A new all-star combo, the Barnestormers, have recorded a self-titled debut album. The group is led by Australian rock ‘n’ roll and soul singer Jimmy Barnes, former Squeeze member and popular TV host, Jools Holland, and Slim Jim Phantom, the drummer and founding member of the Stray Cats. Those three are joined by Chris Cheney, the frontman and guitarist for Australian punk-rock outfit, The Living End, as well as studio whiz Kevin Cheney. Together, they’re releasing The Barnestormers, coming May 26, 2023, via Rhino.
From the label’s colorful announcement: They’re global all-stars who swing like a gate. They make the finest finger-poppin’ grooves to shake your local juke joint since the glory days of fenders and fins. Pounding the ivories is East End boogie-woogie dice slinger and U.K. music legend Jools Holland. In the red corner, on sticks, skins and steel, from the City of Angels via Brooklyn, it’s the signature Stray Cat backbeat of Slim Jim Phantom. In the blue corner, from Melbourne, slinging his hollow-body Gretsch low and drawing quickly – Chris Cheney from the Living End. Who’s the ringmaster for all this? Studio daddy-o, Kevin “Caveman” Shirley on the flying faders. And last but definitely not least, with 20 number one albums, on vocals, the storming heart and soul of Australian rock ’n’ roll … Jimmy Barnes.
Watch the video for the lead track, “Johnny’s Gone,” the story of a Rebel flaming out for his cause
From his years as a founding member of Squeeze to his 19-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Holland has been touring the world, recording 25 solo albums, and collaborating with such classic rock legends as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and David Gilmour. His career as a TV presenter has run parallel to his musical career and includes iconic shows Later…with Jools Holland (into its 31st year).
Australia’s favorite rock ‘n’ roll and soul singer, Barnes has topped the nation’s charts more than any other artist in the history of the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) with 15 solo number ones (plus five more with Cold Chisel).
Chris Cheney is the frontman and guitarist for renowned Australian punk-rock outfit The Living End, who released nine albums. Kevin Shirley is a producer who has worked with Aerosmith, Journey, Barnes, Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa.
Slim Jim Phantom is the founding member and drummer of Stray Cats, with 10 million record sales and a 1000 performances under his belt. He also serves as host of “Rockabilly RaveUp” on Little Steven’s Underground Garage on Sirius XM.
Related: When the Stray Cats reunited after 10 years
The Barnestormers Tracklist
1. Sweet Love On My Mind
2. Working for the Man
3. Johnny’s Gone
4. Lonesome Train
5. Thirteen Women (And Only One Man)
6. Dear Dad
7. Crazy Crazy Lovin’
8. Sweet Nothin’s
9. Land of Hope and Glory
10. Real Wild Child
11. 25 to Life
