Safety Concerns: Jimmy Barnes cancels gig despite promoting new album

Aussie rockstar Jimmy Barnes may have thrilled fans with the announcement of his upcoming Christmas album, but he has now left many heartbroken after cancelling his Sydney album signing event.

The 66-year-old music icon was set to sign copies of his first-ever Christmas album, Blue Christmas, at Penrith Panthers League Club this November 26 but changed his mind, citing concerns over public safety as the reason.

Barnes took to Twitter to break the bad news writing: “In order to keep everybody safe given the current increase in covid cases, the event at Penrith Panthers on Saturday 26 November will not be proceeding. Thank you for understanding, Team JB”

In order to keep everybody safe given the current increase in covid cases, the event at Penrith Panthers on Saturday 26 November will not be proceeding. Thank you for understanding, Team JB pic.twitter.com/s3FOkLPB6O

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) November 16, 2022

Barnes’ decision to postpone the signing comes as Covid-19 cases in Australia have started to rise, with some states recording an 80 per cent increase in the spread of Covid-19 variants.

Despite the cancellation, fans of the Working Class Man singer praised his decision to prioritise the public’s safety.

Wow! This is actually highly responsible!!!
I am gobsmacked.
I’d forgotten what responsible actions looked like.

WELL DONE BARNESY!
???????????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/EbW0yAWrQj

— scribbler Of Oz ???? #TakeCareOfYourAir ???? (@_marching_Ents_) November 16, 2022

Bravo sir to both yourself and your team.
you just got another follow for this very responsible decision.#COVIDIsAirborne #BringBackMasks
❤️✊????????

— Thing ScottAchange #BringBackMasks ????????????ⓥ ❤️✊???? (@scottachange) November 16, 2022

Smart move – thanks @jimmybarnes – I can’t believe I am the only person on a packed Syd/Mel flight wearing a mask today. This wave is shaping up to be the most destructive due to our complacency. #getyourbooster #WearAMask

— Employee Attachment, Connection and Detachment (@EmployeeAttach) November 16, 2022

Barnes kicked off the festive season early this year after revealing he would be releasing his first Christmas album in November 2022.

Barnes said the album will have an Australian twist on the Christmas classics we all know and love.

Fans can look forward to renditions of Christmas favourites like Let It Snow and Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree. 

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Scottish-born rock star said the cover art for the album was specifically chosen to represent an Aussie Christmas.

We’re announcing something tomorrow. Can you guess what it is?

Sign up to the mailing list to get the news first: https://t.co/QfPfVCp9Bd pic.twitter.com/T3BDB57Xj4

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) October 22, 2022

On top of the anticipated release of his first Christmas album, the singer has been busy receiving his Honorary Doctorate by the University of South Australia (UniSA) for his “distinguished service to the community”.