Jimmy Barnes announces new album and national tour, declares readiness to begin anew
fter overcoming numerous health challenges in recent years, Aussie rock icon Jimmy Barnes is making a triumphant return to the music scene. Barnes, best known as the frontman for Cold Chisel, faced a series of serious health setbacks that forced him to put his music career on hold. In 2023, he underwent open-heart surgery due to a bacterial infection that spread to a heart valve. While on tour later that year, the infection reached his hip, leading to an intensive care stay and the need for additional surgery to replace his temporary hip joint with a permanent one.
Throughout his recovery, Barnes kept fans updated on his progress through candid posts about his physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Despite the challenges he faced, Barnes recently made an exciting announcement that he would be releasing a new album titled DEFIANT, along with a national tour to celebrate his 21st studio album. The tour is set to kick off in Adelaide on June 7 and will include stops in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra.
Expressing his pride in the new record, Barnes emphasized the personal significance of the songs and his eagerness to share them with his audience. Known for his high-energy performances, the rocker promised that this tour would be no exception to his signature style. Giving fans a taste of what’s to come, Barnes released the first track from the album, “New Day,” along with an accompanying music video featuring country music star Troy Cassar-Daley and his wife, Laurel Edwards, with their vintage EH Holden car named Daphne.
Describing the song as a message of resilience, Barnes encouraged listeners to persevere in the face of adversity and embrace new beginnings. Reflecting on his own struggles, Barnes admitted that the lyrics resonated with his personal journey through illness and recovery. Recalling his determination to keep moving forward despite setbacks, he emphasized his refusal to let challenges hold him back.
Cassar-Daley, who appeared in the music video, shared his enthusiasm for being part of the project and recounted how Barnes had been inspired by his classic car, leading to their collaboration. The Indigenous artist expressed his admiration for Barnes’ perseverance and resilience, highlighting the importance of defying expectations and persevering in the face of adversity.
In addition to his music career, Barnes teased a new project on the horizon- a cookbook that he is working on with his wife, Jane. Amidst his recovery and preparations for the tour, Barnes remains focused on creating new experiences and sharing his passion for music and cooking with his fans. As he looks forward to the release of his new album and the upcoming tour, Barnes’s message of resilience and determination serves as an inspiring reminder to embrace new beginnings and keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges that may arise.