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Jimmy Barnes admits suicide attempt

Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of suicide.

Jimmy Barnes has opened up about a terrible night on the road when, having drunk the contents of his hotel minibar on top of a handful of sleeping tablets, he tried to hang himself.

In Auckland in 2012, on tour with Cold Chisel, Jimmy and his wife Jane went back to their luxury hotel suite, where, after she went off to bed, he proceeded to clean out the minibar of all its liquor.

"On the bedside table I have placed everything I could find in the minibar. I am in the process of pouring it all down my throat as fast and as quietly as I can," Jimmy writes in his upcoming memoir, Working Class Man.

"I am gagging as I wash down as many sleeping tablets as I can. This is how I get to sleep these days. In the haze I think about it all ending. Not waking up. Never having to face myself again. I pull an eye mask over my eyes and pray for peace."

Jimmy Barnes on stage in 2012. Source: Getty
Jimmy Barnes on stage in 2012. Source: Getty

After waking up the next morning, Jimmy said he had only a dim recollection of what had happened next.

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But when he saw the dressing-gown cord tied to the rail in the wardrobe, the memory came "flooding back".

Jimmy's glamorous, rock and roll lifestyle masked serious pain. Source: Getty
Jimmy's glamorous, rock and roll lifestyle masked serious pain. Source: Getty

"The end of last night suddenly runs through my head like an old newsreel. Scratchy and unclear. I remember drinking the minibar but I don’t remember getting back up. But I know I did. I can see the evidence right there in front of my eyes. Tied around the clothes rail is the dressing gown cord, just where I must have left it. It all comes flooding back. The rail, the cord and me with the cord around my neck waiting to die.

"But I didn’t. It’s not that easy to die, apparently."

Jimmy and his wife, Jane Barnes, who was with him the night he tried to kill himself. Source: Getty
Jimmy and his wife, Jane Barnes, who was with him the night he tried to kill himself. Source: Getty

Jimmy also writes that his wife had done everything in her power to help him battle his demons.

"Jane has tried everything to reach me," he said. "Everything to help me. But I am beyond help.

Working Class Man is available October 23.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

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