Jimmy Barnes has announced a major national tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his landmark album For The Working Class Man, performing the record across some of Australia’s most iconic outdoor venues.
The Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour will see Barnes perform the legendary 1985 album in full while also treating fans to classics from his rich back catalogue.
Joining Barnes for this major celebration are some of the most iconic artists of the era: Icehouse, Ian Moss, and Kate Cebrano.
The tour will kick off on Saturday 22 November at Mount Duneed Estate, Geelong VIC, before heading to Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton QLD on Saturday 29 November; Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley NSW on Saturday 6 December; The Regatta Grounds, Hobart TAS on Saturday 17 January; Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley, SA on Saturday 31 January; and Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley WA on Saturday 7 February.
Released in December 1985, For The Working Class Man topped the charts, spending seven weeks at number one and selling over half a million copies, becoming Barnes’ longest-standing chart-topper.
Reflecting on the legacy of the album and the journey it represents, Barnes shared his excitement about the tour and what the record still means to him.
“For The Working Class Man was such a significant album in my life. I got to make the record with some amazing people, and it really set up the rest of my solo career,” Barnes said.
“I’m so excited to be celebrating For The Working Class Man with some of my dearest friends and favourite artists. And I can think of no better way to mark this milestone than by performing these songs in some of the most beautiful and iconic outdoor venues across Australia.”
In addition to the landmark tour, a special 40th anniversary edition of the album will be released by Mushroom Music on Friday, November 14.
As Barnes prepares to hit the road once again, the iconic Aussie rocker recently opened up about his terrifying brush with death, revealing the intimate and emotional moments he shared with his wife Jane during his recent health crisis.
In a heartfelt interview with 7News, the beloved Cold Chisel frontman detailed his harrowing experience with bacterial pneumonia, which landed him in hospital in late November 2023.
What initially seemed like a serious infection escalated quickly, eventually requiring Barnes to undergo open-heart surgery — a revelation that left fans reeling.
Barnes revealed that he and his wife Jane really believed his time was coming to an end and it made him reflect on life.
“I literally turned to Jane and said: ‘I think this might be it. I think it might have caught me finally’,” he said.
“It makes you think about life.
“And I’m letting everybody I know that I love know that I’ve had the best life, you know.”
Barnes’ health battles didn’t end with heart surgery. Earlier this year, he revealed he would be returning to hospital yet again — this time for further hip surgery, something he assured fans was a positive step.
“Hey everyone, I’ve got some news to share with you. My incredible doctors have cleared me to go back in next week to have my hip replaced with a permanent joint,” he said at the time.
“I’m obviously not looking forward to more surgery but this is actually good news. I’d like to apologise in advance to my darling Jane who’s going to be back in nursing mode for the next few weeks (I’m not a great patient if you didn’t know).
“The temporary hip that I had in there for the past few months did its job, and it got me through the amazing Cold Chisel “The Big Five-0” Tour.
“I’d like to thank the very talented physios who strapped me up like I was in a grand final every night. That got me through the shows.
“I’ve got another big year coming up, and this new hip will have me stomping around the stage before you can say 1, 2, 3, 4.
“See you on the road.”
Thankfully, Barnes made a strong recovery and was soon back home, expressing gratitude to fans and the medical professionals who helped him through.