Jimmy Barnes has kicked off his Australian tour at Bluesfest in Byron Bay just three months after open-heart surgery.
Barnes, 67, underwent major surgery to replace an infected value in his heart after a serious blood infection in December.
The Cold Chisel frontman said he was good but hoped he wouldn't "pop a valve".
"There was a time when I thought I might die but I knew if I could get back on my feet, I'd be up singing again," Barnes said.
"The best thing I can do for my recovery is get out there and sing, it makes me feel human, makes me feel good."
His daughter Mahalia Barnes said he had given it "a good go over the years".
"In recent times he's been so healthy and we're grateful he was fit and this didn't win."
This year is the 30th anniversary of his Flesh and Wood album.
Tickets are on sale for Barnes' Red Hot Summer Tour, which is on until June.
