The 66-year-old solo artist and Cold Chisel frontman has cancelled upcoming shows because of the health emergency, a development he described as “hugely frustrating”.

Barnes has battled a series of health concerns recently, cancelling his summer tour in 2022 to undergo urgent back and hip surgery for severe pain.

In a statement, Barnes said he had been fighting a bacterial infection that had infected an otherwise healthy valve in his heart.

The open-heart surgery will clear out the infection and replace the affected valve.

“Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades,” the rock legend said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“This has all happened very suddenly so it’s going to take a few days to figure out what’s going to be doable with my upcoming shows.

“I’m really sorry for all the inconvenience this will cause but please be patient while my team works hard to figure things out.”

Barnes thanked his wife Jane and the healthcare staff who had been looking after him.

“You’ve all lifted my spirits and I’m sincerely grateful,” he said.

New arrangements for his shows will be announced as soon as possible.

Scottish-born Barnes joined Adelaide-based Cold Chisel in the early 1970s and the band went on to release a string of hit albums.

He embarked on a successful solo career in 1983, with the band reuniting in 1997.

Barnes previously underwent open-heart surgery in 2007 to correct a congenital condition.