Cold Chisel Big 5-0 Tour: Aussie Rock Legends Hit the Road for 50th Anniversary!

Legendary Australian rock band Cold Chisel is set to celebrate an incredible milestone with their “Big 5-0 Tour,” marking 50 years since their formation.

The iconic group, known for its powerful performances and classic hits, will embark on a national tour this October and November.

Spanning 11 cities across the country, the tour promises to be a spectacular tribute to their storied career, featuring a mix of fan-favorite songs and special surprises.

As they prepare to hit the road, Cold Chisel’s members reflect on their remarkable journey and look forward to reconnecting with fans in a series of unforgettable concerts.

Tour Dates and Locations

The tour kicks off on October 5 in Armidale, New South Wales, a town significant to the band’s history as they were based there in 1975.

The band will then continue to play in key locations, including the Gold Coast, Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Newcastle, Ballarat, and Hobart.

The grand finale will take place in Adelaide, where Cold Chisel first formed, with a special concert following the city’s 500 supercars event.

Band’s Reflection and Excitement

On Wednesday, lead singer Jimmy Barnes spoke to Nat Barr on Sunrise, expressing his surprise and gratitude for reaching this milestone. “It’s good – it is great to be here celebrating 50 years.

Never thought we’d make it,” Barnes said with his usual candid honesty. Reflecting on his long journey with the band, he added, “I didn’t think we’d make 21. I was 16 when I joined Cold Chisel.

All the people we loved musically, like Muddy Waters and Little Richard, I think, toured until they dropped. This is not a job you take on for a short period of time and walk away.

It’s a life. It’s part of your soul and your spirit. If we didn’t do this, it would be a big piece of our lives missing.”

Barnes also spoke about his recent health challenges, acknowledging the support he received during his time in the hospital.

“There was a point where I wasn’t going to make it. All the encouragement. In the hospital, walking down the street… People were giving me cuddles. It was very moving. I didn’t take it for granted.”

Special Performances and Supporting Acts

Fans in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane will enjoy performances in specially constructed Big Top tents, reminiscent of a 1982 album launch.

The tour will feature supporting acts, including The Cruel Sea, The Superjesus, Birds of Tokyo, and Karen Lee Andrews.

Piano player and chief songwriter Don Walker emphasized the band’s commitment to making the tour memorable.

“Bookending the tour in the two places where we first welded the band together, building this circus tent shows in three cities, bringing along some great guests, and doing a set which reaches back across our whole song catalog should all make The Big Five-0 a tour to remember,” Walker said.

Greatest Hits and Surprises

Guitarist and singer Ian Moss reassured fans that they would hear the band’s most beloved hits during the tour.

“There are a minimum of 15 songs that our audience demands to hear,” Moss stated. “This time, we’ll be playing all of them, plus we’ll be throwing in lots of musical surprises.”

In addition to the tour, Cold Chisel will release a best-of album in August, further celebrating their enduring legacy.

Ticket Sales

Tickets for the Adelaide event will go on sale on Wednesday at 12 pm.

Limited tickets will be available to members of Cold Chisel’s mailing list from 12 pm (local time) on Friday, May 31.

General public tickets will be available from 12 pm (local time) on Tuesday, June 4.

Tour Dates for Cold Chisel’s Big 5-0 Tour

Final thoughts 

Cold Chisel’s Big 5-0 Tour promises to be a celebration of five decades of rock history. With an impressive lineup of performances and special guests, the tour is set to be a fitting tribute to the band’s legacy.

As fans gear up to celebrate with the iconic band, the anticipation for unforgettable performances and musical nostalgia runs high.