A showcase of 50 years of Aussie rock, Cold Chisel cut through their catalogue of classics for eager crowds.
I realised as I was walking through the luscious green parklands of Ballarat’s Victoria Park that last time I was in the region for an outdoor concert was the Red Hot Summer Tour in 2019 at the North Gardens. The pre-pandemic event boasted guitar greats and outstanding showmanship from Chocolate Starfish, Diesel, Richard Clapton, The Living End, the ultimate rock goddess Joan Jett and a highlight headline performance from Jimmy Barnes. That tour celebrated Barnes’ career in and outside Cold Chisel, covering classic anthems of ‘Working Class Man’ through to ‘Khe Sanh’.
Between those two Ballarat moments, I had also seen Cold Chisel at yet another outdoor venue, headlining A Day On The Green at Mt Duneed Estate. That same concert boasted fellow lineup legends Birds of Tokyo, alongside other acts that form the Australian rock ecosystem. It struck me that my entire live experiences with Cold Chisel and co have been star-studded events taking place under the beautifully shining Southern stars, surrounded by seas of proud punters. Today, this Red Hot Summer Tour special would be no exception.
Cold Chisel The Big 50 Tour
- When: Saturday 9 November 2025
- Where: Victoria Park, Ballarat
- Lineup: Cold Chisel, The Cruel Sea, Birds of Tokyo, The Superjesus and Karen Lee Andrews
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Crowds gathered for the sold-out event with deck chairs lining the dusty parkland area, the sun shining down for what would be a showcase of generations of Australian rock. Karen Lee Andrews kicked things off, The Superjesus swept through their grungier driven catalogue of songs from the late 90’s and early 2000’s including fan favourites ‘Gravity’, ‘Down Again’ and ‘Shut My Eyes’, Birds of Tokyo took the crowd through their soundtracks of the 2010’s including ‘Plans’, and The Cruel Sea led by Tex Perkins took us into late 80’s, early 90’s territory. The diversity of rock rhythms rattling from the stage were a distinct indication of Cold Chisel’s impact on the Australian rock music scene and the products of their power.
50 years.
Half a century.
25,000 people there to party with Australia’s greatest rock band and party they did!
Cold Chisel roared through a ripper set of classics, dusting off old gems, revitalising revered radio hits and introducing fresh to-be-favourites. It all launched with ‘Standing on the Outside’, a belter from Barnesy to get the crowd instantly in the bands inner circle. Saxophones, harmonicas and soulful backing singers brought the songs to life alongside the band as Ian Moss powered through familiar hooks. ‘Choir Girl’, ‘Cheap Wine’, ‘My Baby’ and the finger-pointer ‘You Got Nothing I Want’ drew crowd sing-alongs throughout the main set, with a trio of classics closing off the 18 song segment.
Getting sentimental for a second, Barnesy details a vivid dream of driving a tour van with the lads and his version of ‘Flame Trees’ came on the radio. He reaches out to turn the volume down and a hand grabs him. It’s the late Steve Prestwich who reassures him its okay to listen. A tribute to Cold Chisel’s late drummer, who sadly passed in 2011 of a brain tumour, the band take on Barnesy more dramatic version of the song. As originally written by Prestwich and keyboardist Don Walker, this was a stunning moment of remembrance for the musician. Mega moments of ‘Khe Sanh’ and ‘Bow River’ bowed out the set.
Returning for an encore led by an echo of ‘do’s’ the band kicked into the Ian Moss sung ‘Saturday Night’, followed by ‘Breakfast At Sweethearts’, ‘Forever Now’ and ‘Painted Doll’. In a double fake out, fitting for the bands flare, Cold Chisel thanked everyone and exited yet again with fans wondering where ‘When The War Is Over’ went? Alas, the fake out was revealed as they returned for the huge final two songs, crowd swayer ‘When The War Is Over?’ and the final bow, ‘Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)’.
Ill health forgotten, Barnesy was energised until the end, screaming through each Cold Chisel number with Moss as if it was both the first and last time they would tackle each song: fresh and fun, sentimental and celebratory.
Considering the Cold Chisel 50 year celebration conversation started as a nice dinner and escalated to a national tour, I’m sure glad I got to be part of the party!
Catch Cold Chisel at their other tour dates. More information can be found here.
