JIMMY Barnes loves catching up with his great mate Daryl Braithwaite - except they are usually waving to each other from opposite sides of an airport lounge.
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"Everyone thinks musicians hang out together, but we're always working, so we don't ever get to see each other," Barnes said.
So the legendary Aussie rocker is looking forward to The Red Hot Summer Tour, which he headlines with Braithwaite, Hoodoo Gurus, James Reyne, Boom Crash Opera and Johnny Diesel.
They will perform in Ballarat's North Gardens on Saturday, March 14.
"I love playing Ballarat, we've always played some fantastic gigs there," he said.
"And we (Cold Chisel) were supporting Daryl when he was in one of the biggest bands in the land and he is just one of the great guys."
Barnes said he enjoyed all his performances, ranging from stadium tours to the intimacy of The Red Hot Summer Tour.
"I like doing all of them, but they are totally different animals. You have to be measured about how you perform and what tempo you use."
However, he really likes being able to see "eye-to-eye" with everyone he is performing too.
"I enjoy picking out people who I can see are having some serious connectivity to the songs."
Barnes, who's 2014 number one album 30:30 Hindsight commemorated his 30 years as a solo act, said his songs seemed to appeal from "70 down to seven".
"Cold Chisel began 42 years ago and even people who haven't been exposed to me directly have grown up with me. I've sort of been the soundtrack of their lives.
"People are still discovery Cold Chisel now."
Barnes said there was no one standout song that got the crowds rocking, but more a handful of classics.
"Khe Sahn gets their hands in the air and their eyes lighting up but there's also Flame Trees, Working Class Man, Cheap Wine."
He said he usually tried to find a song set that challenged the audience as well.
"Ninety-five per cent of my set will be top three singles and that's pretty unique, but I certainly don't take it for granted."
Barnes also encouraged Ballarat musicians to stay emotionally connected to their music if they wanted to succeed.
"Ninety per cent don't make any money out of it, but they go into it because they love it."
The Red Hot Summer Tour begins at 2.30pm. Tickets are $89.90 and are available from ticketmaster.com.au or Regent Cinemas on 5330 5555.
For more information, go to redhotsummertour.com.au