Who are Cold Chisel?
Cold Chisel is an Australian pub rock band formed in Adelaide in 1973, fronted by singer Jimmy Barnes. Songs such as Khe Sanh, Flame Trees and Bow River made them one of Australia's most loved bands.
The band's main songwriter, keyboard player Don Walker, wrote many of their best-known songs, often telling stories of working-class Australian life, war and loneliness. Guitarist Ian Moss sang lead on Bow River, while Barnes's raw voice defined their sound.
Khe Sanh, released in 1978, tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran struggling to settle back into life in Australia. It was initially restricted on radio because of its lyrics but became an unofficial anthem.
Breakup and reunions
Cold Chisel split in 1983 after a farewell tour, then reunited several times, including in 1998 and from 2011 onward. Drummer Steve Prestwich died in 2011.
Their albums East and Circus Animals are regarded as classics of Australian rock.
The band was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1993. Their concerts still sell out stadiums across Australia, and Flame Trees, about returning to a small country town, is often voted among the greatest Australian songs.
Did You Know?
Cold Chisel never achieved major success in the United States, but they remain hugely popular in Australia.