Jimmy Barnes in isolation: ‘I’m practising the bagpipes’

Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes is writing a book and practising the bagpipes while in isolation, but says he misses his grandkids and performing for a crowd ahead of the Home Front ANZAC Day concert.

Jimmy Barnes is writing a new book and learning the bagpipes in isolation.

Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes is missing his audience.

The working class man, who is also a relentless touring machine, told Confidential: “When you work as much as I do and then suddenly stop, it feels kind of strange.”

Barnes, who is playing the Home Front concert alongside acts including Courtney Barnett, Kevin Parker, Paul Kelly and Dave Dobbyn on Saturday night, opened up about his life in lockdown.

Question: How are you coping in iso?

I’m loving spending quiet time at home. I get the time to do some of the things that I always said I would do but could never find the time. Like practise bagpipes. Write my third book. Write some songs. But most importantly, just kick back with my Jane.

And your kids?

Elly-May, her husband Liam and their son Dylan are staying at our place so we’ve had quality time with them. I do miss the other kids and grandkids a lot, but I know they are all well and happy. Thank god for FaceTime and Skype.

What do you miss the most about the good old days before lockdown?

Playing live shows is the thing I miss most. Getting out and singing to an audience. When you work as much as I do and then suddenly stop, it feels kind of strange, but I know it will all clear up and we will be on the road again soon.

How are you staying positive?

I am positive anyway, but we are getting plenty of sleep. Going for long walks. Eating nice food. And working out everyday. Each night I get to sing a song with my girl. That’s all pretty positive stuff.

What are your music, TV or book binges?

I listen to music nearly all day anyway but I am listening to a lot of old stuff that I haven’t heard for a while. Old Beatles albums and what not. I’ve been reading a bit. The book I am reading at the moment is Portraits and Observations by Truman Capote. As far as TV goes, I watch the ABC a lot and of course I’ve been watching my dear friend Jock Zonfrillo do his stuff on MasterChef.

Do you have an ANZAC Day message?

Let’s not forget what our grandfathers and so many others fought for. The freedom to live our lives the way we want. Try to sort out our problems peacefully and get along. It’s times like these that we can see that the whole world has to work together or we will die together.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is over?

Light a candle for all those who didn’t make it. But just look back on this time and remember what is important. Friends and family.