Aussie rock legend shares amusing encounter with law enforcement: 'I got done three times by the same cop!'

Life is full of surprises, and sometimes they come in threes—ask Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes.

Cold Chisel's iconic frontman, known for his gravelly voice and high-octane performances, recently shared a tale from his past that's sure to have fans shaking their head in disbelief.


In an excerpt from his upcoming memoir, Highways and Byways, Barnes recounted a day that was anything but a smooth ride.

Jimmy Barnes was cruising from Bowral to Sydney on his Mercedes 450, with the stereo blasting and the open road ahead.

It's a scene that screams freedom, but as Jimmy soon discovered, with freedom comes responsibility and consequences.


jimmy barnes.PNG
Jimmy Barnes recently went back on stage for Cold Chisel's 50th anniversary tour. Image Credit: Instagram/Jimmy Barnes, Robert Hambling


The first encounter came when Jimmy got pulled over for driving at 210 kilometres per hour.

Despite being recognised by the highway patrol officer, Barnes received a ticket for his lead-footed antics.

However, as soon as the highway patrol was out of sight, Jimmy went back at it and pushed the speedometer even further.
It wasn't long before the same officer caught up with him again and clocked him for an even faster speed.

Jimmy's licence got revoked on the spot.


Yet, with a bit of charm and a promise to stay off the road once in Sydney, he convinced the officer to let him continue his journey.

However, the promise was short-lived, as Barnes got stopped a third time shortly after.

'That is a true story that I got done three times by the same cop,' Barnes exclaimed in an interview.

'He was just flabbergasted. I did not learn that day.'

The triple whammy of fines led to a three-month licence suspension and a mandatory driving course for the rock star.
As he reflected on the incident, Barnes admitted that his love for music and a powerful car got the better of him.

'My problem is I have the attention span of a small soap dish, so my speed goes with the music,' he explained.


While the escapade was an exciting story to tell, Barnes has since changed his ways and has not received a ticket in years.

Jimmy Barnes remained a beloved figure in Australian music.

His recent health battles, including a stubborn staph infection and surgeries, have not dampened his spirit.

Cold Chisel recently kicked off their 50th anniversary national tour, and their 50 Years-The Best Of album soared to number one on the ARIA charts.

As we anticipate the release of Highways and Byways on 16 October, we're reminded that even our heroes have their off days.

We wish Cold Chisel all the best for their ongoing tour.
Key Takeaways

  • Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes revealed he was fined three times in a day for speeding by the same police officer.
  • Jimmy lost his driver's licence for three months and was required to attend a driving course.
  • Jimmy attributed his then-speeding problem to the music he listened to while driving.
  • Despite health issues, Cold Chisel kicked off their 50th-anniversary national tour, where Barnes is expected to rock multiple stages.
Have you ever had a close call on the road that made you rethink your driving habits? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
 

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Just an old man that needs to realise he's not entitled even if he's a great entertainer.
 
W
Just an old man that needs to realise he's not entitled even if he's a great entertainer.
WHY was his car not immediately impounded, then crushed?
Again it is one rule for the rich and another rule for the rest of us poor battlers!!!
The cops who let him off w a fine three times shld be sacked!!
 
It says on his Mercedes 450, I take it that's a motor bike or was he sitting on the bonnet of the car..What an idiot.
 
We don't have 'crushing laws in NSW,' we should however, Politicans were 'talking about them' when Barry O'Farrell was Premier, it takes Pollies 'a long time and they have to pretend that they came up with the idea' before anything is done...or a significant event on the roads....maybe...
 
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It says on his Mercedes 450, I take it that's a motor bike or was he sitting on the bonnet of the car..What an idiot.
I think the reference to 'on' is a typo.

I concluded that he was driving a 450SEL car based on the rest of the article that notes:

'a mandatory driving course' and 'a powerful car' and 'driving' further on.
 
I think the reference to 'on' is a typo.

I concluded that he was driving a 450SEL car based on the rest of the article that notes:

'a mandatory driving course' and 'a powerful car' and 'driving' further on.
Yes, I know. :)
 
W

WHY was his car not immediately impounded, then crushed?
Again it is one rule for the rich and another rule for the rest of us poor battlers!!!
The cops who let him off w a fine three times shld be sacked!!
Because it's a tale from his past when the crushing law may not have existed.
 
  • Haha
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W

WHY was his car not immediately impounded, then crushed?
Again it is one rule for the rich and another rule for the rest of us poor battlers!!!
The cops who let him off w a fine three times shld be sacked!!
I may be mistaken, but NSW still does not have crushing law.
 
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By the way this is hardly an amusing or exciting story, and the close call was by way of not killing someone.
Don't glorify this story just because it is jimmy Barnes.
 
By the way this is hardly an amusing or exciting story, and the close call was by way of not killing someone.
Don't glorify this story just because it is jimmy Barnes.
Totally agree.
 
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Serves him right. How old is he? He's not a kid.

Grow up and drive to the limits. No sympathy here. I don't care who it is or the lame excuse used.

Lucky he didn't get arrested. A poor example for his family and fans.
 
Serves him right. How old is he? He's not a kid.

Grow up and drive to the limits. No sympathy here. I don't care who it is or the lame excuse used.

Lucky he didn't get arrested. A poor example for his family and fans.
You DO realise this happened many years ago, don't you?
 
You DO realise this happened many years ago, don't you?
Makes no difference, still broke the law not once but 3 times. Now he is making it worse by repeating it to young people. It's not funny it's dangerous
 
Just an old man that needs to realise he's not entitled even if he's a great entertainer.
Not a great performer as far as I'm concerned
 
Makes no difference, still broke the law not once but 3 times. Now he is making it worse by repeating it to young people. It's not funny it's dangerous
Totally agree. Thank you. Saved me saying the same thing here.
 
So? is totally correct. Hasn't he grown up, why is he trying to make light of breaking the law? Very poor role model to young people who may admire him.
 
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