On a pleasant Adelaide evening (17 November), Cold Chisel capped off the 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500 weekend with a sold-out show that was nothing short of spectacular.
Celebrating their 50th anniversary with a set list stacked with hits and their most animated atmosphere on tour, electric enough to light up the city, the Australian rock legends proved they are as timeless as their music.The night opened with the gritty anthem 'Standing On The Outside' before flowing into heartfelt tracks like 'Letter To Alan' and 'HQ454 Monroe'. As the night unfolded, the crowd was treated to emotional moments with 'When The War Is Over' and 'Flame Trees', while anthems like 'Khe Sanh' and 'Bow River' brought the house down.
The two encores, 'Saturday Night' and 'Choir Girl', were the cherry on top, leaving fans buzzing with energy.
Jimmy Barnes' vocals were a highlight of the night, showcasing his signature power that can tug at the heartstrings or energise the entire crowd with his ability to go from emotional to all-out rock.
Cold Chisel - image © Jake Vassallo
Despite battling significant health challenges just months ago, Barnes, at the age of 68, performed with an intensity and energy that belied his recovery journey. His ability to captivate an audience with both raw energy and emotional delivery was a testament to his resilience to what life has thrown him and his passion for music.
Ian Moss delivered one awe-inspiring guitar solo after another, his skill elevating tracks like 'Bow River' and 'Forever Now' to jaw-dropping heights. The entire band was tight, with each member shining in moments that reflected the band's five decades of mastery.
The lighting design for the night was a standout, illuminating the stage and crowd in waves of colour and creativity. From the moody hues of 'Four Walls' to the fiery spectacle of 'Rising Sun', the visuals amplified the music, creating a fully immersive experience.
Adelaide fans of all ages came together for this special night. From lifelong devotees to younger fans just discovering the band, the unity in the crowd was real. Whether strangers or friends, everyone sang, cheered, and danced, celebrating the enduring South Aussie legacy of Cold Chisel.
Cold Chisel - image © Jake Vassallo
As Barnes reminisced about Adelaide, where their story began, he got emotional reliving his life with a story about a dream he had, the crowd roaring in recognition. These moments of reflection tied the band's legacy back to the city, making the performance feel intimate and one of a kind.
The night opened with Tonix, whose energetic blend of synth, sax, drums, and, at one stage, a keytar set the tone. Hometown favourites, The Superjesus brought their signature grunge-inspired rock, bridging old-school and contemporary sounds.
The Cruel Sea delivered a groove-heavy set that perfectly complemented the headliners. Together, these acts demonstrated why South Australia's music scene is one of a kind and needs support from both the community and government to continue to thrive.
The Cruel Sea - image © Jake Vassallo
Cold Chisel's performance was more than a concert; it was a celebration of toughness, connection, and the enduring power of music. With Barnes defying his health setbacks and the band delivering a flawless show, the night highlighted why they remain icons.
Their 50-year journey might be long, but Adelaide proved they will always be home. This performance echoed throughout Adelaide, and I would argue louder than each V8 Supercar over the weekend – a reminder of what it means to celebrate life, love, and pure music.
- written by Jake Vassallo
More photos from the concert.
