It soundtracked a generation. Now it’s back on tour: Aussie rock legend announces tour in celebration of 40th anniversary

Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes is set to hit the road once again, and this time he’s celebrating a milestone that’s close to the hearts of fans across the country.

That’s right, Barnesy is marking the 40th anniversary of his iconic anthem, ‘Working Class Man’, with a blockbuster national tour, and he’s bringing some very special friends along for the ride!



For many, ‘Working Class Man’ isn’t just a song—it’s a slice of Aussie history.

Released back in November 1985, the track quickly shot up the charts, becoming a top five hit and cementing Jimmy’s place as the voice of everyday Australians.

Now, at 69, the Scottish-born, Adelaide-raised rocker is ready to relive those glory days and share them with a new generation of fans.

This isn’t just any tour. Jimmy’s pulling out all the stops, inviting some of the biggest names in Australian music to join him on stage.


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Jimmy Barnes has announced a national tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his classic anthem 'Working Class Man', performing every track from the iconic 1985 album. Image source: Sunrise / Youtube.



Fans can look forward to seeing ‘80s synth-pop legend Iva Davies and his band Icehouse, the ever-talented Kate Ceberano, and, in a real treat for Cold Chisel devotees, Jimmy’s old bandmate and guitar virtuoso Ian Moss.

But the real showstopper? Jimmy will be performing every single track from his classic 1985 album, ‘For the Working Class Man’.

That means you’ll get to hear not just the title track, but also beloved hits like ‘Paradise’ and ‘I’d Die to Be with You Tonight’—all performed live, just as you remember them.

The six-date tour kicks off on November 22 at Mount Duneed Estate in Geelong, Victoria.



From there, Jimmy and his all-star crew will make their way to Sirromet Winery in Queensland on November 29, before heading to Bimbadgen Wines in the Hunter Valley, NSW, on December 6.

After a well-earned Christmas break, the tour resumes in the new year at Hobart’s Regatta Grounds on January 17, 2026.


Source: Sunrise / Youtube.​


Next up is Peter Lehmann Wines in South Australia’s Barossa Valley on January 31, before the grand finale at Sandalford Wines in Western Australia’s Swan Valley on February 7.

Here’s a fun fact that might surprise even the most die-hard fans: ‘Working Class Man’ wasn’t actually written about Jimmy himself.


Source: Jimmy Barnes / Youtube.​


In a recent interview, Jimmy revealed that the song’s writer, Jonathan Cain (of Journey fame), penned the track after hearing about Jimmy’s audience—hardworking Aussies who’d spend their weeks on the tools and their weekends letting loose at his gigs.

Jimmy recalled, ‘I told him [Cain] about my audience being hard working, doing nine-to-five in factories, and come Saturday night, kicking their heels up and going berserk. You could see him taking it all in.’

A week later, Cain called Jimmy and said, ‘I’ve written a song for you called Working Class Man.’ At first, Jimmy thought it was a bit on the nose, but when he heard the demo, he knew it was something special—a song that would define his career and speak to millions.

Jimmy Barnes is no stranger to the spotlight. With 21 number-one albums and a spot in the ARIA Hall of Fame, he’s one of Australia’s most decorated musicians.



And he’s not slowing down—he’s also set to headline the 65th TV Week Logie Awards at The Star Sydney on August 3, promising to ‘get the party jumping’ with four decades’ worth of hits.

If you’ve ever seen Jimmy live, you’ll know he gives it everything he’s got—every time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or you’ve never seen him in concert before, this anniversary tour is shaping up to be one for the ages.

If you’re keen to secure your spot, here’s what you need to know: Telstra Plus Member pre-sales open on August 4, with general pre-sales available from August 6.

These shows are sure to sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of Aussie rock history.

Read more: After a record-breaking tour, this international star sets sights on Australia again

Key Takeaways

  • Jimmy Barnes has announced a national tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his classic anthem 'Working Class Man', performing every track from the iconic 1985 album.
  • The star-studded line-up for the tour includes '80s legends Iva Davies and Icehouse, Kate Ceberano, and Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss joining Barnes on stage.
  • The six-date anniversary tour will kick off in Victoria in November 2025, with shows across Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and wrapping up in Western Australia in early 2026.
  • Jimmy Barnes revealed that the hit 'Working Class Man' was written as a tribute to his hardworking fans, and not about himself as often believed.

Are you planning to catch Jimmy Barnes on his Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour? Do you have a favourite memory of seeing him live, or a story about what his music means to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts and memories—share them in the comments below!
 
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What a tuff man, he has had so many health issues including hip replacement and heart surgery but he keeps bouncing back.

His voice is still amazing but maybe it's time for him to retire and look after his health.

I've tried buying Suzi Quatro tickets in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide but you can only buy single seats.
 
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What a tuff man, he has had so many health issues including hip replacement and heart surgery but he keeps bouncing back.

His voice is still amazing but maybe it's time for him to retire and look after his health.

I've tried buying Suzi Quatro tickets in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide but you can only buy single seats

We have tickets to the Perth show, and we got to see her with Cheap Trick and Angel :) Can't wait to see her again!
 
he does not have a singers voice. he is a screamer, not one note cames from the diaghram.
Who do you like to listen to…..I’m eclectic in what I like, but there’s really only one concert I’d love to go to…..have you heard of Dimash Kudaibergen…he comes from Kazakhstan and he’s the best as far as I’m concerned…..he sings in a few languages but my favourite song is sung in French, and I don’t even care that I can’t understand the words…..his voice is amazing….

 
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Jimmy Barnes is a great entertainer. He has his own amazing style of music and the way he sings his songs. Jimmy Barnes sadly endured much trauma and violence during his up bringing due to one of his parents being addicted to alcohol. Jimmy is a survivor, and should be respected for his strong ability to have reached such a high position in the field of music. May be heal and enjoy life to the fullest. God bless, 🙏🦋
 
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Who do you like to listen to…..I’m eclectic in what I like, but there’s really only one concert I’d love to go to…..have you heard of Dimash Kudaibergen…he comes from Kazakhstan and he’s the best as far as I’m concerned…..he sings in a few languages but my favourite song is sung in French, and I don’t even care that I can’t understand the words…..his voice is amazing….


Lionel Richie .
 

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