Cold Chisel: Did You Know?
Cold Chisel: Fun Facts & Untold Stories About the Legendary Australian Rock Band
Cold Chisel is one of Australia's most beloved rock bands, known for their raw energy, powerful lyrics, and anthemic songs that have become part of the fabric of Australian music history. Formed in Adelaide in 1973, the band achieved iconic status with hits like "Khe Sanh," "Flame Trees," and "Bow River." But behind the legendary songs and sold-out shows, there are some fascinating and lesser-known stories about Cold Chisel that even the most die-hard fans might not know.
Here are some fun facts and untold stories about Cold Chisel that give a deeper look into the band’s journey and legacy.
1. Cold Chisel's Original Name Was "Orange"
Before they were Cold Chisel, the band was known by the decidedly less edgy name "Orange." In their early days, the group was still developing their sound and identity. As they evolved from playing covers to crafting original music, they realized that they needed a name that better reflected their gritty, hard-hitting style.
Fun Fact: The name Cold Chisel was inspired by a song title from American jazz legend Don Sebesky's album The Distant Galaxy. The name suited their aggressive, working-class rock sound, and it stuck.
2. "Khe Sanh" Was Banned by Radio Stations
"Khe Sanh" is arguably Cold Chisel’s most iconic song, but when it was first released in 1978, Australian radio stations initially refused to play it. The song, which tells the story of an Australian Vietnam War veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life, was considered too controversial due to its explicit references to war, drugs, and prostitution. However, the band’s fans embraced it, and "Khe Sanh" became a massive underground hit.
Fun Fact: Despite the radio ban, "Khe Sanh" became one of Australia’s most enduring rock anthems and is often referred to as Australia’s unofficial national anthem. It’s hard to find an Aussie who hasn’t belted out its chorus at some point!
3. Jimmy Barnes Wasn’t the Original Lead Singer
While Jimmy Barnes is synonymous with Cold Chisel, he wasn’t actually the band’s original lead singer. In the early days, guitarist Ian Moss often shared vocal duties. However, as the band progressed, Barnes’ raw, powerful vocals became a defining feature of their sound, and he naturally took over as the frontman.
Fun Fact: Even though Jimmy Barnes became the iconic voice of Cold Chisel, Ian Moss’ distinctive singing can still be heard on several tracks, including the fan favorite "Bow River," which he wrote and sang.
4. Cold Chisel Once Quit the Music Scene—Twice!
Cold Chisel has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the music scene. The band initially broke up in 1983 after releasing their classic album Twentieth Century. The breakup was largely due to tensions between band members, especially between Jimmy Barnes and keyboardist Don Walker, the band’s primary songwriter.
They reunited in 1998 for a tour and new album, The Last Wave of Summer, before going their separate ways again. Thankfully, Cold Chisel couldn’t stay away for long. They reunited again in 2011 and have continued to perform and release music, much to the delight of their loyal fans.
Fun Fact: Despite the internal tensions that led to their initial breakup, Cold Chisel’s farewell concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in 1983 remains one of the most legendary live performances in Australian rock history. Their farewell album, Swingshift, is a must-listen for fans of live rock music.
5. They Wrote "Flame Trees" in Just a Few Hours
"Flame Trees," one of Cold Chisel’s most beloved songs, is known for its haunting lyrics about nostalgia and returning to your hometown. Written by Don Walker and guitarist Steve Prestwich, the song was penned in just a few hours during a writing session.
The song’s lyrics reflect Walker’s own experiences growing up in Grafton, New South Wales, though the emotional core of the song—longing, lost love, and change—resonates universally.
Fun Fact: "Flame Trees" almost didn’t make it onto the Twentieth Century album. It was a late addition to the album, but the song’s powerful imagery and emotional depth quickly made it a standout track. Today, it’s considered one of Australia’s greatest rock ballads.
6. They Were Once Accused of "Riot-Inducing" Behavior
Cold Chisel was known for their wild live performances, which sometimes attracted rowdy crowds. In one notorious incident in Melbourne in 1980, the band was accused of inciting a riot after a particularly raucous concert. Although the band had no intention of stirring up trouble, their raw, high-energy shows often led to fans getting a little too excited.
Fun Fact: The band’s reputation for rowdy concerts was actually a point of pride for them. They embraced their status as Australia’s premier hard-living, hard-rocking band, a title that only grew as their legend did.
7. Jimmy Barnes’ On-Stage Feud with an Ice Cream Cone
During one of Cold Chisel’s performances in 1978, an audience member threw an ice cream cone at Jimmy Barnes while he was on stage. Rather than ignoring it, Barnes stopped the show, took a moment to vent his frustrations, and famously declared, "I’m not here to be hit with ice cream!" The incident became part of Cold Chisel lore, further cementing Barnes’ reputation as one of rock’s most fiery frontmen.
Fun Fact: The "ice cream incident" is often cited as one of the funniest moments in Cold Chisel’s history, and it shows just how unpredictable their live shows could be.
8. Their Influence Goes Beyond Music
Cold Chisel’s influence extends far beyond just their music. They became a voice for the Australian working class and were known for their honest portrayal of blue-collar life, making them relatable to a wide range of fans. Songs like "Cheap Wine," "Star Hotel," and "Breakfast at Sweethearts" explored themes of disillusionment, ambition, and the struggles of everyday Australians.
Fun Fact: Even though Cold Chisel was often seen as the voice of the working class, their music appealed to people from all walks of life. Their ability to tell compelling stories through their music helped them transcend the typical boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll, earning them fans across generations.
The Enduring Legacy of Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel’s story is one of resilience, passion, and authenticity. From their rebellious early days to their heartfelt ballads, the band has left an indelible mark on Australian rock music. With hits that continue to resonate decades after they were first released, Cold Chisel has cemented their place as one of the greatest bands in Australian history.
Behind the hits are countless untold stories and quirky moments that make Cold Chisel not just a band, but a cultural institution. Whether they’re rocking out at sold-out arenas or reflecting on the nostalgia of small-town life, Cold Chisel’s music continues to inspire and captivate fans across the world.
One of Cold Chisel's most iconic and beloved song lyrics comes from their hit Flame Trees. The song, written by Don Walker and Steve Prestwich, is a powerful reflection on nostalgia, lost love, and the passage of time. Here’s one of the most memorable lines from the song:
"Do you remember, nothing stopped us on the field / In our day"
This lyric captures the bittersweet emotions of looking back on youthful days filled with freedom and possibility, juxtaposed with the reality of how much life changes. It resonates deeply with fans because it evokes a sense of longing and the inevitability of growing older while cherishing memories of the past.
Another standout lyric comes from their classic Khe Sanh:
"The last plane out of Sydney's almost gone"
This line has become one of the most famous in Australian rock history, symbolizing a feeling of disillusionment and restlessness, especially for returning Vietnam War veterans. It’s an anthem for those seeking escape and dealing with the emotional toll of war and life transitions.