotte’s venue, but the promise of “hits and rarities” was too appealing to resist.

Jimmy’s daughter Elly-May Barnes warmed up the crowd with her star-studded band, The Ragged Company. With The Superjesus’ Sarah McLeod on tambourine and The Art’s Kara Jayne and X Factor winner Reece Mastin on acoustic guitars, this act was always going to impress. Their set was made up of covers destined to please the mostly baby boomer crowd, including cuts from David Bowie, The Everly Brothers, and Neil Young. I was a little concerned at first, with Elly-May’s vocals clearly showing nerves. However, a couple of songs in she seemed to find her feet and sing with sweetness and surety. The band’s harmonies were gorgeous and their organic arrangements of these classics allowed them to shine. The quartet seemed to be having such fun together, and the crowd responded in kind.

While Elly-May and her crew were well received, her dad was the man we were all here to see. The atmosphere when he took the stage was electric. We hung on his every word as he delivered an empassioned version of “Trouble of the World,” a song Mahalia Jackson sang in the classic film Imitation of Life. After he was done Jimmy told us about watching the movie with his dad as a young boy, thinking little of the film but being so blown away by Mahalia’s performance that he decided to bestow the name upon his daughter. She was there to his left, supporting his rich, raspy voice with her own throughout the show.

And what a show it was. I’ve seen Jimmy Barnes so many times over the years. He was actually my first concert all those years ago. Most times I’ve seen Jimmy he was rocking out with the sound turned up to 11, delivering the kind of hits that have become Aussie radio staples. This was a different kind of show, one that allowed Jimmy to celebrate favourite songs from his own back catalogue and the world of music that wouldn’t fit at those other gigs. I never would have expected to hear Nat King Cole’s “Around the World” at a Jimmy Barnes gig, but he performed it beautifully. Flesh and Wood was a favourite album when I was growing up, and I loved hearing cuts from it like “Brother of Mine” and “You Can’t Make Love Without a Soul” that rarely make the live set. No doubt with the stories contained in his upcoming book Working Class Boy fresh in his mind, Jimmy punctuated his songs with tales of his childhood and relationship to music.

I heard a few grumbles about the notable absence of hit singles, but I didn’t mind doing without them. While a ballad like “Flame Trees” made sense on a night like this, Jimmy’s more raucous numbers would have seemed incongruous. I’ve heard those songs so many times before anyway, so getting the chance to hear other tracks provided a welcome change of pace. Where he might ordinarily close the night with “Working Class Man,” we heard a flawless rendition of “Love Me Tender” instead. It was the perfect way to close this very different and very special Jimmy Barnes show.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Temper Trap Score Second Aussie Number One Album

With the passing of another week we’ve got a brand new Aussie act on top of the ARIA charts. Thick as Thieves, the new album from The Temper Trap, sees the band scoring back to back number LPs.

The ARIA charts might state Jimmy Barnes’ Soul Searchin’ has slipped number three, but it’s worth noting that’s only because the charts consider digital sales. If you’re as old school as me, you might be interested to know Jimmy’s still selling more CDs than anyone else in the country.

Previous number ones Skin by Flume and Ripcord by Keith Urban are at numbers six and seven respectively. Flume’s “Say It” is also the lone Aussie single in the top 10 this week. It’s at number eight.

Here are all this week’s number ones.

Top 10 Albums
1. Thick as Thieves – The Temper Trap
2. 25 – Adele
3. Soul Searchin’ – Jimmy Barnes
4. Lemonade – Beyonce
5. Thank You – Meghan Trainor
6. Skin – Flume
7. Ripcord – Keith Urban
8. Views – Drake
9. Strange Little Birds – Garbage
10. Greatest Hits – Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Top 10 Singles
1. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
2. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
4. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
5. “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
6. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
9. “Panda” – Desiigner
10. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE