Cold Chisel's legacy grows each year. Once more or less synonymous with the Golden Age of 70s & 80s Oz rock, the band is now seen as an institution of integrity, quality and longevity. They're probably second only to AC/DC in that regard. And while decades have passed since that Golden Age and the band's reformation has lasted almost as long as their first time round, Cold Chisel remains true to themselves, and to their roots in the classic rock, blues and soul and even country music of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Ahead of next year's national tour, ILYOS looks at those roots, going back to songs the group played live in their early days and then moving forward to some stellar covers they managed to record.
Led Zeppelin - "Rock And Roll", "Black Dog", "Whole Lotta Love"
It probably won't come as any surprise to anyone that Zeppelin were a significant influence on Chisel in the early days. Killer riffs, heavy and earthy soul and exceptional musicianship; surely there was no blues and rock-loving group that Zeppelin didn't influence in the early-to-mid 70s. Chisel performed these three iconic tracks at different points at the time. If anyone has any tapes, let's hear 'em!
Deep Purple - "Smoke on the Water", "Lazy", "Rat Trap Blue"
Typecast more than Zeppelin as a heavy metal band, what Deep Purple lacked in deep blues roots was perhaps filled by the tones and classical leanings of Jon Lord's organ, which at times gave them a more doom-laden sound. "Smoke On The Water" was surely one of the most covered songs of the era in terms of live performance; as a record it's a fair way from the earthier tones Chisel are known for, but it surely doesn't come as a surprise to anyone that this and its classic riff were firm Chisel favourites in their early days. "Rat Trap Blue" and "Lazy" were two lesser-known tracks that Chisel also performed at the time; they were fans.
Free - "Alright Now", "The Stealer", "Wishing Well"
One of the most influential but still somehow unsung bands of the early 70s, Free never attained the heights of Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple and were superseded in popularity and longevity by frontman Paul Rogers' subsequent band Bad Company. But they were one genuinely great band, and a band in which each member would become a hugely influential figure on the chosen instrument. Rogers was the soulful, understated vocalist. Paul Kossoff was the minimalist guitarist who made every space in between notes sing. Simon Kirke was the master of the simple groove. Andy Fraser was the nimble teenage bass player. While it's probably easier to see Free's influence on classic AC/DC, their impact on Chisel – on all members no doubt – can be seen on the number of Free tunes the band performed live in their early years. They didn't do any Bad Company as far we know, but "Can't Get Enough" is one of Paul Rogers and Simon Kirke's finest moments, so let's hear that too.
Bob Dylan/Jimi Hendrix - "All Along The Watchtower"
Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix are two artists whose long term influence on Cold Chisel has been profound, and "All Along The Watchtower" gives you both. Hendrix transformed Dylan's song in 1968, and it remains one of rock's most celebrated recordings. Chisel performed it in their early years, and have also been known to do "Red House", "The Wind Cries Mary" and other Hendrix tunes.
Stevie Wonder - "Superstition"
Stevie Wonder is probably not an artist you'd consider when thinking of Cold Chisel, but his early 70s hard-edged funk has had an influence on all manner of hard rockers, from Zeppelin through to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. And one of Ian Moss's heroes Jeff Beck co-wrote Stevie's huge hit "Superstition" and had the change to release it first but took too long. Chisel performed live on occasion in the mid-70s, when it was still fresh.
Johnny Winter - "Rock'n'Roll Hoochie Koo"
Classic 70s bluesy hard rock from the great Texan guitarist Johnny Winter and his group, fronted by Rick Derringer, who would soon go onto solo success of his own. This Derringer tune is one of those great one-off hits of the 70s which, like "Mississippi Queen" by Mountain and "Rocky Mountain Way" by Joe Walsh, probably casts an undeserving shadow over the artists' other material. Chisel were doing this in 74-75.
Joe Walsh - "Rocky Mountain Way"
Speaking of which.... Chisel used to do this one too, back in the years just before they were making records. The song was later recorded by Stars, which probably says something about the ties between the two bands, who both came out of Adelaide in the mid-70s.
Spencer Davis Group - "I'm A Man"
It's surprising how few white mid-60s rock tracks of the 60s Cold Chisel have played live, excluding Bob Dylan. No 60s Stones or Beatles (a version of "Twist & Shout" did appear on the 2011 reissue of Last Stand, but we'll say that's an Isley Brothers tune) and no Kinks, Yardbirds or Who that we know of. Their cover of the Troggs' "Wild Thing" came via Hendrix, and the Zeppelin and Free tunes are very late 60s/early 70s. The one we know they did do is this classic, from the Stevie Winwood-fronted Spencer Davis Group, which they performed circa 1975.
Traffic - "Pearly Queen"
Another Stevie Winwood track, from his post-Spencer Davis group. So we're thinking Jimmy dug Stevie. Traffic are probably best known for the song "Feeling Alright" – later a signature tune for Joe Cocker – and "Pearly Queen" is perhaps one of the more obscure covers that Chisel have done. It also featured in their set mid-70s.
Bob Dylan - "Mozambique"
This an unexpected one; from Bob Dylan's Desire album. Known best for the hit "Hurricane", Desire is a unique sounding record in Dylan's catalogue and is full of highlights that utilise the exotic stylings of violinist Scarlett Rivera. Chisel used to play this one in 1975, around the time it came out; it's a hard one to imagine, so, again, if anyone has any tapes, we wanna know!
The mammoth Cold Chisel tour kicks off at the end of this month, check out all the dates here.
