Jimmy Barnes opened the 2025 Logies with a bang, taking the stage at The Star in Sydney to perform his iconic anthem, Working Class Man. However, the 69-year-old rocker’s performance was met with mixed reactions from viewers watching the ceremony at home.
While some celebrated the performance as a highlight of the night, others took to social media platform X to express their disappointment. Comments ranged from critiques of Barnes’ vocal delivery to suggestions that it might be time for the legendary singer to retire.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
The performance sparked a flurry of reactions online. One viewer commented,
‘Jimmy Barnes. Poor bastard is incoherent, can’t understand a thing he’s singing.’
Another remarked,
‘1988 called. It’d like its entertainment back.’
These sentiments were echoed by others who felt the performance was more suited to a different era.
Some viewers suggested that Barnes should consider stepping back, with one stating,
‘Unpopular opinion – Jimmy needs to sit down, chill out and retire. He has earned it.’
Criticisms also touched on the style of his singing, with comments about the lack of vocal dynamics.
Despite the criticism, many fans defended Barnes, celebrating his enduring appeal and the energy he brought to the Logies. One fan wrote,
‘The bloody Logies has peaked too early, how can they top this!’
Others hailed him as a ‘legend’ and praised his ability to still rock the stage.
Jimmy Barnes’ Enduring Legacy
Jimmy Barnes’ performance at the Logies comes at a time when the rock icon is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone in his career. This week, Barnes announced a tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his classic single Working Class Man. The song, first released in November 1985, quickly became a top five hit in Australia and has since been regarded as Barnes’ personal anthem.
The upcoming concert series, set to kick off in November, will see Barnes joined by ’80s hitmaker Iva Davies and his band Icehouse, along with fan favorite Kate Ceberano. As a special treat for fans, Barnes will perform every track from his For the Working Class Man album, which shot to number one in Australia shortly after its release.
Tour Dates and Expectations
The six-date tour begins on November 22 in Victoria at the Mount Duneed Estate in Geelong. Following this, Barnes will perform at Queensland’s Sirromet Winery on November 29, before heading to New South Wales for a gig at Bimbadgen Wines in the Hunter Valley on December 6.
After a brief hiatus over Christmas, the tour will resume in the new year with a concert at the Regatta Grounds in Hobart on January 17, 2026. The tour will then travel to South Australia’s Barossa Valley for a show at Peter Lehmann Wines on January 31, concluding on February 7 in Western Australia at Sandalford Wines in the Swan Valley.
Looking Ahead
As Barnes prepares for this celebratory tour, the mixed reactions to his Logies performance highlight the challenges faced by veteran artists in maintaining their appeal across generations. While some fans may call for retirement, others continue to celebrate his contributions to rock music and eagerly anticipate his upcoming performances.
Ultimately, Jimmy Barnes’ enduring legacy and continued passion for performing ensure that he remains a significant figure in the music industry. As he embarks on his Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour, fans old and new will have the opportunity to witness the rock legend in action once more.
