Jimmy Barnes busks in Melbourne

Rock legend Jimmy Barnes delighted Melbourne with two surprise gigs in the city on Friday.

Jimmy Barnes performs in Melbourne's CBD during a busking gig. Picture: Mark Stewart.

Jimmy Barnes surprised city goers with two pop-up busking gigs last night.

The Australian rock icon played surprise shows in the Bourke Street Mall and the Evan Walker Bridge in Southbank, announcing the details on his social media just 15 minutes in advance.

He’s the latest artist to perform pop shows as part of the City of Melbourne’s Music in the City series, which has seen Tones And I, Vika and Linda and Daryl Braithwaite surprise pedestrians.

Barnes has been eagerly awaiting a chance to return to Victoria and start playing COVID-safe concerts. He plays Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley tonight with the Teskey Brothers and Vika and Linda, then All Saints Estate in Rutherglen on Monday with Daryl Braithwaite and Deborah Conway.

Barnsey performed at Southbank. Picture: Mark Stewart.

Barnsey’s second gig was in the CBD. Picture: Mark Stewart.

Tickets for both shows are $49.90 and on sale from Ticketmaster.

“Victoria in particular did it really tough but look what’s happening overseas, we’ve been really lucky,” Barnes said. “We realise how we missed banding together and seeing live music and letting off steam. It’s a good, healthy thing to do. It’s where people get together and share energy, it’s communal. It’s an important part of this life.”

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said “This is about bringing the buzz back to Melbourne. Our city is the live music capital of the world and investing in this industry helps local artists and to support the thousands of people work in bars, pubs, restaurants and theatres.”