Ian Moss: The Australian Rock Music Icon

The Founding Member of Cold Chisel and Solo Superstar

Ian Moss is renowned for being the founding mainstay guitarist and occasional singer of the iconic Australian rock band Cold Chisel. With a career spanning over four decades, Moss has etched his name in the annals of Australian music history, both as a member of Cold Chisel and as a successful solo artist.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 20, 1955, in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Ian Richard Moss grew up in a family with a strong connection to the Australian military and the Allied Works Council. His father, Geoffery Moss, was a survivor of the 1942 bombing of Darwin, and his mother, Lorna, worked alongside his father at the Allied Works Council. Moss's early life was marked by performances for his family, showcasing his natural talent from a young age.

Rise to Fame with Cold Chisel

In 1973, Moss co-founded Cold Chisel with Don Walker, Jimmy Barnes, and Les Kaczmarek. The band's initial eleven-year phase saw Moss record on all five studio albums, three of which reached number one on the national Kent Music Report Albums Chart. Cold Chisel's music was characterized by Moss's distinctive guitar riffs and the band's unique blend of rock, blues, and pub rock.

Solo Success and Accolades

In 1989, Moss released his debut solo album, Matchbook, which peaked at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album's lead single, "Tuckers Daughter," co-written with Don Walker, reached number two on the ARIA Singles Chart. This success was followed by Moss winning five categories at the ARIA Music Awards of 1990, including Album of the Year, Best Male Artist, Breakthrough Artist – Album, Single of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist – Single.

Later Career and Cold Chisel Reunions

Since his solo debut, Moss has released several top 50 albums, including Worlds Away (1991), Let's All Get Together (2007), and Soul on West 53rd (2009). In 1993, Cold Chisel was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Moss has participated in periodic Cold Chisel reunion tours and new studio albums in 1998, 2003, and from 2009 to 2012.

Legacy and Impact

Ian Moss's contributions to Australian rock music are undeniable. As a founding member of Cold Chisel and a successful solo artist, Moss has inspired generations of musicians and fans alike. His guitar playing and songwriting have been instrumental in shaping the Australian rock sound.

Awards and Honors

• ARIA Music Awards of 1990: Five categories, including Album of the Year, Best Male Artist, Breakthrough Artist – Album, Single of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist – Single
• ARIA Hall of Fame: Inducted with Cold Chisel in 1993

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Ian Moss's father, Geoffery Moss, survived the 1942 bombing of Darwin.
• Moss performed for his family from a young age, showcasing his natural talent.

Personal Life and Milestones

Ian Moss has kept his personal life largely private, but it is known that he has an older brother, Peter Geoffrey Moss, an older sister, Penny, and a younger brother, Andrew. Moss's family has been an important part of his life and career, with his father's military background and his mother's work at the Allied Works Council influencing his early years.