Fans question show opener after backlash over controversial opening performance
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Few voices have defined Aussie music quite like the one that opened this year’s biggest night in television.
As the awards show got underway, a familiar anthem rang out, sending the crowd into a nostalgic buzz and setting the tone for the evening.
But while some cheered from their couches, others weren’t quite sold on the performance, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across social media.
Social media, as always, was quick to light up with opinions—some supportive, others less so.
While a handful of die-hard fans declared the Logies had 'peaked too early' and called Barnes a 'legend', a vocal contingent of viewers on X (formerly Twitter) weren’t shy about sharing their disappointment.
Comments ranged from 'Jimmy Barnes. Poor b****** is incoherent, can’t understand a thing he’s singing,' to '1988 called. It’d like its entertainment back.' Ouch!
One viewer suggested, 'Unpopular opinion – Jimmy needs to sit down, chill out and retire. He has earned it.'
Another lamented, 'He’s doing himself no favours singing everything in a screaming rasp, there’s no light and dark anymore, and he’s butchered that classic.'
Some even questioned the choice of opening act, quipping, 'Maybe choose an opening act that would play a casino in real life rather than an RSL.'
But let’s not forget, for every naysayer, there was a fan cheering him on.
'The bloody Logies has peaked too early, how can they top this!' one wrote, while another declared, 'Jimmy Barnes rocks the #Logies2025!' It’s clear that, love him or loathe him, Jimmy Barnes still knows how to get people talking.
It’s worth noting that Barnesy’s Logies performance comes after a challenging year.
The 69-year-old rocker has faced several health battles, making his return to the stage all the more significant.
In true working-class spirit, he’s not letting anything slow him down. In fact, he’s just announced a national tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Working Class Man’—the very song that’s become his personal anthem and a staple of Aussie rock.
The tour, kicking off in November, promises to be a real treat for fans. Barnes will be joined by fellow ‘80s legends Iva Davies and Icehouse, as well as the ever-popular Kate Ceberano.
And for those who want to relive the glory days, he’ll be performing every track from his chart-topping For the Working Class Man album.
First released in 1985, Working Class Man shot up the charts and cemented Barnes’s place in the pantheon of Australian music.
The song’s raw energy and relatable lyrics struck a chord with Aussies from all walks of life, and it’s been a mainstay at parties, pubs, and sporting events ever since.
Barnes’s career has spanned more than four decades, from his early days with Cold Chisel to his solo success.
He’s survived the ups and downs of the music industry, personal struggles, and now, the sometimes unforgiving court of public opinion on social media.
Through it all, he’s remained unapologetically himself—a true working-class man.
The mixed reaction to Barnes’s Logies performance raises an interesting question: when is it time for our musical legends to step aside? Is there an age limit on rock and roll, or should artists be celebrated for their longevity and resilience?
Many of our readers will remember the days when Barnesy was in his prime, tearing up stages across the country.
But as we all know, time waits for no one. Voices change, energy wanes, and the critics can be harsh.
Yet, there’s something to be said for the passion and experience that only comes with age. After all, isn’t it inspiring to see someone still doing what they love, decades after they first started?
If you’re keen to catch Barnesy live, here’s where you can see him on his Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour:
Was Jimmy’s Logies performance a nostalgic treat or a sign that it’s time to pass the torch? Have you seen Barnesy live recently, or do you have fond memories of his heyday? And how do you feel about our musical icons continuing to perform well into their golden years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: Rock legend is back after surgery with a delicious surprise! Are you ready for it?
As the awards show got underway, a familiar anthem rang out, sending the crowd into a nostalgic buzz and setting the tone for the evening.
But while some cheered from their couches, others weren’t quite sold on the performance, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across social media.
While a handful of die-hard fans declared the Logies had 'peaked too early' and called Barnes a 'legend', a vocal contingent of viewers on X (formerly Twitter) weren’t shy about sharing their disappointment.
Comments ranged from 'Jimmy Barnes. Poor b****** is incoherent, can’t understand a thing he’s singing,' to '1988 called. It’d like its entertainment back.' Ouch!
Jimmy Barnes opens Logies with a classic hit, but viewers call the performance outdated. Credit: Facebook
One viewer suggested, 'Unpopular opinion – Jimmy needs to sit down, chill out and retire. He has earned it.'
Another lamented, 'He’s doing himself no favours singing everything in a screaming rasp, there’s no light and dark anymore, and he’s butchered that classic.'
Some even questioned the choice of opening act, quipping, 'Maybe choose an opening act that would play a casino in real life rather than an RSL.'
'The bloody Logies has peaked too early, how can they top this!' one wrote, while another declared, 'Jimmy Barnes rocks the #Logies2025!' It’s clear that, love him or loathe him, Jimmy Barnes still knows how to get people talking.
It’s worth noting that Barnesy’s Logies performance comes after a challenging year.
The 69-year-old rocker has faced several health battles, making his return to the stage all the more significant.
In true working-class spirit, he’s not letting anything slow him down. In fact, he’s just announced a national tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Working Class Man’—the very song that’s become his personal anthem and a staple of Aussie rock.
And for those who want to relive the glory days, he’ll be performing every track from his chart-topping For the Working Class Man album.
First released in 1985, Working Class Man shot up the charts and cemented Barnes’s place in the pantheon of Australian music.
The song’s raw energy and relatable lyrics struck a chord with Aussies from all walks of life, and it’s been a mainstay at parties, pubs, and sporting events ever since.
Barnes’s career has spanned more than four decades, from his early days with Cold Chisel to his solo success.
He’s survived the ups and downs of the music industry, personal struggles, and now, the sometimes unforgiving court of public opinion on social media.
Through it all, he’s remained unapologetically himself—a true working-class man.
The mixed reaction to Barnes’s Logies performance raises an interesting question: when is it time for our musical legends to step aside? Is there an age limit on rock and roll, or should artists be celebrated for their longevity and resilience?
Many of our readers will remember the days when Barnesy was in his prime, tearing up stages across the country.
But as we all know, time waits for no one. Voices change, energy wanes, and the critics can be harsh.
If you’re keen to catch Barnesy live, here’s where you can see him on his Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour:
- 22 November: Mount Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC
- 29 November: Sirromet Winery, QLD
- 6 December: Bimbadgen Wines, Hunter Valley, NSW
- 17 January 2026: Regatta Grounds, Hobart, TAS
- 31 January 2026: Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley, SA
- 7 February 2026: Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley, WA
Read more: Rock legend is back after surgery with a delicious surprise! Are you ready for it?
