Jimmy Barnes adds three more shows to Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour
Jimmy Barnes has decided to extend the festivities surrounding one of Australia’s most iconic rock albums, For The Working Class Man, by including three additional shows in his fully booked 40th Anniversary Tour. The tour will now feature performances at Sandstone Point Hotel in Queensland on March 21, Centennial Vineyards in Bowral on March 28, and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on April 10.
During the Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour, fans will have the opportunity to witness Barnesy perform his groundbreaking 1985 album For The Working Class Man in its entirety. The celebrated artist will be accompanied by a star-studded roster of special guests, including the likes of Icehouse, Ian Moss, and Kate Ceberano.
The album’s reissue, For The Working Class Man – 40th Anniversary Edition, is being released today in CD, cassette, and double vinyl formats through Mushroom Music. This version of the record is the first time it has been pressed onto two LPs since its debut in 1985, which garnered massive success by selling over half a million copies in Australia and spending seven weeks at the number one spot.
In a nostalgic twist, Barnes will be sharing the stage with his longtime friend John Rooney, who will be the opening act for each show except for those at the Sydney Opera House and Rod Laver Arena. Rooney, who previously supported Cold Chisel during Jimmy’s wedding, went on to build his career as a renowned orthopaedic surgeon before returning to music. His recent album, Hoodwink, produced by Kevin Shirley, features notable musicians like Waddy Wachtel, Don Was, Benmont Tench, and Jim Keltner, with Jimmy contributing to the opening track Trouble Always Finds Me.
Looking back on the significance of the album, Barnes expressed, “For The Working Class Man played a pivotal role in my musical journey. Collaborating with such talented individuals on this record truly propelled my solo career. I am thrilled to commemorate this milestone with my closest friends and favorite artists, showcasing these songs in some of the most prestigious and iconic venues across Australia.”
The original album featured seven reimagined tracks from Barnes’ solo debut Bodyswerve and produced timeless classics such as I’d Die To Be With You Tonight, Ride The Night Away, Without Your Love, and the anthemic Working Class Man.
This tour is also a tribute to Barnes’ late friend Michael Gudinski, who hailed the album as “Jimmy’s gift to his fans – a record for everyone who’s believed in him.”
Concurrent with the album reissue, the documentary Jimmy Barnes: Working Class Man is set to premiere on the Seven Network, helmed by director Andrew Farrell and inspired by Jimmy’s bestselling autobiography of the same title.
With these additional tour dates, Jimmy Barnes fans have even more opportunities to experience the magic of For The Working Class Man live on stage.