Ian Moss is respected as one of Australia's most talented musicians. In this exclusive interview with dotheyarravalley.com.au Ian talks to Tania Chanter about his music and his life.
One of my ‘Bucket List’ ambitions is to meet Mossy. I am a 61 year old Lead guitarist myself and gigged in many bands, I first saw Mossy when I was 17, it was my first Cold Chisel gig at La Trobe University. So inspirational ! Mossy has that ‘magic’ guitar style........ bluesy, Gospel, Soul, Rock........ and then there’s the ‘Silky’ voice. I’de like to thank this bloke personally for giving me a life time of inspiration. Cheers.
Ian Moss is absolute genuine 100% pure Alice Springs gold. He doesn't get any more Australian in the sense that as Alice Springs is located almost in the central heart of Australia, Mossy is indicative of that. He is all heart. Because someone in Cold Chisel had to be. Moss isn't a big city wannabe. He is a small town star Doer. He is the ultimate gentleman who although almost portrays aloofness, is about as on the money as it gets. The bulls-eye of the dartboard. There is not one frill on him. No agenda. No infidelity. One of the greatest assets to Cold Chisel is the members' diversity. They are all completely different. That is one element that made them great. And take the intellects within the band. Don Walker could probably be best described as of the highest IQ, however Ian Moss and Jimmy Barnes weren't too far behind. Any successful music artist from their era had brains make no error. However it is all these members 'feel for music' I believe is their key to their success and ability. Their artistic flair for creativity. Their imaginations. Kids today don't really need an imagination as life is pretty much laid on for them via computers. Not so in Cold Chisel's days. They lived the 'dream' via their very own entrepreneurship. Their lust for life, fun, and music. I'm a Kiwi and have never experienced an Ian Moss live gig unfortunately. And somehow, I know I am missing something. Guess I need to keep on researching Ian Moss to learn more about this amazing gentleman.
allymayful - Thank you much appreciated. I apologize for not mentioning original bassist Lez Kaczmarek, main time bassist Phil Small, and the late drummer Steve Prestwich. As my descriptions have been formed from reading Jimmy Barnes autobiographies 'Working Class Boy' and its sequel 'Working Class Man' plus reading other material - and I formed my own opinions from all that. I may be completely off the money who knows. However one thing I am sure of they are all hardcore honest rock musician artists from Australia who should be honored for their phenomenal contribution to the music industry. They are essentially the Cold Chisel Family!
You are intuitive - Pisces by any chance?? I love reading anything that helps me to understand the creator of anything. Im reading 'Hard Road' about Stevie Wright, at the moment.
allymayful - Scorpio. The book about Stevie Wright will be really interesting I could guarantee it! Easily one of Australian pop/rock music's greatest performers as lead vocalist of The Easybeats. The title of the book is so apt as very little came easily to him plus obviously it was the title of his debut solo album released in '74. So can't beat his solo single from the album 'Evie (Parts 1, 2, & 3)'. I am really interesting in the Australian pub rock music genre: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pub_rock_(Australia) It was similar over here across the ditch. I saw a heap of pub live acts during the '80s and earlier 90s. The second live band I ever say play live was Cold Chisel at the Dunedin Town Hall on 24 Sept 1983 - about 6 weeks out from my 20th birthday. I have always preferred Australian rock bands to New Zealand's as they've always sounded harder. When Jimmy Barnes went solo I was in heaven as the sound his backing musicians created was just a smidgen harder than Cold Chisel and to me that was exactly what the doctor ordered and Barnesy says that in his autobiographies too - he was always trying to get Cold Chisel to play harder - as in their sound.
I was 13 with the dawning of the Easybeats - an amazing era - but so many mixed emotions when l look back now. Esp angry at the exploiting parasites, in management etc, who were so quick to jump on the bandwagon of the pioneers of the industry, and work them to the bone. I will always adhore Stevie for the energy he gave us as a performer, but my heart breaks for what else he went thru. But it was somewhat of a miracle that he lived as long as he did - long enough to receive the acknowledgement for his contribution from the next generations of musicians, including Jimmy Barnes.
Love Ian Moss. Nice to hear about his early years and waiting for music to come to the local shops! Had that growing up in Kuranda & Cairns too! Lovely down to earth man 😊
Saw him play his acoustic set at the Robin in Wolverhampton and really enjoyed the show & meeting him. Very down to earth & a genuine bloke. Absolute legend!
Brilliant, intense personality who is a confident talented artist. Most people would be afraid of having on stage fright but Mossy is the opposite. I've only just started listening to his music and I really think he has some important songs to be heard. A hidden gem, go Mossy!, you really care about what matters.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support you’ve shown me throughout my career, particularly during my latest [PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE OR ACHIEVEMENT]. You’ve always been someone I could call my “biggest fan.” What means the most to me is that you do more than tell me I’m “great” at what I do, or that I’m a shoe-in for an opportunity. Thanks for all your love and support all your kind wishes and encouragement may this special day bring you joy and happiness all your secret prayers be answered for I have seen a handful of your comments on my post kindly message me via hangouts endeavor with your name so I can know it’s you cause I don’t answer unnecessarily message Hangouts mail Ianrechardmoss@gmail.com
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support you’ve shown me throughout my career, particularly during my latest [PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE OR ACHIEVEMENT]. You’ve always been someone I could call my “biggest fan.” What means the most to me is that you do more than tell me I’m “great” at what I do, or that I’m a shoe-in for an opportunity. Thanks for all your love and support all your kind wishes and encouragement may this special day bring you joy and happiness all your secret prayers be answered for I have seen a handful of your comments on my post kindly message me via hangouts endeavor with your name so I can know it’s you cause I don’t answer unnecessarily message Hangouts mail Ianrechardmoss@gmail.com
Ok, Ian, I watched this video for the first time yesterday. I've been thinking about your response to the question concerning your favourite song of all time. There has got to be more 'epic' songs out there for a rock guitarist than your choice. I know that musical taste is subjective, but what about "Startgazer" by Rainbow. Fantastic drums (particularly the intro), fantastic singing, fantastic guitar etc etc - fantastic song. Maybe you hadn't heard of it before?
Bizarre questions and to tell you the truth I thought Moss should stick to the 'I don't do interviews'. Funny I didn't know that Don Walker wrote Bow River?
Terribly naive questions, she clearly knows ZERO about him or Chisel or music in general. So bad I can't believe she didn't ask him his favourite colour. How excruciating for a legend like Ian to be interviewed by someone with no idea of him and his work.
As ever, a chat with Ian Moss is far too short. Thanks, Tania.
One of my ‘Bucket List’ ambitions is to meet Mossy. I am a 61 year old Lead guitarist myself and gigged in many bands, I first saw Mossy when I was 17, it was my first Cold Chisel gig at La Trobe University. So inspirational ! Mossy has that ‘magic’ guitar style........ bluesy, Gospel, Soul, Rock........ and then there’s the ‘Silky’ voice. I’de like to thank this bloke personally for giving me a life time of inspiration. Cheers.
Ian Moss is absolute genuine 100% pure Alice Springs gold. He doesn't get any more Australian in the sense that as Alice Springs is located almost in the central heart of Australia, Mossy is indicative of that. He is all heart. Because someone in Cold Chisel had to be. Moss isn't a big city wannabe. He is a small town star Doer. He is the ultimate gentleman who although almost portrays aloofness, is about as on the money as it gets. The bulls-eye of the dartboard. There is not one frill on him. No agenda. No infidelity. One of the greatest assets to Cold Chisel is the members' diversity. They are all completely different. That is one element that made them great. And take the intellects within the band. Don Walker could probably be best described as of the highest IQ, however Ian Moss and Jimmy Barnes weren't too far behind. Any successful music artist from their era had brains make no error. However it is all these members 'feel for music' I believe is their key to their success and ability. Their artistic flair for creativity. Their imaginations. Kids today don't really need an imagination as life is pretty much laid on for them via computers. Not so in Cold Chisel's days. They lived the 'dream' via their very own entrepreneurship. Their lust for life, fun, and music. I'm a Kiwi and have never experienced an Ian Moss live gig unfortunately. And somehow, I know I am missing something. Guess I need to keep on researching Ian Moss to learn more about this amazing gentleman.
A neat interpretation of those in Cold Chisel - thanks.
allymayful - Thank you much appreciated. I apologize for not mentioning original bassist Lez Kaczmarek, main time bassist Phil Small, and the late drummer Steve Prestwich. As my descriptions have been formed from reading Jimmy Barnes autobiographies 'Working Class Boy' and its sequel 'Working Class Man' plus reading other material - and I formed my own opinions from all that. I may be completely off the money who knows. However one thing I am sure of they are all hardcore honest rock musician artists from Australia who should be honored for their phenomenal contribution to the music industry. They are essentially the Cold Chisel Family!
You are intuitive - Pisces by any chance??
I love reading anything that helps me to understand the creator of anything. Im reading 'Hard Road' about Stevie Wright, at the moment.
allymayful - Scorpio. The book about Stevie Wright will be really interesting I could guarantee it! Easily one of Australian pop/rock music's greatest performers as lead vocalist of The Easybeats. The title of the book is so apt as very little came easily to him plus obviously it was the title of his debut solo album released in '74. So can't beat his solo single from the album 'Evie (Parts 1, 2, & 3)'. I am really interesting in the Australian pub rock music genre: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pub_rock_(Australia) It was similar over here across the ditch. I saw a heap of pub live acts during the '80s and earlier 90s. The second live band I ever say play live was Cold Chisel at the Dunedin Town Hall on 24 Sept 1983 - about 6 weeks out from my 20th birthday. I have always preferred Australian rock bands to New Zealand's as they've always sounded harder. When Jimmy Barnes went solo I was in heaven as the sound his backing musicians created was just a smidgen harder than Cold Chisel and to me that was exactly what the doctor ordered and Barnesy says that in his autobiographies too - he was always trying to get Cold Chisel to play harder - as in their sound.
I was 13 with the dawning of the Easybeats - an amazing era - but so many mixed emotions when l look back now. Esp angry at the exploiting parasites, in management etc, who were so quick to jump on the bandwagon of the pioneers of the industry, and work them to the bone. I will always adhore Stevie for the energy he gave us as a performer, but my heart breaks for what else he went thru. But it was somewhat of a miracle that he lived as long as he did - long enough to receive the acknowledgement for his contribution from the next generations of musicians, including Jimmy Barnes.
One of the finest musicians to come out if oz .. guitar and his voice
what a beautiful man ... the real deal and no sellout
Wonderful talented musician. Thanks both.
A genuine country lad. Hadn't known that about him till now.
Ians songs are healing...
Love Ian Moss. Nice to hear about his early years and waiting for music to come to the local shops! Had that growing up in Kuranda & Cairns too! Lovely down to earth man 😊
Saw him play his acoustic set at the Robin in Wolverhampton and really enjoyed the show & meeting him. Very down to earth & a genuine bloke. Absolute legend!
It's crazy how different his speaking voice is to his beautiful singing voice.
I was amazed by his shy personality - total dichotomy from his extrovert nature on stage!
Brilliant, intense personality who is a confident talented artist. Most people would be afraid of having on stage fright but Mossy is the opposite. I've only just started listening to his music and I really think he has some important songs to be heard. A hidden gem, go Mossy!, you really care about what matters.
The first thing you know ill be back in Bow River again ,,,, Anytime you want me, you can come around
My favourite song!
Great chat!
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support you’ve shown me throughout my career, particularly during my latest [PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE OR ACHIEVEMENT].
You’ve always been someone I could call my “biggest fan.” What means the most to me is that you do more than tell me I’m “great” at what I do, or that I’m a shoe-in for an opportunity. Thanks for all your love and support all your kind wishes and encouragement may this special day bring you joy and happiness all your secret prayers be answered for I have seen a handful of your comments on my post kindly message me via hangouts endeavor with your name so I can know it’s you cause I don’t answer unnecessarily message
Hangouts mail
Ianrechardmoss@gmail.com
You are the greatest Mossy..Tony Curtis Down Under retired Veteran guitarist in learning lol
I agree Bonnie I can’t make you leave me 💕
Mossy. Rippin' shit on the frets and the old braincells. Legend and good bloke. Keep fangin' it!
I was not expecting the fusion answer. Good one Mossy, well said.
He reminds me a bit of David Essex to look at seems a nice guy and agree bow river i listen to over and over again.Like his outlook to being a father.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the support you’ve shown me throughout my career, particularly during my latest [PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE OR ACHIEVEMENT].
You’ve always been someone I could call my “biggest fan.” What means the most to me is that you do more than tell me I’m “great” at what I do, or that I’m a shoe-in for an opportunity. Thanks for all your love and support all your kind wishes and encouragement may this special day bring you joy and happiness all your secret prayers be answered for I have seen a handful of your comments on my post kindly message me via hangouts endeavor with your name so I can know it’s you cause I don’t answer unnecessarily message
Hangouts mail
Ianrechardmoss@gmail.com
David Essex at his most real: ua-cam.com/video/g86ghAHbPgY/v-deo.html
Great interview but so heavily edited
I'd love to see the unedited version
Ok, Ian, I watched this video for the first time yesterday. I've been thinking about your response to the question concerning your favourite song of all time. There has got to be more 'epic' songs out there for a rock guitarist than your choice. I know that musical taste is subjective, but what about "Startgazer" by Rainbow. Fantastic drums (particularly the intro), fantastic singing, fantastic guitar etc etc - fantastic song. Maybe you hadn't heard of it before?
what is the song playing in the background at the 5 minute mark
Sorry you had to wait 6 months for someone to answer your question, it's Ian's favorite song of all time Bonnie Raitt's, "I Can't Make You Love Me"
5:45 I'd agree with that...
Bizarre questions and to tell you the truth I thought Moss should stick to the 'I don't do interviews'. Funny I didn't know that Don Walker wrote Bow River?
Terribly naive questions, she clearly knows ZERO about him or Chisel or music in general. So bad I can't believe she didn't ask him his favourite colour. How excruciating for a legend like Ian to be interviewed by someone with no idea of him and his work.
lol! yes
I think she brought out a rawness that needs to be heard & seen through a different lense.
bet she would have preferred to be in dentistry , pulling teeth than interviewing mossy ! lol
I bet he would have preferred to be in the dentist chair than being interviewed by her
Maybe she shouldn’t have taken her questions from TV Week 1981.