INTERVIEWS by Nathan David Kelly

The Big Issue No. 152, May 27 - June 11, 2002

Jimmy Barnes

Baaarnsey! – as Jimmy Barnes is more commonly known - is one of Australian music's most enduring fixtures. As singer for oz rocks perennials Cold Chisel, he was famous for his enormous lung capacity, wild behavior (including smashing up the stage at the 1981 'Countdown' music awards and ability to drink entire bottles of bourbon on stage).

Chisel broke up in 1984. A successful solo career, some financial difficulties and a Cold Chisel reformation later, the somewhat mellow Mr. Barnes' latest project is a charity single. "I have a new single out now called “Higher” which I did with Gary Pinto for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal" he says . "Even if you don't like me or the song please make a donation to the Good Friday Appeal, as it is a nationwide appeal aimed at helping our children."

What achievement are you most proud of?

My children - not making them, but how great they are.

Your claim to fame at school was?

Top of my class?

What makes you happy?

Myself. Only you can make yourself happy.

What makes you angry?

Other people's ignorance.

When was the last time you made a fool of yourself?

What time is it?

Name your least favorite cliché and why you dislike it?

Fix it later, because you never do.

What was the last movie you saw? What did you think of it?

The last movie I saw was Lord of The Rings. It made me want to go to New Zealand.

What are you reading? is it any good?

I have been reading Stephen Hawking's A Brief History Of Time for the fourth time but when I am not reading that I am reading Arthur C Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Describe the last dream you remember having?

Setting up a deck chair in a fridge while it was sinking… I don’t know what that means but somebody must.

What is the biggest issue this country is facing at the moment? Why is it so important?

There is a lack of tough leadership to sort out such problems as racism and immigration. There have been a lot of mistakes that have to be dealt with from previous governments.

If you were prime minister what are the first things you’d put into place to improve Australia?

Sack myself straight away.

'Higher' is out now through Icurerecords.

Nathan Kelly