Jimmy Barnes Marks 40 Years of ‘For the Working Class Man’ on National Tour
Four decades have passed since For the Working Class Man topped the charts, securing Jimmy Barnes’ status as a prominent solo artist in the Australian rock scene. To celebrate this monumental album, which has influenced a generation, Barnes is gearing up for a nationwide tour and a special deluxe reissue.
The Tour Details
Dubbed the ‘Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour,’ this series of performances, brought to you by MG Live and Face to Face Touring, will see Barnes play the iconic 1985 album in its entirety. Fans can anticipate everything from the stirring opener “I’d Die to Be with You Tonight” to the energetic closer “Paradise.” The concert will also feature a range of hits from his illustrious catalogue, all set against the backdrop of Australia’s stunning outdoor venues.
Upcoming Tour Stops
The tour kicks off on Saturday, November 22nd, at Mount Duneed Estate in Geelong, and includes stops at several renowned locations:
- November 29th: Sirromet Wines, Queensland
- December 6th: Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley
- January 17th: Regatta Grounds, Hobart
- January 31st: Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
- February 7th: Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley
Special Guest Appearances
Barnes will share the stage with notable artists from the For the Working Class Man era, including the legendary ICEHOUSE, his Cold Chisel bandmate Ian Moss, and the multi-talented Kate Ceberano.
Jimmy Barnes Reflects on the Album
“For the Working Class Man holds immense significance for me,” Barnes shared. “Working with such talented individuals on this record truly set the course for my solo career. I can’t wait to celebrate it with my closest friends and favorite artists, performing in some of Australia’s most breathtaking venues.”
Album Remastering and Reissue
The original album, released in December 1985, featured reimagined tracks from his debut album Bodyswerve and birthed timeless songs like “No Second Prize” and “Ride the Night Away.” The title track has become a beloved anthem for many Australians. Written by Journey’s Jonathan Cain, “Working Class Man” celebrates Barnes’ dedicated, blue-collar fans. The album dominated the charts for seven weeks, selling over 500,000 copies and securing a spot in triple j’s Hottest 100 Australian Songs.
In honor of its 40th anniversary, the album will be reissued on November 14th through Mushroom Music. The deluxe edition includes rare formats like a double ‘flame’ colored vinyl, CD, cassette, and a limited-edition box set featuring colored 7″ singles. This set also includes a fresh, stripped-back version of “Working Class Man” and a ten-minute spoken-word reflection by Barnes.
A Tribute to Michael Gudinski
This tour also serves as a tribute to the late Michael Gudinski, founder of Mushroom, who once hailed the original album as “a record for everyone who’s believed in him … for the working class man.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for the tour will be available starting Thursday, August 7th, at 2:00 PM local time through Ticketmaster. Pre-sales for Telstra Plus members begin on August 4th, with exclusive pre-sales for MG Live, Face to Face, and Jimmy Barnes fan club members starting on August 6th.
Don’t Miss Out!
Featuring special guests ICEHOUSE, Ian Moss, & Kate Ceberano
Presented by MG Live and Face to Face Touring
All shows licensed for all ages
For more information about the tour and tickets, check out MG Live and Jimmy Barnes’ official website.
Will you be attending this iconic celebration of one of Australia’s most beloved albums?
