Barney Collins.

07/03/2026

A happy update about our mate

Today is a big day — I’ve completed 39 fractions of radiation treatment for my cancer. The team here has been ultra-professional, patient, and always working with a smile. The length and scope of the treatment have taken me from the darkest days of winter to the soft evenings of spring, and I too feel as if I am awakening into vitality and radiance. To complete this task is to lift a weight from my shoulders.

My general treatment continues — I will still receive care for the next couple of years, and for the radiation itself there are several weeks of recovery ahead.

But come mid-April, I can resume much of my normal life. I can travel, perform, and work in the studio. I must remain vigilant regarding my numbers, and it may not be my last dance with the photons in this life.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me on this journey so far: all who have donated and continue to support my GoFundMe (I still have an expensive regimen of medicines, only some of which are covered); my friends who have sent messages of support and encouragement; and my incredible family for being there for me every day, every minute of this chapter.

I am grateful to you all, and grateful for the very gift of existence. I also send out my heartfelt solidarity to my fellow travelers on this road — everyone facing a new diagnosis, or in the midst of a treatment that seems intimidatingly long. You’ve got this, and you will get through to the other side. Never give up hope.

Thank you - onward we go.

Photo:

19/02/2026

If you don’t know why it’s important to support these guys, go and check out the story concerning their cancelled show at Canberra’s Dissent Cafe.
Regardless of the subjectivity of “Art” the last minute cancellation of a performance can be financially devastating.
Not that Spotify is the greatest option for recompense, but regardless a few spins by enough people could bridge a crucial shortfall.
For fans of Dave Rogers, Ben Birchall, Papas Frittas and the charm of matter-of-fact story telling. This is a gorgeous new release from these guys.
If you love it, they also have a Bandcamp where you can buy it.
Finally, we’d like to state our support for the Dissent Cafe and anyone prepared to support live music

kisses · Queen of the Suburbs · Song · 2025

09/12/2025

16/11/2025

16/10/2025

We were recently so excited to be announcing the imminent tour of Ken Stringfellow.
While still flattered and thankful for his reaching out to us for services, we are now devastated to announce that the tour is cancelled.
Ken is a powerhouse of perfoamce, a mentor and above all a dear old friend.
This message is my knee jerk reaction to the shocking news that he’s been forced to cancel due to a cancer diagnosis.
I apologise for the inarticulate use of this page; much less professional than when Karli (the smarter half of Barney Collins) posts, but I’m personally touched by this announcement because I love Ken and was really looking forward to seeing him. Now I feel powerless to help and sad.
I know we all have burdens and maybe you don’t share the connection with this artist that I do, but if you can spare anything, I know his family would appreciate it.
Here’s the link.
Both Karli and I hope that he’ll get wel quickly and that the tour can be rescheduled. Till then, we love mate.

Matt

Hello Friends I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer. … Kenneth Stringfellow a besoin de votre soutien pour Help support Ken Stringfellow's Cancer Treatment

12/10/2025

Welcome Ken Stringfellow music (The Posies / R.E.M. / Big Star / Lagwagon) to the Barney Collins family. Ken’s bringing his CIRCUIT BREAKER tour to Australia in November! ⚡️

03/08/2025

🚐 Calling all NSW performers and creatives! 🎭🎶
The Touring and Travel Fund is now open – designed to help artists take their work on the road across NSW and beyond!

Whether you're a band, theatre group, or solo act, this grant could help cover the costs of bringing your art to new audiences. Let’s get your show on the road (literally)! 🌟

📝 Apply here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/touring-and-travel-fund
📅 Get in quick – applications close soon!

This quick response funding program is designed for domestic and international touring and travel activity for NSW contemporary music artists, acts and music industry professionals.

20/06/2025

✨️ ARTIST LINEUP ✨️

🎶 Andy is a lucky dip, a jukebox that only plays your favourite songs and songs you didn’t realise were your favourites.
His repertoire extends beyond chart-topping staples to blues, soul and still makes the most commercial hit, sound like an original.
📆 Saturday 21st June, 2025
🕐 4:40pm
📍The Little Lost Bookshop • Hapenny Lane, 181 Katoomba St, Katoomba

20/06/2025

✨️ ARTIST LINEUP ✨️

🎶 Tim ~ one of the upper Mountain’s best kept secrets. A tunesmith reminiscent of Wainwright, Buckley and Elliott Smith. Songs derived from personal experience in incredibly relatable formats and tellings.
📆 Saturday 21st June, 2025
🕐 4:00pm
📍The Little Lost Bookshop • Hapenny Lane, 181 Katoomba St, Katoomba

20/06/2025

✨️ ARTIST LINEUP ✨️

🎶 Wolf & The New World Disorder ~ Recording artist and street performer Wolf blends elements of alternative rock, baroque pop and indie folk into an eclectic sound.
📆 Saturday 21st June, 2025
🕐 3:20pm
📍The Little Lost Bookshop • Hapenny Lane, 181 Katoomba St, Katoomba

20/06/2025

✨️ ARTIST LINEUP ✨️

🎶 Timbermoth ~ the project of local singer songwriter Tim Hay. In appreciation of the varied blues, country, soul, folk, and indie traditions Tim has yielded the Timbermoth brand of rough hewn, earnest songwriting listeners will find here
📆 Saturday 21st June, 2025
🕐 2:40pm
📍The Little Lost Bookshop • Hapenny Lane, 181 Katoomba St, Katoomba

20/06/2025

✨️ ARTIST LINEUP ✨️

🎶 The Greater Tapestry ~ singer-songwriter whose work is deeply rooted in spiritual exploration and creative empowerment
📆 Saturday 21st June, 2025
🕐 2:00pm
📍The Little Lost Bookshop • Hapenny Lane, 181 Katoomba St, Katoomba