LiSTNR has teamed up with Cold Chisel to document the explosive history of Australia’s most loved rock band.
In a LiSTNR exclusive, the band tell their remarkable story in their own words in a five-part audio docuseries, Cold Chisel, hosted by The Superjesus’ Sarah McLeod.
Made in partnership with Cold Chisel, the docuseries features brand-new, in-depth interviews with original band members Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Phil Small and Don Walker and drummer Charley Drayton, who took over from the late Steve Prestwich.
Covering pivotal moments of the band’s history, the series explores the highs and lows of their extraordinary story, including their reflections on the legendary The Last Wave of Summer comeback tour in 1998, which Barnes struggled through.
Listen to episodes one and two here:
“I was pretty out of it and wild and had a death wish,” Barnes said.
“But I’d get into the middle of Cold Chisel singing, and that was the only time I felt comfortable. It must have been painful for the guys to be around. I was like a Tasmanian devil; I just never stopped.”
Cold Chisel has sold over seven million albums and is currently thrilling audiences of all ages on their The Big Five-O national tour. The tour has sold over 120,000 tickets and follows their recent number-one compilation album, 50 Years – The Best Of.
“This podcast is our story, from late 1973 through to today,” Barnes said.
“It’s warts and all, highs and lows, as told by us and by some of our friends and colleagues who joined us on the ride. 50 friggin years! Who would have thought it? We certainly didn’t.
“And it’s brilliantly hosted by our good friend, Sarah McLeod. Strap yourself in.”
McLeod’s ARIA-winning band The Superjesus, is opening for Cold Chisel on their current tour as they play sold-out shows across Australia.
“I’ve always felt a connection with Cold Chisel,” McLeod said.
“Not just because their songs speak to me, as they do most Australians, but also because we’re also from Adelaide and The Superjesus were signed to WEA, the same label as Chisel.
“We were signed by Chisel’s tour manager Mark Pope, who would tell us colourful stories about life on the road with them. We admired the band, their grit, rock n’ roll stamina and fortitude to do it their own way.
“They are the real deal, a proper rock band. To watch them re-emerge all these years later has been inspiring to witness, it’s such a killer story, so of course I want to tell it!”
LiSTNR music features journalist Cameron Adams said: “Doing extensive interviews with the band and people in their orbit has been eye-opening.”
“This is a wild story – incredible highs and devastating lows. They also made some incredible business moves, including owning all their own music and setting a career blueprint for other artists to follow.
“It is also a testament to a band who knew they had something special and always played by their own rules.”
Executive head of LiSTNR audience and growth, Grant Tothill, said: “There are not many Australians who haven’t listened to Cold Chisel’s music. To be able to work so closely with the band and management – John O’Donnell and John Watson – to create this audio docuseries is a real honour.
“Cold Chisel tells the story of the band from the early days in Adelaide through to the moment everything changed. From constant rejection and not being able to afford to eat to becoming one of Australia’s most loved and successful bands that are still together after 50 years.
“Even if you think you know the story, I can assure you, you don’t know it until you’ve listened to all five episodes and discover what’s special about Cold Chisel and why they keep coming back together to create live performances that are intoxicating.”
Episodes one and two of Cold Chisel are available now exclusively on LiSTNR. Download the LiSTNR app and sign up to listen for free. Subsequent episodes will be released over the following weeks, with episode three dropping on Tuesday, November 26.