STACK #238 August 2024

MUSIC FEATURE

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COLD CHISEL They’re 50, but they’ve never become Old Chisel. Here’s why they remain relevant. Words Jeff Jenkins

50 Years – The Best Of by Cold Chisel is out Aug 23 via Universal

DON’T THINK YOU CAN PUSH ME TOO FAR You Got Nothing I Want was inspired by Chisel’s ill-fated 1981 American tour. The record company executive in charge of marketing the band in the US missed their only LA show – because he had to go to a DJ’s dog’s birthday. When he did appear after the gig, Barnesy threw him out of the band’s dressing room and told him not to be a wanker. “Regrets? Not at all – I wish I’d hit him.” THE BIG 5-0 – I’LL DRINK TO THAT As we raise a glass to celebrate Chisel’s birthday, we might have a cheap wine or two, or a rocket fuel. Oh, yeah. But what exactly is a rocket fuel? The details are, understandably, a little hazy. “As far as I can remember, rocket fuels were something we used to drink in Newcastle,” Barnesy says. “There are various recipes. We used to mix whisky with Stone’s Green Ginger Wine. Whatever it is, it’s cheap and it’s raw, and it’s powerful, and it sends you crazy.” EAST V CIRCUS ANIMALS Chisel are recreating the big top vibe for their 50th anniversary tour, which had us pondering the big Chisel question: What is the band’s best album – their 1980 breakthrough blockbuster East , or its follow up, 1982’s Circus Animals ? “I can think of few tougher questions to answer,” smiles Michael Lawrence, the author of Wild

CHART FACT Chisel have released nine

Cold Chisel (L to R): Don Walker, Jimmy Barnes, Phil Small, Ian Moss, and Steve Prestwich

studio albums. All of them have cracked the Top 5, apart from their self-titled debut, which peaked at number 31.

T hey’re fierce and uncompromising and they rock. Nothing has changed since Cold Chisel started in Adelaide 50 years ago. Here are three reasons the Chisel legacy will never die... EAT THIS! Chisel dominated the 1981 Countdown Awards, taking home a record seven trophies. But they refused to accept any of the awards,

though they agreed to close the show, playing an album track, My Turn to Cry . All seemed to be going well

until viewers realised the band had changed the lyrics to attack the awards’ co-presenter, TV Week magazine. “ I never saw you at the Astra Hotel, ” Barnesy spat. “ I never saw you in Fitzroy Street, and now you’re tryin’ to use my face to sell TV Week… Eat this! ” The band then trashed the set. It’s one of the most memorable moments in Australian TV. WRITE ON Chisel is chockful of talent. Indeed, has there ever been a band with

Colonial Boys , the definitive Chisel book, documenting every gig and release. He says it’s like choosing a favourite child, but when pressed, he concludes, “I have to choose Circus Animals , just for the sheer emotional power of the songs.” The new best-of features seven East songs and four from Circus Animals .

more songwriting depth? Every member has written a classic: Don Walker ( Khe Sanh ), Jimmy Barnes ( You Got Nothing I Want ), Ian Moss ( Bow River ), Phil Small ( My Baby ), and the late Steve Prestwich ( Forever Now ).

AUGUST 2024

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