Australian rock music never encountered a frontman quite like Jimmy Barnes. And it probably never will again. Barnes' life is one of extremes, overflowing with stories of the extraordinary, both good and bad.

In this new hardcover book, Icons of Australian Music - Jimmy Barnes, the elder statesman of Oz music intimately tells all in a chronicle of his life through newspaper and magazine clippings, memorabilia, iconic photography, rare concert tickets, album flyers, personal items, handwritten lyrics ... and more.

He tells of his childhood in the violent backstreets of Glasgow before his speedy rise as the rollicking, teenage frontman of Australia's most famous pub-rock band, Cold Chisel, and then of his reincarnation as one of the most successful solo artists this country has seen. The glaring truth through it all is that the life of Barnes has never been a smooth ride. As he reached the pinnacles of musical achievement several times, he hit rock bottom in equal amounts in a colossal battle with his demons.

From drug addiction and alcoholism to volatile spats and scraps with band mates and peers, he's always managed to bounce back even from bankruptcy and, more recently, major heart surgery. His lively journey has not only hardened his resolve, but also softened him for all the right reasons as he shares with us his most inner thoughts and love for his family and friends.