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Working Class Boy

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Working Class Boy

By: Jimmy Barnes
Narrated by: Jimmy Barnes
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About this listen

Raw, gritty, compassionate, surprising and darkly funny - Australian legend Jimmy Barnes' unforgettable childhood memoir.

Long before Cold Chisel and Barnesy, long before the success and excess, there was the true story of James Dixon Swan - a working-class boy whose family made the journey from Scotland to Australia in search of a better life.

Working Class Boy is a powerful reflection on a traumatic and violent childhood, which fuelled the excess and recklessness that would define, but almost destroy, the rock’n’roll legend. This is the story of how James Swan became Jimmy Barnes. It is a memoir burning with the frustration and frenetic energy of teenage sex, drugs, violence and ambition for more than what you have.

Please note: there is strong violence, themes and coarse language.

©2016 Freight Train Music Pty Limited (P)2017 Freight Train Music Pty Limited Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Funny Memoir

Critic Reviews

"A stunning piece of work - relentless, earnest, shockingly vivid." (The Australian)

"You know you’ve been to a pretty good gig when the songs of your youth are redefined. That is just what this old Cold Chisel fan is feeling right now after spending a wonderful 150 minutes listening to Australian rock great Jimmy Barnes tell his life story with yarns and song." (The West Australian)

"A powerful, deeply emotional and transformative production." (The Daily Telegraph)
All stars
Most relevant  
love your honesty, very raw and sad in places, greatest respect for an amazing artist.

raw and honest

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Absolutely loved listening to Jimmy Barnes's life story. No one could've told it better.

Jimmy is a cut to the chase person He os awesome.

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I was never a huge chisel/Barnes fan but I’ve really enjoyed this. So much so, I’m downloading the sequel as we speak. An honest account of his early life and upbringing. He’s a likeable bloke with a very entertaining story. Recommended!

A fascinating read

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Just finished this moving book. A man that I have admired, followed and yes worshipped while I have grown. A huge talent and clearly a troubled soul. Thanks for sharing Jimmy.

Outstanding and in-depth

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Jimmy read very fast but could still keep up. My heart went out to Jimmy he is an outstanding person to have the courage to write his story.

A must listen.

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This was a compelling listen. The hunger, violence and neglect were heartbreaking to hear. Jimmy did a great job of narrating his own words. Which enriched his story.

Tough times

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Listened to this and had to listen to the next two as well and they're all amazing. What a legend

So good!

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The story was heartbreaking, funny, insightful and mind blowing. The voiceover was great hearing the story from the man himself. Definitely recommend. I’m about to order Working class man now. Thanks Jimmy for sharing a small piece of your life with us mere mortals 💝

Working class boy fantastic

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Excellent. I never knew there was so much to this man’s history. Such a life. Incredibly Resilient. Looking forward to the 2nd book.

Incredible Life

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Loved listening to Jimmy telling his own story. Grew up in Adelaide and this memoir took me back to my childhood (which wasn’t fabulous) but made me grateful.

Downloaded after going to the 50 year anniversary tour on a whim, and enjoyed the concert so much I wanted to know more. Never imagined just in one book alone I would learn so much, cry, hope and feel such appreciation.

Incredible!

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