In a weekend plagued by bad news, it’s great to see something good occurred: Jimmy Barnes earned his eleventh solo number one on the ARIA charts, with Soul Searchin’ hitting the top spot on debut. That draws Barnesy level with U2 and Madonna for the most solo number ones in ARIA charts history. This video gives you a little idea why this album is sitting at the top of the charts.
“I feel blessed to be making music after such a long time in the business and equally I feel privileged that people are still buying our records and coming to the shows – it’s very humbling,” Jimmy said on hearing the news. “As for another #1, it’s an absolute honour to be counted amongst such iconic bands and great artists.”
Soul Searchin’ has pushed last week’s number one, Skin by Flume, into the number two spot. He’s also fallen a little on the singles charts. “Say It” has dropped one to sit at number six. Keith Urban’s Ripcord has also slipped one spot, to number six.
Some Aussie acts are on the rise though. Classic Carpenters by Dami Im is back in the top 10, rising from 11th position to sit at number nine. The Wolfe Brothers round out the top 10 with This Crazy Life.
Here are this week’s complete top tens.
Top 10 Albums
1. Soul Searchin’ – Jimmy Barnes
2. Skin – Flume
3. Thank You – Meghan Trainor
4. 25 – Adele
5. Lemonade – Beyonce
6. Ripcord – Keith Urban
7. Views – Drake
8. The Very Best of – Prince
9. Classic Carpenters – Dami Im
10. This Crazy Life – The Wolfe Brothers
Top 10 Singles
1. “This is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
2. “One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
4. “Just Like Fire” – Pink!
5. “Me Too” – Meghan Trainor
6. “Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo
7. “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
8. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE
9. “Panda” – Desiigner
10. “No Money” – Galantis
Thankfully there was plenty more talent on the bill. While my formative years were spent perving on Mr Ryder, my mum’s were spent drooling over Daryl Braithwaite. She was transformed back into a 16-year-old as he took the stage and delivered hit after hit. Dazza’s another of those blokes who seems to lose nothing over the years. He hits those high notes with ease and always puts on such an amazing show. Singing out “The Horses” and “Higher than Hope” with the crowd was magic.
Next up was one of our favourites, Mr Richard Clapton. Oh how we love Richard. Having said that though, after such an incredible set from Daryl, Richard’s seemed to lack a little sparkle. I knew the majority of the songs from seeing him countless times in the past, but they seemed to leave a lot of people scratching their heads. “Girls on the Avenue” went down a treat though. Even when he’s not incredible, Richard’s still bloody good.
Incredible was what we got with another my of mum’s crushes, Ian Moss. The consummate professional, adored by the masses, he delivered a stellar set packed with the hits and a few surprised. As someone who remembers buying Matchbook on cassette (my first album bought with my own money if I’m ever on RocKWiz!), I was thrilled to hear him perform “Mr Rain.” The only thing better than Mossy solo is Mossy with Jimmy. We got a little Cold Chisel reunion during “When the War is Over” which was something I’ll never forget.
Next up were The Angels, the band with the biggest question mark for me. I was well aware of the split, and had wondered just how this incarnation would feel without Doc Neeson up front. I shouldn’t have worried. Rather than feeling like a pale imitation of the original, this Dave Gleeson-fronted outfit has a new lease on life. I might be a bit biased here. I’m Newcastle-bred, and many of the first pub gigs I ever attended were Screaming Jets shows. But he is the perfect frontman for this band he clearly loves so much. He brought real energy to the hits and won over the crowd from the get go. I’ve got to tell you though, the only thing weirder than seeing your parents chanting “that bit” in “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?” is watching your American husband’s reaction to it all. The poor boy was caught completely unawares. I love that despite eight years here, every now and again Aussie culture can throw him a curveball.
Jimmy Barnes teased us with his appearance during Mossy’s set. We were so ready for him, and he delivered. Jimmy was actually the first musician I ever saw live, way back in the Soul Deeper days, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since. It was a wonderful set which spanned his entire career. He rocked hard and we loved it. I found myself on my feet more often than not, and I screamed myself hoarse. God knows how he keeps up those vocals. Mossy came back to play a few Chisel numbers and it was every bit as special as that first appearance. This time I put my camera down and just soaked it in though. Wow. Being amongst that crowd singing out “Working Class Man” and “Khe Sahn” was out of this world.
Some of Australia’s most beloved artists will perform for regional audiences this summer. Dubbed the Red Hot Summer Tour, the travelling concert series features a bumper line-up including Cold Chisel comrades Jimmy Barnes and Ian Moss, Baby Animals, Dragon, Ross Wilson, and Chocolate Starfish.
I was smiling before anyone even graced the stage, with my belly full of Lizotte’s tasty soft shell crab and delicious herby battered fish. But that smile got even wider when Mahalia Barnes was introduced as our support act. Jimmy’s daughter is always good value, and I lapped up her soulful set. Her modern take on “You Are My Sunshine” was a real highlight, as was the closer which saw Jimmy make an early appearance to sing with his daughter. The name of the song escapes me, but I was singing along in earnest.
It wasn’t too long before the Aussie legend was back on the stage with Mahalia and band in tow. He delivered a surprising set, but one that suited this venue perfectly. Anyone who came hoping to hear Jimmy’s greatest hits might have been disappointed. “Khe Sahn” and “Working Class Man” were notably absent, although he did treat us to a few Chisel and solo singles. The focus though was on songs that shone acoustically, especially those from one of my favourite Barnesy albums, Flesh and Wood. To hear some of my favourite cuts from that recording, especially “Guilty” and “Brother of Mine” was really special. Personally I enjoyed the opportunity to hear some of the songs that don’t usually get a work-out in the live arena; I’ve heard him sing the big numbers enough times at other shows.
Jimmy Barnes will lead a lineup of Aussie rock legends performing for charity in Thailand this June. Angry Anderson, Jon Stevens, Swanee, and Kevin Borich will also play at 
