It’s not every day you see a true Aussie rock legend trading the stage for the courtroom, but that’s exactly what happened when Cold Chisel’s iconic guitarist found himself in a legal jam after being caught speeding on his way to a gig.

For fans who’ve belted out 'Khe Sanh' or swayed to 'Flame Trees,' it’s a reminder that even our musical heroes aren’t immune to the odd brush with the law—especially when the open road and a looming show are involved!


Ian Moss, a founding member of Cold Chisel and the man behind classics like Bow River and Tucker’s Daughter, was nabbed by police last October doing 115km/h in a 100km/h zone.

The incident occurred as Moss was driving from Armidale to Brisbane—no doubt with a setlist running through his mind and the anticipation of another electric performance ahead.


But this wasn’t your typical case of reckless rockstar behaviour. As it turns out, Moss had his Peugeot set to cruise control, and the car, lacking an automatic braking system, picked up speed as it coasted down a hill.

His lawyer, Paul McGirr, described Moss as a 'modest man' and 'one of those old school rockers who likes to get into his car and drive.'

No private jets or entourages here—just a musician, his car, and the open road.

What should have been a straightforward speeding ticket quickly turned into a legal headache.

Due to an administrative mix-up, Moss was convicted and fined in his absence. To make matters worse, his licence was suspended for a month—again, in error.

It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin, let alone a busy touring musician.

When Moss finally appeared before Magistrate Christine Haskett at John Madison Tower (the usual Downing Centre was closed due to flooding—because when it rains, it pours!), the courtroom was abuzz.

Even the magistrate recognised the legendary guitarist, quipping, 'Oh, it’s Mr Moss.'

His lawyer, not missing a beat, joked about Moss’s age, saying, 'I don’t want to embarrass him, he looks better than me.'


Moss wasn’t alone in court. He was supported by the band’s tour manager, Chris Bastick, who provided written evidence of Moss’s charitable work, driving to remote towns to perform and raise money for good causes.

'Because of his legendary status… people will turn up anywhere and pay to listen to him,' his lawyer argued, highlighting the positive impact Moss has had on communities across Australia.

In the end, Magistrate Haskett agreed that a conviction was unwarranted, especially given the circumstances and Moss’s clean record.

Instead, she imposed a three-month conditional release order—a fair go for a bloke who’s given so much to Aussie music and charity.

For those who might not know, Cold Chisel formed in Adelaide in 1973 and has sold over 7 million albums.

Their 50th anniversary tour last year was a testament to their enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of their music.

Moss’s signature tune, Bow River, and his vocals on hits like Saturday Night, When the War Is Over, and My Baby have cemented his place in the pantheon of Australian rock.

While Moss’s story has a happy ending, it’s a timely reminder for all of us—especially those of us who love a good road trip or are heading to a concert—that speed limits are there for a reason.

Even the best of us can get caught out by a sneaky downhill stretch or a moment’s inattention.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation—caught out by cruise control, a tricky bit of road, or a simple mistake? Or maybe you’ve had a run-in with the law that turned out to be a bit of a comedy of errors? Share your stories in the comments below.

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