Jimmy Barnes Announces Return to Touring After Health Scare

Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes announces his return to touring after overcoming illness
Jimmy Barnes' Heartwarming Family Singalong , Blue Christmas is out now
Photo by Jesse Lizotte
Jimmy Barnes' Heartwarming Family Singalong , Blue Christmas is out now
Photo by Jesse Lizotte

Iconic Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes has thrilled fans with the announcement of his much-awaited return to touring, following a challenging health battle late last year.

The revered musician was hospitalized on November 27 last year due to bacterial pneumonia. Despite immediate treatment, his condition worsened when he developed staphylococcal bacteraemia a few days later. Further medical examinations revealed the presence of an abscess at a previous operation site, a complication caused by the staph infection, necessitating surgical intervention.

Tragically, the infection progressed, leading to endocarditis, a potentially fatal condition affecting his aortic valve. Urgent cardiac surgery was performed on December 13 to replace the damaged valve, marking a critical juncture in Barnes’ health journey.

After over eight weeks of intensive recovery, Barnes has shown remarkable progress, as evident from his updates on social media. Now, with the green light from his doctors, he is gearing up to return to the stage, much to the delight of his loyal fan base.

“Every day I’m getting stronger. Every day I’m pushing myself a little bit further,” Barnes shared. “I’m excited about getting back on stage, in front of the band and playing for you all.”

Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support during his illness, Barnes conveyed heartfelt appreciation to his fans. “I really want to thank everyone for their support and good wishes while I was ill. The family were passing on your messages of care, and it really lifted my spirits,” he said.

Barnes’ comeback will kick off with a special performance at the legendary Bluesfest Byron Bay over the Easter Long Weekend, commemorating the 30th anniversary of his acclaimed “Flesh and Wood” album. This unique show promises an unforgettable experience, featuring both electric and acoustic renditions of tracks from the album, along with hits from his extensive repertoire.

“Flesh and Wood,” Barnes’ seventh solo album, made a significant mark on the Australian music scene upon its release in December 1993, debuting at #2 on the charts. The album achieved triple platinum status, spending eight weeks in the Top 10 and four months in the Top 50. Notable collaborations with artists such as Joe Cocker, Diesel, Ross Wilson, and others added to its allure, with several singles from the album, including “The Weight,” enjoying commercial success.

Fans eager to witness Barnsies’ triumphant return can secure their tickets to Bluesfest Byron Bay, available for purchase on Moshtix.

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Owen George

Editor & Chief of Gold Coast Magazine is a lover of great coffee and sharing the stories of the people, places, and events that make the Gold Coast such a great city