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Jimmy Barnes tops ARIA charts with new album Flesh And Blood

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Lily HoffmannThe West Australian
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VideoAussie music legend Jimmy Barnes talks about his 20th studio album and upcoming national tour

He’s long been hailed as one of the nation’s favourite rockers.

And nearly half a century after Cold Chisel started, his popularity has been proved again — with Jimmy Barnes making history with the release of his latest album.

The homegrown legend rocketed to number one on this week’s ARIA album chart with the release of his 20th solo studio album Flesh and Blood. The milestone pushed his total of solo albums to hit the top spot on the charts to an amazing 13.

Barnes already claims the title of most number one albums in ARIA chart history.

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His July 2019 number one My Criminal Record put him ahead of international megastars Madonna and U2 — who each boast 11 number ones Down Under.

The rocker also boasts five Cold Chisel chart-toppers, bringing his total tally of No.1 ARIA albums to 18.

The only other Australian act within striking distance is John Farnham, with nine number ones.

Barnes took to his Instagram to celebrate the win, saying he didn’t “take any of this for granted”.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank all the people who are still willing to listen to my new music after all these years,” he told fans.

“I hope they get as much pleasure from listening to it as I get from making it.”

Jimmy Barnes breaks his own Australian chart record with his latest solo album Flesh And Blood.
Camera IconJimmy Barnes breaks his own Australian chart record with his latest solo album Flesh And Blood. Credit: Instagram/Mushroom Group

He extended his gratitude to his manager John Watson for “all the great guidance over the years” and to Bloodlines and the Mushroom Group which he called “the A team”.

“They’ve certainly shown that yet again with all their hard work promoting Flesh And Blood,” he wrote on social media.

Barnes’ album was conceived during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in 2020. In March this year the 65-year-old premiered the title track at the state funeral for longtime manager, good friend and Mushroom Group leader Michael Gudinski.

Jimmy Barnes.
Camera IconJimmy Barnes. Credit: Jesse Lizotte/supplied

ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd paid tribute to Barnes, calling him an “undeniable legend”.

“Jimmy’s achievement proves the generation-spanning depth of Australia’s chart-topping artists,” she said.

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