Rocker Barnes catches up with old friends

People in the business world aren't the only ones who time their visits to coincide with rugby games.

Spotted exiting the biggest corporate box, the ANZ box right down on the field and on the tryline, was Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes, formerly of Cold Chisel and these days a solo performer whose back-up band comprises several family members, including his son on drums and daughter as a back-up vocalist.

Barnes (pictured) performed at Cafe Deco on The Peak on Thursday night and also co-hosted a wine challenge dinner at the Mandarin Oriental on Friday night, facing off with winemaker and actor Sam Neill, as well as Australian winemaker Geoff Merrill and Kiwi Michael Brajkovich, the nation's first Master of Wine.

'I love Hong Kong and of course when I perform Khe Sanh here, the line about Hong Kong gets everyone going,' Barnes said. 'I was born in Scotland and came to live in Adelaide when I was five, but when it comes to rugby, I shout for Australia.

'I've just been having a chat to George Gregan in the ANZ box. Everyone's here. It's great that so many people have came from all over the world. But I have to fly back to Sydney at midnight with my wife, Jane. The national anthems were fantastic, next time I hope they ask me to sing it.'