Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes has released his 21st solo studio album DEFIANT, just one day before launching a national tour across Australia.
Out now via Mushroom Music, DEFIANT arrives after a difficult period for Barnes, who has undergone multiple surgeries in recent years, including a life-threatening heart operation. Despite the challenges, the Cold Chisel frontman says the new 10-track set carries a message of resilience.
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“Nobody lives this long without copping some knocks and I’ve taken my fair share, particularly lately,” he said in a press statement. “But none of us can control what life throws at us. We can only control how we respond — and for better or worse, I’ve never liked to take a backward step.”
While he didn’t intend for the album to take on a particular theme, Barnes says that in hindsight, DEFIANT reflects a consistent message.
“I didn’t set out to do it deliberately but now that the album is finished, I can see there’s a recurring theme about the satisfaction you can get from fighting back. That’s why it’s called DEFIANT.”
The album marks his first new project since 2022’s Blue Christmas and follows a career that includes a record-breaking 15 solo No. 1 albums on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart — more than any other artist in ARIA history. He’s also notched five more chart-toppers with Cold Chisel, making him a singular force in Australian rock.
“I’m ready to rock!” Barnes said. “All of the songs on DEFIANT are made to play live and I can’t wait to blow the roofs off with them in my live set.”
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage with my band again. I’m so proud of this new record – all the songs mean a lot to me and I can’t wait to share them with you. It’s going to be some serious fun!”
The Defiant Tour kicks off June 7 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre and will continue through major cities including Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, wrapping in Canberra later this month.
In addition to the album and tour, Barnes will appear on the debut season of That Blackfella Show, billed as Australia’s first national First Nations variety show. The series is filmed in front of a live studio audience and features a lineup that includes rapper BARKAA, comedians Steph Tisdell and Dane Simpson, and broadcaster Abbie Chatfield.
DEFIANT is available now on all streaming platforms.
