And there was arguably one band at the centre of it all – Cold Chisel.

The power and flagrant excess of a Cold Chisel show are legendary, as are the songs.

Hits like Flame Trees, Cheap Wine, Bow River, Forever Now and that mammoth audience favourite, Khe San, are all bona fide classics.

To this day, they are heard on radio stations across the nation.

Now comes the chance for Port Stephens punters to re-live those halcyon days with Swingshift, the highly acclaimed Cold Chisel show that is regarded by many as the country’s most authentic.

It’s a tribute to Cold Chisel’s lead man Jimmy Barnes, often referred to as Barnesy, talented artist Ian Moss and the remarkable songs of the great Don Walker.

The show is a chance to get sweaty and experience those unforgettable songs performed with consummate skill, energy and passion.

Swingshift will perform their Cold Chisel tribute show at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on Friday, May 26.

But what sets Swingshift apart from other Cold Chisel tribute shows?

The band’s lead man Joe Differ as Jimmy Barnes, Nathan Townsend (Ian Moss), Phil Richards (Phil Small) Borce Todorovski and Gary Johnston (Don Walker) plus Fab D’Antone (the late Steve Prestwich) take you back to when music, the sweat and the anthems were all that mattered.

You are taken back to a time when music was everything and everything was fun.

Tickets to see Swingshift at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers, available from westsnewcastle.com.au or by phoning 4981 1344, cost $20 per person.

The Examiner has one double pass to give away to the Swingshift – Cold Chisel Show, which starts at 8.30pm.

To win the pass, send your name and daytime contact number in an email titled “Swingshift” to news@pse.fairfax.com.au.

The winner will be notified by 5pm on Friday, May 5.