Cold Chisel, a rock and roll band, produced the canonical example of Australian pub rock, with a string of hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Featuring the songwriting of Don Walker, the guitar of Ian Moss and the screaming vocals of Scottish immigrant Jimmy Barnes, the group's hard-driving rock and roll included such Australian anthems as the Vietnam War song Khe Sanh, Bow River, and Saturday Night. Their music remains popular with many Australians today, particularly amongst working-class males born in the 1960's and 1970's for whom "Chisel" and the lead singer "Barnsey" remain cultural icons. Khe Sanh consistently ranks highly in lists of Australia's most popular pop songs and their music remains a staple of rock station playlists.
Cold Chisel dissolved in 1984 after staging one of the most successful concert tours of any domestic act. Barnes, and to a lesser extent Moss went on to have successful solo careers. In 1999 the band reformed briefly for a new release and concert tour.
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