Cold Chisel was one of my all time favorite live bands. They simply shone on stage. I had the opportunity to see them many times both in large stadium concerts and a few times in very intimate venues. One of the best was an impromptu show they held on the outside of a pub in Moss Vale, NSW. Near as I can figure it was in January 1983 although I’m hoping a knowledgeable commenter may be able to narrow that down to a specific date.
*Update*
Thanks to Damian in comments this gig has been tracked down to the 5th of February 1983.
I got a call one day out of the blue from my friend Wolfgang who’d heard there was going to be a fund-raising show at Moss Vale by Cold Chisel. I took the essential items being a bottle of vodka and a camera. I managed to push my way right to the front of the stage and these shots are the result.
The astute amongst you will notice that it’s not Steve Prestwich on drums. He was apparently sick that day and his place was taken by ex Daddy Cool drummer, Gary Young. You will also find John Swan standing side stage. At the end of the show I managed to talk my way backstage but unfortunately the bottle of vodka had well and truly kicked in by then so all I did was dribble in peoples ear. I distinctly remember collaring poor Ian Moss for about 10 minutes and I don’t think I said a sensible word. Oh well!
I’d really like some help identifying the roadcrew in these shots too. If anyone can be of help just leave a comment.
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Hi There,
Wow – great photos!
There is a fantastic Book on Cold Chisel by Michael Lawrence called Showtime, which was released circa 1998. The book documents the band from 1973 and has an extensive list of their gigs. If you manage to track down a copy on e-bay then I highly recommend grabbing one
The book states that they played the Mona Vale on February 5 1983 so I’m guessing that’s the date these photos were taken.
Hope that helps.
Damian
Sorry, I mean Moss Vale, not Mona Vale..
Thanks so much Damian, I checked and it does seem that this was 5th Feb 1983 as you say.
Thanks again, Mark
Hi Mark, This was a great day! Brings back good memories
Steve was actually sacked from the band following disagreements on the 1982 tour of Europe.
Ray Arnott eventually became a replacement until they announced they were disbanding sometime in mid 83. Steve was subsequently brought back for the Last Stand shows, and other Chisel reunions.
Hi David, I was actually told pretty much the same story by Ian Moss that day but I have no real evidence of it so I sort of “left it out”.
As I said, I drank close to a bottle of Vodka that day so I wasn’t going to take a chance on my dodgy memory.
Thanks for clearing it up.
I only know of it because Jimmy Barnes talked about it in an interview. Might have been some sort of documentary. I can’t recall, and I can’t blame Vodka!
However, the band during the late 82 tour of Europe felt they were underperforming….and shock, horror for Chisel, they felt they were playing out of ‘time’. According to Jim, they thought the cause was Steve, and Steve thought it was them.
Anyway, Jim wrapped up his comments by saying that in reflection, Steve was probably the first to know that Chisel had peaked, and perhaps the playing of all the band reflected that. Its ironic that when the band quit in 83 they left with the fans wanting more, and since their occasional reunions of late have had the same effect, you can get a sense of how important of every single member was to Cold Chisel – I really felt that acutely with Steve’s tragic recent passing.
I recognise Harry Parsons (Cold Chisel roadie, the JB roadie) and (I think) Gerry on either side of John Swan in one photo.Georgettis
Also, Gary Young was filling in as Steve had back surgery- the show was probably a warmup/rehearsal for Gary. Steve was not sacked until later in the year- he and the band played superbly on the ’82 European Tour, as seen on the Rockpalast DVD.
Yes, you are right, my error. It was when they went back in May 83 that the shit hit the fan.
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