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Working Class Man

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Working Class Man

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

The sequel to Jimmy Barnes' unforgettable childhood memoir, the number one best seller Working Class Boy.

It’s a life too big and a story too extraordinary for just one book. Jimmy Barnes has lived many lives—from Glaswegian migrant kid to iconic front man, from solo superstar to proud father of his own musical clan. In this hugely anticipated sequel to his critically acclaimed best seller Working Class Boy, Jimmy picks up the story of his life as he leaves Adelaide in the back of an old truck with a then unknown band called Cold Chisel.

A spellbinding and searingly honest reflection on success, fame and addiction, this self-penned memoir reveals how Jimmy Barnes used the fuel of childhood trauma to ignite and propel Australia’s greatest rock ’n’ roll story. But beyond the combustible merry-go-round of fame, drugs and rehab and across the Cold Chisel, solo and soul years, this is a story about how it’s never too late to try to put things right.

©2017 Freight Train Music Pty Limited (P)2018 Freight Train Music Pty Limited Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Inspiring Memoir

Critic Reviews

"[R]iveting storytelling." (The Sydney Morning Herald)

"Rare is the man who has lived this hard, this fast and this dangerously—only to survive and chronicle it all so superbly." (Lisa Wilkinson, author of It Wasn't Meant to Be Like)

"Working Class Man is a gripping account of a rock’n’roll life that could have ended in disaster. The fact it didn’t is proof of Jimmy’s extraordinary strength of will and physical endurance. You think you know a man and then you read this. All the mind-boggling excesses and the emotional extremes are revealed here, with brutal honesty and sparkling wit. Jimmy has found his real voice; it’s great writing, imbued with a spirit of generosity that knows no bounds—just like the man himself." (Neil Finn)
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Could stop listening to this book and finished it 2 days. Cold chisel and Jimmy Barnes music is like a soundtrack of my life and their songs bring back so many memories, loved them and Jimmy Barnes from the first time I saw them at my first concert in 1980. I didn’t realise how wild his life and struggles really were… brilliant listening to his story in his own words.

Brilliant book

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I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and the life Jimmy has had. Jimmy sure has had an interesting life. Glad he’s still here to retell his stories

Fabulous book

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Just made me an even bigger fan. Good on you Barnsy thanks for your honesty and sharing your life with us. Bloody brilliant. Can't wait to see you in June xx

Bloody amazing

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Barnsey doesnt hold back here. He lays it all out in a frighteningly honest recall of his adult rocker life.
You can tell when he's excited by the tone of his voice and on occasion, the laboured breathing as he delivers the lines.

This is a great Aussie story featuring laughs, lows and emotional accountability. All the while recalling how it was from the late 70s to the last gig at Sydney Entertainment Centre in 2015.

Blimey that's an honest and raw account.

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I read working class boy and instantly loved it, so i picked working class man up. Mate this book delivers. Jimmy has a great writing style thats flows but interesting to read and listen too.

Great book to a great sequal.

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Highs and lows, ugly and beautiful, this is as much a memoir of a tormented soul as a survivor's lighthouse to anyone who has struggled.
I've a feeling you've just begun Jimmy.
Thank you x

what a roller coaster!

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Didn't want the book to end.
Jimmy tells a great story, couldn't put it down.
Love is stronger than hate, drugs, and alcohol.

Wild Ride.

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Loved the story very blunt and not sugar coated your amazing and Jane needs a gold medal thanks for sharing your story!

Working Class Man - Jimmy you are inspiring you certainly are a fighter!

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I have not been a big fan of Jimmy growing up but was curious as to the style of Cold Chisel. I like how the book didn’t detract from his own experience regardless of what was happing with the band!

That Jimmy still confesses he still has problems with his past.

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A wonderful listen. Jane you are an amazing woman! And Jimmy's not far behind you.

Great

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