Jimmy Barnes is the latest artist to take part in the Mushroom 50 cover series.
Mushroom Group has been celebrating its 50th birthday in a big way with a series of events and initiatives held throughout this year.
Formed by the late, great Michael Gudinski in 1972, Mushroom Group released its first album the following year, the iconic Sunbury 1973, The Great Australian Rock Festival. Very quickly Gudinski established Mushroom as one of Australia’s foremost and finest record labels; 50 years later, Mushroom now represents Australian culture around the world, as well as bringing the globe’s best talent to this country.
That’s why Mushroom decided to mark its five decades at the top in such style. All year, some of Australia’s most iconic musicians have released stunning works honouring the label.
Following Alex Lahey, Vika & Linda, Mark Seymour, Budjerah and WILSN, Dan Sultan, Gordi, Paul Kelly, The Temper Trap, Missy Higgins, Bliss n Eso, The Rubens, Mia Wray and Vance Joy is Jimmy Barnes.
The legendary Australian rocker has put his own spin on Chain’s blues classic “Black and Blue”, with the arrangement featuring US guitar great Joe Bonamassa.
Barnes was always going to take part in this series: he’s the most successful artist in Mushroom history, with 15 solo number one albums and a total of 20 career number ones to his name.
“Black and Blue” was released in 1971 by Chain, with Michael Gudinski crediting Chain as the band that inspired him to start Mushroom Records.
You can listen to Barnes’ cover below. The series will end with the release of a Mushroom 50 album containing all the songs, serving as the definitive compilation of reimagined Mushroom music.
The lineup for Mushroom 50 Live was revealed last month, with some of Australia’s finest artists set to come together to honour Mushroom Group.
20 artists from across multiple generations will perform 50 songs for 50 years at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, November 26th.
Artists will perform a mix of originals and classic songs, including favourites from the packed Mushroom catalogue, including anthems such as “Working Class Man”, “Holy Grail”, “Sweet Disposition”, “Riptide”, and “Hoops”.
Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Ian Moss, and Diesel are some of the legends taking part, while there’s plenty of new favourites in the form of Amy Shark, Dan Sultan, Gordi, and DMA’S on the lineup. Recent Rolling Stone AU/NZ cover stars The Teskey Brothers and The Rubens also feature on the bill, with more artists to be announced soon.
Jimmy Barnes’ “Black and Blue” (Chain cover) is out now via Mushroom Group.
