Members
Select a Cold Chisel band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Cold Chisel is an iconic Australian rock band known for their gritty blend of hard rock, pub rock, and blues. Formed in Adelaide in 1973, the band consists of Jimmy Barnes (vocals), Ian Moss (guitar, vocals), Don Walker (keyboards, songwriting), Phil Small (bass), and Steve Prestwich (drums). Cold Chisel gained fame for their powerful live performances and evocative storytelling, largely driven by Walker's songwriting prowess. Their music, deeply rooted in the Australian experience, often tackles themes of working-class life and personal struggles, resonating with audiences far beyond their homeland.
How to Sound Like Cold Chisel
Cold Chisel's sound is characterized by its raw, energetic vibe and emotive vocal delivery, especially from powerhouse frontman Jimmy Barnes. The guitars, often played by Ian Moss, deliver a piercing, blues-infused rock tone that cuts through the mix, typically utilizing the Fender Stratocaster paired with the warm, vintage crunch of a Vox AC30 or a Marshall Super Lead 100-Watt Head. These rigs allow for both searing leads and crunchy rhythm parts that define their sound. The band’s rhythm section lays down a solid, driving groove, while Don Walker's keyboards add a layer of melodic depth and atmosphere. Cold Chisel’s music thrives on its dynamic range and emotional intensity, making it a staple of the Australian rock scene.
Discography
Cold Chisel
1978
Breakfast At Sweethearts
1979
East
1980
Swingshift
1981
Circus Animals
1982
Teenage Love
2011
Besides
2011
Covered
2011
Last Stand
2011
Live At The Wireless 29.3.77
2011
Live In St Leonards Park 28.5.78
2011
Never Before
2011
Ringside
2011
The Barking Spiders Live 1983
2011
The Last Wave Of Summer
2011
Twentieth Century
2011
No Plans
2012
The Live Tapes Vol. 1: Live At The Hordern Pavilion, April 18, 2012
2013
The Live Tapes Vol. 2: Live At Bombay Rock, April 27, 1979
2014
The Perfect Crime
2015
The Live Tapes Vol. 3: Live At The Manly Vale Hotel, June 7, 1980
2016
The Live Tapes Vol 4: The Last Stand of the Sydney Entertainment Centre, December 17 and 18, 2015
2017
Blood Moon
2019
The Live Tapes Vol. 5: Live At The Bondi Lifesaver Feb 29, 1980
2020
The Big Five-0 Live
2025
Get the Cold Chisel Sound
Want to sound like Cold Chisel? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
