Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes has encountered another obstacle in his recovery journey. After undergoing heart surgery just a few months ago due to a serious infection, Barnes now requires a hip operation. As a result, he has been forced to cancel his upcoming tour dates, which he announced on his social media accounts.
The update was shared via Barnes’ Instagram, where he recounted his struggle with intense pain during the New Zealand leg of his “Hell of a Time” tour. “I felt a twinge in my hip when I was leaving Dunedin on Thursday morning, and by late last night, the pain became unbearable, so I went to the hospital,” Barnes explained. Doctors have recommended immediate surgery followed by physiotherapy, leading Barnes to remark, “These doctors don’t mess around!”
Despite this setback, Barnes remains hopeful. With a positive prognosis, he is expected to fully recover within six weeks, assuming all goes according to plan. Unfortunately, this means his scheduled performances in August and solo shows in September will need to be rescheduled. This affects several venues, including a planned appearance at the Sydney Opera House on August 18. Barnes expressed his regret over the cancellations, saying, “I hate to disappoint anyone, but I’m also not willing to compromise the quality of my shows.”
Ticket holders for the impacted events will receive further details and instructions regarding the rescheduling soon. On a brighter note, Barnes’s appearance at the South Australian VAILO 500 event remains unaffected and will go ahead as planned.
This isn’t the first health challenge Barnes has faced in recent years. In 2022, he underwent hip replacement surgery due to severe pain he endured while performing. Despite these challenges, Barnes remains a key figure in the Australian music scene, known for his powerful performances and enduring spirit.
Once he recovers, the rock legend is set to take part in the VAILO Adelaide 500 After Race Concert Series as part of Cold Chisel’s lineup. This year marks Cold Chisel’s 50th anniversary, celebrated with their “The Big Five-0” tour, which promises an array of energetic performances at the event. The band is scheduled to headline on Sunday, November 17, alongside other iconic Australian acts like Crowded House and Ocean Alley throughout the weekend.
When the VAILO 500 was announced earlier this year, Jimmy Barnes shared his excitement for the milestone event, saying, “I can’t wait to celebrate our 50th anniversary with our Adelaide fans. We’re gonna smash it!”
The VAILO Adelaide 500 will take place from November 14th to 17th.
Cold Chisel 50th Anniversary Tour Kicks Off in October
Jimmy Barnes is currently in the midst of his “Hell of a Time” solo tour, which has seven more shows scheduled across Queensland and New South Wales. In addition to his solo performances, Barnes is gearing up for a national tour with Cold Chisel to mark the band’s 50th anniversary.
The “Big Five-0 Tour” is set to kick off in October, with the first show taking place in Armidale, New South Wales—a city significant to the band’s early days in 1974. The Armidale show has already sold out, reflecting the high anticipation for this milestone tour.
In a social media post on Saturday, Barnes didn’t clarify whether the Cold Chisel tour would be affected by his recent health issues but emphasized that his solo shows were impacted.
Rock Icon Bounces Back from Heart Surgery
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Jimmy Barnes sharing a smile from a hospital bed. In November, he had to cancel a festival appearance after being placed on bed rest to recover from bacterial pneumonia.
However, just two weeks later, the infection spread to his heart, requiring him to undergo open-heart surgery. The infection had reached a valve in his heart that had previously been replaced due to a congenital defect. Surgeons had to “clear out [the] infection and put in a clean valve,” Barnes explained.
Remarkably, Barnes was back home in time for Christmas, and by February, he had already announced new tour plans. He made his triumphant return to the stage at the Blues Fest music festival at the end of March.
Jimmy Barnes in “Constant Pain,” Cancels Summer Tours
“I’ve had nagging back and hip issues for years, but things suddenly got a lot worse over the last few weeks, and I’m now in constant and severe pain,” said Jimmy Barnes.
Despite his determination to never cancel shows—something he describes as “against [his] religion”—doctors have advised him to undergo surgery as soon as possible. “The operation will limit my movement for a few months. As much as it kills me to inconvenience everyone, I have to get this fixed so I can jump around on stage for another 50 years,” Barnes added.
Barnes will fulfill one last commitment before his surgery: headlining the Valo Adelaide 500 on Saturday, 3rd December. Following that, Hoodoo Gurus will step in for Barnes at the Live in the Vines and By The C events, while Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite, and Diesel will replace him at Summernats.
On a lighter note, if there were an award for “aging Australian rockstars being adorable on social media,” Barnes would be a strong contender. His Instagram is filled with wholesome content, including family videos, recipes, and performances with his wife Jane, like a recent duet of ‘My Girl.’ It might be a bit Jim-esque, but it’s so endearing that it doesn’t matter.
Frequently Asked Question
Why did Jimmy Barnes cancel his upcoming tour dates?
Jimmy Barnes has canceled his upcoming tour dates because he requires urgent surgery for severe back and hip pain. The surgery is necessary to address these longstanding issues and ensure his ability to perform in the future.
What kind of surgery does Jimmy Barnes need?
Jimmy Barnes needs surgery to address severe back and hip pain that has worsened recently. While the specific details of the surgery haven’t been disclosed, it will significantly limit his movement for several months as he recovers.
How long will Jimmy Barnes be out of action after the surgery?
The surgery and subsequent recovery are expected to restrict Jimmy Barnes’s movement for several months. He will need time to heal fully before returning to the stage, but the exact duration of his recovery will depend on how the surgery and rehabilitation progress.
Will the VAILO Adelaide 500 performance be affected?
No, Jimmy Barnes will still perform at the VAILO Adelaide 500 on Saturday, 3rd December. This will be his last commitment before undergoing surgery.
Who will replace Jimmy Barnes at the canceled shows?
Hoodoo Gurus will step in to replace Jimmy Barnes at the Live in the Vines and By The C events. For Summernats, Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite, and Diesel will take his place.
How are fans reacting to the news of the canceled tour dates?
While fans are understandably disappointed about the cancellations, many have expressed support and understanding, prioritizing Barnes’s health and long-term well-being. His dedication to returning stronger has been well-received.
When can we expect Jimmy Barnes to return to touring?
It’s too early to pinpoint an exact return date for Jimmy Barnes, as it will depend on the success of his surgery and rehabilitation. However, Barnes is determined to recover fully and return to the stage as soon as possible. Further updates are likely to be shared on his social media channels.
Conclusion
Jimmy Barnes’s decision to cancel his upcoming tour dates due to urgent surgery reflects his commitment to prioritizing his health so he can continue performing for years to come. While this setback is disappointing for both Barnes and his fans, his upcoming performance at the VAILO Adelaide 500 will still go ahead as planned, offering a final show before he focuses on recovery. Fans remain supportive and hopeful for his quick return, looking forward to seeing him back on stage once he’s fully healed.