Cold Chisel

Cold Chisel is an Australian pub rock band that formed in Adelaide in 1973. They are widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential acts in Australian music, renowned for their powerful live performances and a catalogue of songs that have become anthems. The band's classic lineup featured the distinctive vocals of Jimmy Barnes, the guitar work of Ian Moss, the songwriting and keyboards of Don Walker, the bass of Phil Small, and the drumming of Steve Prestwich. Despite initial commercial struggles, they achieved massive success in the late 1970s and early 1980s before disbanding in 1983, though they have reunited for several tours and albums since.

History

The band was formed by schoolmates in Adelaide, with early members including Jimmy Barnes and Ian Moss. They relocated to Melbourne in the mid-1970s, honing their craft on the tough Australian pub circuit alongside bands like The Angels. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1978 on the WEA label, was not a major success, but their relentless touring built a formidable live reputation. The breakthrough came with 1979's East, which spawned hits like "Choirgirl" and "Cheap Wine" and topped the Kent Music Report. The follow-up, 1980's Swingshift, a live album, cemented their status, while 1982's Circus Animals and the single "When the War Is Over" showcased their artistic ambition. Internal tensions and exhaustion led to a farewell tour, The Last Stand, culminating in a final concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in December 1983.

Band members

The definitive lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jimmy Barnes, lead guitarist and vocalist Ian Moss, keyboardist and principal songwriter Don Walker, bassist Phil Small, and drummer Steve Prestwich. Barnes, known for his raw, powerful voice, became a solo superstar in Australia. Moss also pursued a successful solo career, notably with the hit "Tucker's Daughter". Walker is revered as one of Australia's finest songwriters, later forming Tex, Don and Charlie. Prestwich, who wrote several of the band's classic songs including "When the War Is Over", also played with Little River Band and sadly passed away in 2011. Early members included original drummer Les Kaczmarek and guitarist Teddy Toi.

Musical style and influences

Their sound is fundamentally rooted in high-energy rock and roll and blues rock, perfectly suited to the demanding environment of the Australian pub circuit. Key influences include foundational rock and roll artists like Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, as well as blues icons such as Muddy Waters. They also incorporated elements of soul music, heard in Moss's smoother vocal tracks like "Bow River", and country music inflections in Walker's storytelling. This blend created a distinctly Australian working-class rock sound, with songs often featuring driving piano lines, searing guitar solos, and Barnes's impassioned, raspy delivery. Their lyrical themes frequently explored Australian life, hardship, romance, and social commentary.

Discography

Their core studio album releases during their initial career are Cold Chisel (1978), East (1979), Circus Animals (1982), and Twentieth Century (1984). The live album Swingshift (1981) is considered a landmark release in Australian rock. Key compilation albums include Radio Songs: The Best of Cold Chisel and The Best of Cold Chisel: All for You. Major hit singles include "Khe Sanh", "Cheap Wine", "Choirgirl", "Flame Trees", "Saturday Night", and "When the War Is Over". "Khe Sanh", despite initial radio bans, became an enduring anthem. They have released new studio material during reunions, including The Last Wave of Summer (1998) and No Plans (2012).

Legacy and impact

Cold Chisel's influence on the landscape of Australian music is profound and enduring. They are credited with defining the Australian pub rock genre and inspiring countless subsequent bands, from INXS to Powderfinger. Their songs, particularly "Khe Sanh" and "Flame Trees", are considered national anthems, regularly topping polls like those run by Triple M and APRA AMCOS. The band and its members have been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and have received numerous ARIA Music Awards. Individual members, especially Jimmy Barnes and Ian Moss, have maintained hugely successful careers, while the band's reunion tours, such as the Light the Nitro Tour, consistently sell out major venues like the Sydney Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval, demonstrating their lasting popularity and cultural significance.

Category:Australian rock music groups Category:Musical groups from Adelaide Category:Pub rock musical groups