'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Step back into the unforgettable world of '70s pop as we welcom Philip Wright, original member, drummer and lead vocalist of the English band Paper Lace. In this episode, Philip shares the remarkable story of a group from Nottingham that spent years working the clubs before suddenly finding itself at the top of the charts in Britain, Australia and America. Paper Lace had been paying their dues for years when tv provided the breakthrough they desperately needed. Their appearances on the popular British talent show Opportunity Knocks introduced the band to millions of viewers and helped set in motion a chain of events that would turn them into international hitmakers. The real explosion came in 74 with “Billy Don’t Be a Hero.” Written by the songwriting team of Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, the dramatic story-song raced to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and also became a huge No. 1 hit in Australia. Suddenly Philip Wright and Paper Lace were experiencing the kind of success they had spent years dreaming…

From founding member of Steely Dan and former guitarist with The Doobie Brothers, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, comes the astonishing true story of one of the most fascinating lives in American music, tracing his extraordinary journey from legendary rock and roll guitarist to cleared access missile-defense consultant and counterterrorism expert. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter lives two lives. In one, he is a rock and roll legend, founding member of the Steely Dan and former core member of The Doobie Brothers, with fourteen Gold Records, eight Platinum albums, two Grammy Awards (plus six nominations), induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. In the other, he is an advisor to the U.S. Department of War's Missile Defense Agency and, over the course of the past 30-plus years, a consultant to the Department of Homeland Security, NASA, prestigious research laboratories, and top defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop-Grumman. Told in his own words for the first…

Carlos Santana is celebrated worldwide as the guitar visionary whose fusion of Latin rhythms, rock, blues and jazz created one of the most distinctive sounds in popular music. From Santana’s unforgettable appearance at Woodstock in 1969 to classics such as “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va” and “Evil Ways,” and the spectacular revival sparked by Supernatural, “Smooth” and “Maria Maria,” his music has crossed generations, genres and cultures. In this deeply personal episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Carlos joins Sandy Kaye for a conversation that goes far beyond his extraordinary musical career. He speaks candidly about the sexual abuse he endured as a child and the anger, fear and mistrust that followed. Carlos explains how forgiving the person who abused him became an essential part of his recovery, allowing him to understand that he was not defined by what had happened to him. Carlos traces his spiritual awakening to 1972, when Autobiography of a Yogi, John McLaughlin and the teachings of Sri Chinmoy…

There are artists whose music instantly takes us back to another place and time, and Lobo is undoubtedly one of them. His gentle voice and heartfelt songwriting produced some of the defining songs of the 1970s, including Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, I'd Love You to Want Me, Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend and How Can I Tell Her. While millions fell in love with those timeless recordings, very few people ever got to know the man behind them. In this revealing conversation, Kent LaVoie—better known to the world as Lobo—shares the extraordinary story behind a career that has spanned more than five decades. Surprisingly, fame was never his ambition. He explains why he chose to hide behind the name "Lobo," how he deliberately avoided the celebrity lifestyle, and why he was happiest returning home to an ordinary life after stepping off stage. Lobo recalls the chance moment that inspired Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, revealing how a glance into his backyard at his beloved German Shepherd unexpectedly created…

Cheap Trick have been one of rock's most distinctive and enduring bands for more than five decades, creating timeless classics including I Want You To Want Me, Surrender, Dream Police and Ain't That a Shame. But behind the arena anthems lies a story filled with determination, disappointment, innovation and more than a few extraordinary twists of fate. In this fascinating episode, founding bassist Tom Petersson takes Sandy back to where it all began in Rockford, Illinois, explaining how the arrival of The Beatles and the British Invasion inspired a generation of teenagers to pick up instruments and dream of something bigger. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a lifelong career, although success proved far more elusive than anyone expected. Tom reveals how Cheap Trick emerged from a succession of earlier bands including Fuse and Sick Man of Europe, sharing the excitement of landing an early record deal before watching it disappear almost as quickly. Rather than giving up, the band returned to the…

Few voices are as instantly recognisable as Colin Blunstone's. As the lead singer of The Zombies, he helped define the sound of the British Invasion with timeless classics including She's Not There, Tell Her No, Time of the Season and the landmark album Odessey and Oracle. More than six decades later, Colin continues to tour the world, record new music and perform with the same unmistakable voice that first captivated audiences in the 1960s. In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Colin shares the extraordinary story behind one of rock's most influential bands. He explains how The Zombies came together through little more than chance, why Rod Argent almost remained the band's lead singer, and how She's Not There became a worldwide hit despite a chaotic recording session. Colin reflects on the realities of life during the British Invasion, revealing why hit records didn't necessarily mean financial success and how the original band ultimately dissolved while still enjoying international acclaim. The…

Australian Rock legend Angry Anderson has been hospitalised after suffering a cardiac arrest in Brussels. Rose Tattoo released a statement some three weeks after their frontman, legally Gary Anderson, 79, was hospitalised, forcing the band to cancel the European leg of what was to be their final tour. Anderson is currently receiving treatment and care in ICU, though his condition is unknown. Rose Tattoo were scheduled to return to Australia this month to perform several farewell gigs across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Angry Anderson rose to fame as a rock star in the late 1970s and 1980s, moving from the Australian-pub scene to mainstream success. Rose Tattoo’s debut album and hit single Bad Boy for Love received widespread national recognition. Their next album, Assault and Battery, topped the UK heavy metal charts, catapulting them to international stardom. Outside his music career, Anderson received a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his work in youth advocacy. As we all…

Before stadium tours, platinum albums and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition, John Kay was simply a young refugee searching for a better life. Music became his escape, his identity and ultimately the vehicle that carried him from the hardships of post-war Europe to the front of one of the most influential rock bands of all time. In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, host Sandy Kaye welcomes the legendary singer, songwriter and founding member of Steppenwolf for a deeply personal conversation about the remarkable life behind one of rock's most recognisable voices. Born in East Prussia during the closing months of World War II, John spent his earliest years amid conflict and uncertainty. His family fled advancing Soviet forces before eventually escaping communist East Germany and building a new life in Canada. Those formative experiences shaped his resilience, independence and determination long before music entered the picture. John recalls discovering rock and roll as a teenager and finding…

Few Australian bands have enjoyed the extraordinary international success of Little River Band, and few people are better placed to tell that story than original drummer Derek Pellicci. In this warm, candid and deeply insightful conversation, Derek looks back on an incredible career that began with a young boy standing in a crowd watching The Beatles during their unforgettable '64 visit to Melbourne. That single moment changed the course of his life forever, inspiring him to become a drummer and setting him on a path that would eventually take him to stages all over the world. Derek shares his fascinating journey through Melbourne's thriving music scene of the late 60s and early 70s, performing with bands likeThe Music Express, The Plum and The Ash before receiving the phone call that would change everything. When Beeb Birtles invited him to audition for Mississippi, Derek found himself joining a group whose remarkable vocal harmonies would soon evolve into one of Australia's greatest recording acts. He…

Long before blues rock became a global phenomenon, Savoy Brown was helping define the genre. Founded in London in 1965 by legendary guitarist Kim Simmonds, the band became one of the most respected names to emerge from the British blues explosion, earning a devoted following through relentless touring, exceptional musicianship and an unwavering commitment to authentic blues music. In this episode, Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm share the remarkable story behind Savoy Brown's rise from the vibrant London club scene to becoming one of America's favourite live blues rock bands. The two reflect on the early influences that shaped his playing, the explosion of British blues alongside bands including Fleetwood Mac, Cream and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, and the determination that kept Savoy Brown recording and touring for almost six decades. Pat explains why the blues has remained timeless, discusses the band's ever-changing lineup, and reveals how Savoy Brown became a proving ground for musicians who would…

Before punk rock exploded into the mainstream, there was The Damned. They were the first UK punk band to release a single, the first to release an album, and among the first to take the raw energy of the London punk scene to audiences around the world. At the heart of that revolution was founding drummer Rat Scabies, one of the most colourful, talented and unconventional personalities in rock music. In this fascinating episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye sits down with Rat Scabies for a candid and often hilarious conversation that goes far beyond the music. From the very beginning, Sandy can't resist asking the question that millions of people have wondered for decades: where on earth did the name "Rat Scabies" come from? His answer is every bit as entertaining as you might expect and sets the tone for an interview filled with humour, honesty and unforgettable stories. Rat takes us back to London's mid-'70s, when punk wasn't yet a movement but a handful of young musicians determined to tear up the…

Few musicians have influenced popular music as profoundly as Louie Shelton, yet millions of people know his guitar long before they know his name. In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Louie opens the studio door on one of the greatest periods in recording history. Growing up in Arkansas, Louie discovered the guitar as a young boy, met Elvis Presley while still at junior high school and later became friends with fellow Arkansan Glen Campbell before heading west to Los Angeles with one ambition—to become a top session guitarist. He explains why becoming a studio musician was the ultimate dream and how years of relentless work finally earned him a place among the legendary Wrecking Crew. Louie reveals how one inspired guitar hook changed everything. Asked to come up with something memorable for a new television project called The Monkees, he created the famous opening riff to Last Train to Clarksville, launching a career that would see producers across Los Angeles competing for his talents. He shares…

Glenn Hughes is one of rock music's most enduring and distinctive talents. Known worldwide as the "Voice of Rock," he first rose to prominence with British rock band Trapeze before joining the legendary Deep Purple in 1973. As bassist and co-lead vocalist, Hughes helped shape a new era for the band, bringing his powerful soul-infused vocals to classic albums including Burn, Stormbringer and Come Taste the Band. Following Deep Purple, Glenn embarked on a remarkable career that has spanned more than five decades. He has performed with Black Sabbath, collaborated with countless rock icons, fronted supergroups including Black Country Communion and The Dead Daisies, and maintained a successful solo career that continues to earn critical acclaim. Along the way, Hughes faced and overcame significant personal challenges, emerging stronger and more creative than ever. His story is one of resilience, reinvention and an unwavering commitment to music. Today, his voice remains as powerful and distinctive as it was…

Few musicians have influenced popular music quite like Steve Porcaro. As a founding member of Toto, Steve helped create one of the most successful and respected bands of the late twentieth century while simultaneously becoming one of the most sought-after keyboard players, synthesizer programmers and songwriters in the recording industry. In this revealing conversation, he opens the door on a career that stretches from the birth of Toto through to Michael Jackson's Thriller and beyond. Steve shares stories of growing up in an extraordinary musical household under the guidance of his father Joe Porcaro, one of America's most respected jazz drummers, alongside brothers Jeff and Mike, whose own careers would become legendary. He explains why he struggled with traditional piano lessons, how his fascination with synthesizers gave him a unique place in the industry, and why embracing new technology helped launch his career. The conversation follows Steve's early years touring with Gary Wright, his work alongside…

For more than five decades, The Angels have been one of Australia's most influential and enduring rock bands, delivering powerful live performances and timeless songs that have become woven into the fabric of Australian music. Their catalogue has stood the test of time, but perhaps no song is more iconic than Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. In this episode, Sandy Kaye welcomes founding guitarist John Brewster for an engaging conversation that looks back on an extraordinary career while celebrating one of the most recognisable songs in Australian rock history. John shares the story of how The Angels came together, the musical influences that shaped the band, and the determination that helped them build a career spanning half a century. The discussion explores the origins of Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again and how the song evolved into a global live music phenomenon, thanks to the famous audience chant that has become as legendary as the song itself.…

More than fifty years after it first sailed onto the charts, Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) remains one of the most beloved songs of the 1970s. In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye welcomes Elliot Lurie, the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter behind Looking Glass, for a fascinating conversation about the song that changed his life forever. Elliot shares the remarkable story of how Brandy was written in a farmhouse in rural New Jersey, revealing that the song originally began with the name "Sandy" before evolving into the fictional barmaid the world would come to know. He explains how the song developed slowly, almost like writing a short story, and how the band painstakingly recorded multiple versions before finally creating the version that would become a number one hit. The conversation explores the early days of Looking Glass, from playing long nights in bars and fraternity houses to chasing a record deal and living together in a rented farmhouse where the band wrote and rehearsed. Elliot…

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Matt Sorum joins Sandy Kaye for an honest, funny and deeply insightful conversation about life inside some of the biggest rock bands in history. Best known for his years with Guns N' Roses during the explosive Use Your Illusion era, Matt opens up about the journey that took him from the clubs of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip to stadiums packed with hundreds of thousands of fans around the world. He reflects on joining Guns N’ Roses at the height of their fame, the challenges of navigating massive personalities inside legendary bands, and the lessons he’s learned after decades in the music business. Matt also talks about his time with The Cult, why British drummers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Ian Paice shaped his playing style, and how he eventually reunited with Slash and Duff McKagan to form the hugely successful supergroup Velvet Revolver. Now, Matt is bringing his powerhouse supergroup Kings of Chaos to Australia as one of the headline acts aboard the Rock The Boat…

Steve Katz is known as a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears as well as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and author. Steve shares incredible stories from a career that spans more than six decades, taking listeners inside the birth of folk-rock, the Greenwich Village music scene, the formation of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Woodstock, Monterey Pop and beyond. Steve recalls his early days studying under folk and blues legends Dave Van Ronk and Reverend Gary Davis, spending time with Mississippi John Hurt, and joining Danny Kalb's influential band The Blues Project. He describes the excitement of discovering electric music in the mid-1960s and how that experience eventually led him to help create one of the most innovative bands of the era. The conversation explores the formation of Blood, Sweat & Tears with Al Kooper, the decision to incorporate a horn section, and the band's meteoric rise following the arrival of vocalist David Clayton-Thomas. Steve discusses the enormous success of hits including…

Did you know that one singer secretly voiced some of the biggest pop hits of the 1970s — all at the same time? Most people have no idea who he was. In this fascinating episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye chats with legendary British session singer Tony Burrows, the man behind an astonishing string of international hits including Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes), My Baby Loves Lovin', Gimme Dat Ding, United We Stand and many more. Tony reveals the incredible story behind his unique career as one of Britain’s most in-demand studio vocalists during the golden age of pop music. While audiences believed these were all separate bands, Tony was often the lead voice behind them all — a situation so unusual that at one point he famously appeared multiple times on Top of the Pops performing with different “groups” on the same show. In this warm and revealing conversation, Tony shares how he deliberately chose life as a studio singer over the pressures of touring and fame, allowing him to become one of the…

Al Jardine is perhaps one of few artists who can say they helped create an entirely new sound that changed popular music forever. In this warm and revealing conversation, the founding member of The Beach Boys looks back on the extraordinary journey that took a group of California teenagers from local surf culture to global music immortality. As Al prepares to tour Australia celebrating the 60th anniversary of the landmark album Pet Sounds, he shares deeply personal memories of growing up alongside Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson. Long before worldwide fame, Al and Brian were football teammates and college friends with a shared love of music, particularly folk, doo-wop and intricate vocal harmonies. Al reveals that the original musical vision for the band wasn’t surf music at all. But Dennis Wilson’s passion for surfing changed everything. What followed was one of the most remarkable runs in music history. From “Surfin’ USA” and “California Girls” to “Good Vibrations,” and “Help Me Rhonda,” The…

This week, one of classic rock’s most recognisable voices — singer, guitarist and songwriter Mark Farner, founding member of Grand Funk Railroad. With more than 30 million records sold worldwide, 16 gold and platinum albums and a string of massive hits including “I’m Your Captain,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “The Loco-Motion” and “We’re An American Band,” Grand Funk Railroad became one of the biggest rock acts of the '70s. But in this deeply personal conversation, Mark reveals there’s far more to his story than stadiums and success. Mark opens up about his childhood in Michigan and the devastating loss of his father when he was just nine years old. He shares how his family’s Sunday gospel gatherings, filled with bluegrass music, harmonies and love, became the foundation for both his spirituality and his future career in music. He also talks about his Cherokee ancestry on his mother’s side and the powerful influence spirituality had within the family from an early age. You'll hear the extraordinary story of…

In this episode, we dive into the colourful, high-energy world of Domingo Samudio, better known as Sam the Sham, the unforgettable frontman of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. With his trademark turban, cape, and mischievous grin, Sam didn’t just perform music—he created a spectacle that helped define the fun, rebellious spirit of 1960s rock and roll. We explore Sam’s early life in Texas, where his rich cultural influences helped shape a sound that fused rhythm and blues, garage rock, and Tex-Mex flair. From humble beginnings playing small clubs to forming the Pharaohs, Sam’s journey is one of persistence, personality, and pure musical instinct. Of course, no conversation about Sam the Sham is complete without his global smash hit Wooly Bully—a track that became one of the biggest-selling singles of 1965. With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, the song captured the carefree spirit of a generation and remains a party favourite to this day. We take a closer look at how that iconic track came together and…

The music world has lost one of its most distinctive voices with the passing of Dennis Locorriere, the longtime frontman of Dr. Hook, who died aged 76 following a battle with kidney disease. The voice behind some of the most loved soft rock and country-pop hits of the 1970s has fallen silent. In this special tribute episode, we remember the life, music and remarkable legacy of Dennis Locorriere — the unmistakable lead singer of Dr. Hook. Best known for timeless classics including Sharing the Night Together, When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman, Sylvia’s Mother and Only Sixteen, Dennis brought warmth, humour, heartache and soul to every performance. His rich, emotional voice helped make Dr. Hook one of the most successful bands of the 1970s, earning more than 60 gold and platinum records and chart success across the world. But there was far more to Dennis than the hits. Born in New Jersey, he joined Dr. Hook in the late 1960s and quickly became the band’s musical centrepiece, helping transform them from…

Today, Sandy sits down with John Illsley, founding member and bassist of Dire Straits, for an intimate and revealing conversation about the extraordinary journey behind one of the most iconic bands in rock history. John takes us right back to the beginning, sharing the story of how a modest council flat in South London became the unlikely birthplace of Dire Straits. It was there that a chance encounter with Mark Knopfler—via his brother David—sparked a musical partnership that would go on to change their lives forever. What followed was a series of coincidences that feel almost like fate, from forming the band to recording their first demo tape. He recalls the pivotal moment when that demo, featuring Sultans of Swing, landed in the hands of influential radio DJ Charlie Gillett and was played on air—setting off a chain reaction that saw record companies clamouring to sign them almost overnight. It was the breakthrough that launched Dire Straits onto the global stage. From there, John reflects on the band’s…

Joe Camilleri is one of the most influential and enduring figures in Australian music, and in this episode he shares the remarkable story behind a career that has spanned more than six decades. From his early life as a migrant child growing up in Melbourne to becoming the driving force behind Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, Joe’s journey is filled with passion, persistence and reinvention. In this conversation, Joe reflects on leaving school at a young age, working tough jobs, and finding his identity through music. He talks about teaching himself to play, learning by ear, and the formative years performing hundreds of gigs with bands like The Kingbees. As his musical interests evolved, Joe embraced the saxophone and began shaping a sound that blended blues, rock, jazz and soul. He opens up about the rise of Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons, the challenges of recording and finding success, and the intense pressures that came with fame. When the momentum slowed, Joe faced a difficult period that…

From Singing for Sweets to Punk Pioneer Hugh Cornwell, best known as the original frontman of The Stranglers, has lived a career shaped by instinct, rebellion and creative evolution. Remarkably, his journey began at just three years old, singing in the garden for neighbours who rewarded him with sweets. Even then, Cornwell knew he wanted to be a singer—though his parents had very different plans. Despite his artistic ambitions, Cornwell followed a scientific path, studying biochemistry at university under pressure from his family. He even pursued a PhD in Sweden, but it was there that fate intervened. Immersed in a new social scene, he formed a band—and before long, music overtook academia. Abandoning his studies, he returned to the UK determined to make it in music. Back in England, Cornwell helped form what would become The Stranglers, alongside key members including Jean-Jacques Burnel and Dave Greenfield. Early songwriting success came with “Get a Grip on Yourself,” their debut single, marking the…

Ann Wilson, the powerhouse voice behind the band Heart, is widely regarded as one of rock’s greatest female vocalists. Born in 1950 in San Diego and raised in a military family that moved frequently, Ann found stability in music early on. Alongside her younger sister Nancy Wilson, she was inspired by seeing The Beatles perform in '66—a moment both sisters later described as life-changing. Ann began performing in local Seattle bands in the late '60s, developing a commanding vocal style rooted in rock, folk and blues. Nancy joined her a few years later, bringing a distinctive acoustic guitar style that perfectly complemented Ann’s voice. Together, they formed the core of Heart, one of the first major rock bands fronted by women in a male-dominated industry. Their breakthrough came with the '75 album Dreamboat Annie, featuring hits like “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You,” both co-written by the sisters. The band’s mix of hard rock and acoustic textures set them apart, and Ann’s soaring vocals became their…

Sandy recently sat down with legendary guitarist, singer-songwriter and founding member of Traffic, Dave Mason, for a candid and often humorous look back at a remarkable life in music. Dave reflects on his early beginnings, revealing how a failed ambition to join the Royal Air Force led him instead toward music—a path he committed to in his teens after forming his first bands. He shares how his connection with Steve Winwood and others came about, giving insight into the organic, free-spirited formation of Traffic during the vibrant 1960s music scene. The conversation explores Dave’s songwriting journey, including the creation of classics like “Hole in My Shoe” and the enduring anthem “Feelin’ Alright.” He explains how his early lack of life experience pushed him to seek inspiration abroad, ultimately shaping some of his most iconic work. Dave also reflects on the tensions within Traffic, driven by differing musical directions, which led to his eventual departure. Moving into his solo career, Dave discusses…

In this episode, Sandy Kaye sits down with legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean, the voice behind one of the most iconic songs in music history—American Pie. Best known for that timeless anthem, Don’s career spans more than five decades, with a remarkable catalogue that includes Vincent, And I Love You So, and many more. But as you’ll hear, there’s so much more to his story than a single hit. Don takes us back to the turbulent late '60s, where his early career unfolded against a backdrop of political unrest, riots, and social upheaval. Recording his debut album Tapestry in Berkeley during this volatile time, he shares how chaos, uncertainty, and personal struggle shaped his songwriting and his determination to succeed. With no “Plan B,” Don reveals the fierce focus that drove him forward—despite financial hardship, industry setbacks, and the pressures of carving out a life in music. He also reflects on the deep influence of his family, particularly his mother, whose belief in him helped fuel his dreams. Of…

Step behind the curtain of the music industry and into the high-stakes world of one of pop’s most fascinating eras. In this episode, Sandy Kaye explores the remarkable story of Dan Beck — the music executive who worked closely with Michael Jackson during a pivotal and turbulent time in his career. Dan Beck wasn’t just another record label executive. As a senior figure at Epic Records, he became Michael Jackson’s key marketing and product manager in the early 1990s, placing him right at the centre of one of the most complex and pressured periods in pop history. From the release of Dangerous through to the ambitious HIStory project, Beck was deeply involved in shaping how Jackson was presented to the world. In this fascinating conversation, we unpack what it was really like behind the scenes — not the headlines, not the myths, but the day-to-day reality of working with the biggest star on the planet. Dan shares insights into: The intense pressure of managing a global superstar’s image The strategy behind…

The Bee Gees are one of the most influential and enduring acts in popular music history, a band whose songs have soundtracked generations and transcended genres, eras and trends. Formed by brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the group’s journey began long before global fame, rooted in family, harmony and an almost instinctive musical bond. Born on the Isle of Man and raised between England and Australia, the Gibb brothers began performing together as kids. Music wasn’t just an interest — it was the family language. By the late '50s, the brothers were already writing songs, honing their harmonies and learning the discipline of performance. Their early success in Australia laid the groundwork for an international career that would soon explode. The Bee Gees’ first major breakthrough came in the late '60s with emotionally rich, melodic songs like “To Love Somebody,” “Massachusetts,” “Words,” and “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You.” Their close, often aching harmonies and introspective songwriting set them…

Today’s guest is a true rock icon. Simon Kirke is the powerhouse drummer and co-founder of two of the most influential bands in classic rock history—Free and Bad Company. From the raw, blues-driven energy of Free to the arena-filling success of Bad Company, Simon has lived a life that most musicians only dream about. And as you’re about to hear, it all began with a simple toss of a coin. In this warm and revealing conversation, Simon takes us right back to his early days in London, chasing a dream against the odds. With a two-year ultimatum from his parents to make it as a drummer or go to university, Simon spent months doing odd jobs—until fate intervened. A chance decision led him to audition alongside the extraordinary guitarist Paul Kossoff—a meeting that would change everything. Together with Kossoff, singer Paul Rodgers and bassist Andy Fraser, Simon formed Free—a band that would go on to define an era. But success didn’t come overnight. The group toured relentlessly, playing hundreds of gigs across…

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye sits down with Verdine White, the legendary bassist and founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire, to explore the remarkable life and career of one of music’s most dynamic performers. Verdine reflects on growing up in a large and deeply musical family in Chicago, where jazz, blues and rhythm and blues filled the house and helped shape his earliest influences. He talks about the enormous impact of his older brother Maurice White, whose vision, talent and guidance would not only help launch Verdine’s career, but also lay the foundation for one of the most innovative and beloved bands in popular music history. The conversation traces Verdine’s musical beginnings, from studying upright bass and classical technique to learning from legendary bassist Louis Satterfield, before making the life-changing move to Los Angeles to join Maurice in a bold new musical venture. Verdine shares vivid memories of those early days in LA, the relentless rehearsals, the long road…

In this episode, Sandy Kaye sits down with one of the true pioneers of Australian rock music — Ross Wilson. With a career spanning more than six decades, Ross has shaped the sound of Australian music as a performer, songwriter and producer. From his early beginnings in Melbourne in the '60s, Ross quickly became part of the thriving local music scene. Inspired by blues records and armed with a harmonica, he joined his first band The Pink Finks while still at school, scoring a local chart hit with their version of Louie Louie. In an era when dance halls were packed with teenagers eager to hear live bands, Ross honed his craft performing night after night. After experimenting with original songwriting and travelling to England, Ross returned to Australia full of ideas. By '70 he formed Daddy Cool, a band that would change Australian rock forever. Their breakthrough hit “Eagle Rock” became a national phenomenon, spending weeks at number one and becoming one of the most iconic Australian songs ever recorded. Ross…

Ralph McTell is one of Britain’s most enduring and respected singer-songwriters, a master storyteller whose songs have become woven into the fabric of English folk music. Born in Kent and raised in Croydon, McTell developed an early love for American blues, folk and traditional British music. As a teenager he was captivated by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, influences that shaped both his fingerstyle guitar technique and his gift for narrative songwriting. After studying at art school in the early '60s, Ralph began busking and performing in London’s thriving folk clubs, quickly building a reputation for his intricate guitar work and warm, conversational stage presence. He signed with a record company in the late '60s, releasing his self-titled debut album in '68. His breakthrough came in '69 with “Streets of London,” a song inspired by his travels in Paris and London, where he encountered loneliness and poverty firsthand. The song’s gentle melody and compassionate lyrics struck a…

Johnny Townsend is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Sanford-Townsend Band, the group responsible for the timeless 1977 hit “Smoke from a Distant Fire.” With his distinctive voice, melodic songwriting, and deeply personal life story, Johnny became one of the defining artists of the late-'70s soft rock and Southern rock era. Johnny Townsend was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where music became part of his life from an early age. Like many Southern musicians of his generation, his first experiences with singing came in church, where he discovered both his voice and his emotional connection to music. He also learned piano as a child and quickly developed strong musical instincts. Despite his passion for music, Townsend initially pursued a very different career path. He enrolled at the University of Alabama with the goal of becoming a doctor, studying pre-medicine and preparing for a stable professional future. At the same time, he…

Laurence Juber is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and former lead guitarist with Paul McCartney’s band Wings. His journey began in London during the explosion of Beatlemania. Inspired by The Beatles’ revolutionary sound, he picked up the guitar as a child and quickly developed into a versatile and highly skilled musician. His early ambition was to become a studio guitarist, and by his early twenties he was already working in some of London’s most prestigious recording studios alongside legendary producers and artists. Everything changed in 1978 when Laurence received a call from Paul McCartney’s office inviting him to audition for Wings. After impressing both McCartney and Denny Laine, he joined the band and contributed to the Back to the Egg album, touring and recording with one of the most influential musicians of all time. Laurence reflects on what it was really like working with Paul and Linda McCartney, the creative environment within Wings, and the profound personal and professional impact of that…

John Coghlan is one of British rock’s most instantly recognisable drummers — a powerhouse player whose relentless, no-nonsense beat helped define the sound and success of Status Quo, one of the UK’s most enduring and best-loved rock bands. As a founding member, John was there at the very beginning, helping to shape a career that would span decades, rack up millions of record sales, and soundtrack generations of fans. Born in London in 1946, John Coghlan’s musical journey began early. Like many drummers of his era, he was drawn to rhythm and energy rather than flashy technique, developing a style that was solid, driving and unmistakably his own. In the mid-'60s, he joined forces with Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster, forming a band initially known as The Scorpions, later Traffic Jam, and eventually Status Quo. From the outset, Coghlan’s drumming was the engine room — dependable, muscular, and perfectly suited to the band’s evolving sound. Status Quo first found chart success in the late '60s with their…

Mitch Ryder is one of the most powerful and uncompromising voices in American rock and soul. Born William Levise Jr. in Detroit, Michigan, he came of age in a city buzzing with rhythm and blues, gospel and early rock ’n’ roll. That musical melting pot shaped Ryder’s unmistakable vocal style — raw, passionate and emotionally charged — setting him apart from his peers from the very beginning. MItch burst onto the international scene in the mid-'60s as frontman of Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. The band delivered a string of explosive hits including Devil With a Blue Dress On, Jenny Take a Ride!, Sock It to Me, Baby! and Little Latin Lupe Lu. These songs captured the grit and urgency of Detroit’s club scene and helped define the sound of American rock at its most visceral. Ryder’s relentless stage presence and full-throttle delivery quickly earned him a reputation as one of the era’s most electrifying performers. Despite commercial success, Mitch found himself increasingly at odds with the music industry. By…

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye explores the remarkable life and career of Burton Cummings, one of the most influential and recognisable voices in Canadian music history. From his beginnings in Winnipeg to international superstardom — and now a highly anticipated return to the stage with The Guess Who — Cummings’ story is one of talent, ambition, creative independence and enduring legacy. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Burton Cummings showed an early passion for music, studying piano and developing a powerful, expressive voice that would later become instantly recognisable. His career took a defining turn in the mid-'60s when he joined The Guess Who, initially as a keyboard player before stepping into the role of lead vocalist and principal songwriter. What followed was one of the most successful chapters in Canadian rock history. With Cummings at the helm, The Guess Who achieved global success, delivering a string of iconic hits including These Eyes, Laughing, No Time, Share the Land and…

Drummer Michael Shrieve’s story reads like a rock-and-roll fairy tale — the kind of musical journey that blends youthful serendipity with restless creativity, and a lifelong appetite for pushing boundaries. Before he was a name on Santana’s classic albums or a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, he was a kid with sticks and big dreams. Born in California, Shrieve grew up deeply drawn to music. As a teenager he played in his first serious band and gigged around backing rhythm and blues acts — even sitting in with seasoned performers like B.B. King and Etta James. At just 16, a pivotal moment came when he sat in during a jam at San Francisco’s famed Fillmore Auditorium. His playing caught someone's ear — Santana’s manager Stan Marcum — setting the stage for his astonishing ascent. At 19, Shrieve met Carlos Santana in a studio and was invited to join the band on the spot. It was a leap that would change his life. Almost immediately after joining, Shrieve found himself at the center of one of rock’s defining moments:…

Frankie Miller has one of those voices that stops you mid-sentence — gritty, soulful, aching, and unmistakably real. It’s the sound of lived experience, shaped by smoky pubs, late nights, hard miles on the road, and a deep love of rhythm and blues. Born Francis Miller in 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, Frankie grew up in a working-class environment where music wasn’t a luxury — it was a lifeline. As a teenager, Frankie was already soaking up American blues and soul records, falling hard for artists like Muddy Waters, Otis Redding, and Ray Charles. Those influences never left him. You can hear them in every rasp, every shout, every tender moment in his singing. By the late 1960s, he was fronting his own band, building a reputation as a formidable live performer around the UK. Long before the record deals and chart success, Frankie was earning his stripes the old-fashioned way — on stage, night after night. His big break came in the early '70s when he signed to Chrysalis Records. His debut album Once in a Blue…

On this week’s A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy welcomes a man whose songs have woven themselves into the fabric of several generations. Tommy James, the legendary frontman of Tommy James & The Shondells, joins us for a deep, revealing conversation about the highs, the heartbreaks and the astonishing twists behind one of the most successful hit-making careers of the 1960s and beyond. Tommy’s journey is the kind of story Hollywood couldn’t invent — though they’re certainly trying, with his bestselling memoir Me, the Mob and the Music currently being adapted for the big screen. He takes us right back to his childhood in Niles, Michigan, where loving rock ’n’ roll meant picking up a guitar, forming a band and hoping the magic would follow. It did — but not in any way Tommy expected. He talks us through the incredible moment when Hanky Panky, a forgotten B-side recorded years earlier, suddenly blew up in Pittsburgh after a bootlegger pressed tens of thousands of copies. One minute Tommy was playing small clubs; the…

In this deeply personal and wonderfully candid episode, we’re joined by one of rock’s most recognisable and influential drummers: Liberty DeVitto. For three decades, Liberty was the rhythmic engine behind Billy Joel — the man whose explosive, intuitive playing powered classics like “Only the Good Die Young,” “Movin’ Out,” “You May Be Right,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” and so many more. But as you’ll hear, his story is so much bigger than the music that made him famous. Liberty opens up about his Brooklyn upbringing, marked by a tough home life and a school system that didn’t quite know what to do with a kid like him. He talks about the teacher who dismissed his dreams outright, and the moment that changed everything: seeing the Beatles on television and suddenly realising what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. From there, Liberty takes us on a vivid journey through the early days — the basement rehearsals, the bar gigs, the scramble to get noticed — until fate put him in the same room as a…

In this episode, I finally get to sit down with a man I’ve been chasing for more than four years — the incomparable Ian Gillan of Deep Purple. If you grew up on classic rock the way I did, you already know exactly what a monumental figure he is. Ian’s the powerhouse vocalist who helped define the sound of hard rock, pushed the limits of vocal technique, and gave us some of the most enduring songs in modern music history. But this isn’t your typical rock-star chat. Ian opens up about everything — from hearing Elvis for the first time and singing as a boy soprano to scraping by with half-broken instruments, makeshift drum kits, and a single pair of trousers he rotated with Roger Glover. He talks candidly about those early club days in Germany, the magic of the transistor radio, and how the surf-rock craze swept through London in the mid-60s. We dive right into the evolution of Episode Six, the songwriting partnership with Roger Glover, the birth of Deep Purple’s legendary hard-rock sound, and the incredible…

Born Patricia Louise Holte in 1944 in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the woman we know as Patti LaBelle was raised in a large family as the second-youngest of five children. Her father worked on the railroad and performed in clubs, while her mother was a domestic worker. From a young age, Patti found solace and purpose in music — she joined her church choir at age 10 and by 12 was singing solo. Her early life wasn’t easy. The marriage of her parents was troubled, and after her parents separated when she was 12, she experienced deep personal trauma. Yet despite hardship, she held onto music — both for comfort and as an outlet — listening to jazz, R&B and gospel as she grew up. In her mid-teens Patti began dreaming of making music beyond the church. By 1960, she formed a girl group called The Ordettes with friends at school. The next year members changed and the group evolved into Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles — soon to become simply Labelle in the '70s. The Bluebelles enjoyed moderate success: in…

Bob “Bongo” Starkie was one of Australian rock’s most colourful and enduring guitarists — a player whose sharp riffs, cheeky humour, and rhythmic pulse powered Skyhooks from Melbourne cult heroes to national icons. Bongo's journey before, during, and after the band reflects a musician who never lost his spark. Starkie passed away on 29 November 2025, prompting an outpouring of affection from fans and fellow artists who saw him as a vital thread in the fabric of Australian music. Growing up in Melbourne, Bob was drawn to guitar early and spent his young adulthood shaping his craft in pubs, clubs, and rehearsal rooms. He played in a string of local outfits where he built a reputation for clean, punchy rhythm work and an upbeat stage presence. Even before he had a national profile, musicians around the city knew him as reliable, talented, and quietly charismatic — the sort of guitarist other bands wanted to poach. Starkie joined Skyhooks in 1973, stepping into a band that would become one of Australia’s most…

Gladys Knight & the Pips hold an essential place in American music history, but within the ensemble’s smooth choreography and signature harmonies, one member often stood out for his quiet consistency, unmistakable stage presence, and velvet-textured vocals: William Guest. His contributions helped shape the unmistakable sound of the group, even if he wasn’t always the one in the spotlight. The story begins in Atlanta, Georgia, where Gladys Knight was already turning heads with her powerhouse vocals as a child. In 1952, after winning a televised talent competition, she joined forces with her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight and cousins Edward Patten and William Guest. The four formed a family group called The Pips, named after another cousin, James “Pip” Woods. Even in the early days, Guest’s natural musicality was obvious. His voice had a warm, fluid tone, and he possessed a dancer’s instinct — smooth, rhythmic, and always in total sync with the group. Throughout the '50s and early ’60s, The Pips worked…

Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers on 30 July 1944 in Somerton, St. James Parish, Jamaica, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of reggae’s most beloved and influential figures. His parents worked modest jobs on a rural farm, and from a young age, Cliff showed a natural gift for singing. As a child, he sang in his church choir; by his early teens he had moved with his family to Kingston, determined to carve out a career in music. At just 14 years old, Cliff scored his first hit with the self-penned single “Hurricane Hattie”, a song that nods to his own miraculous arrival during a storm. With his early success in Jamaica, he soon caught the attention of producer Leslie Kong, whose Beverly’s label would provide a platform for Cliff to record more material and refine his style. In 1965, Cliff followed an invitation from Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, to move to the United Kingdom. While in London, he experimented with combining ska, rocksteady, and soul influences, earning recognition beyond…

Tom Hambridge is a Grammy Award-winning drummer, songwriter, and producer whose fingerprints are all over modern blues and rock music. Known for his powerhouse drumming, soulful songwriting, and Grammy-winning production work, Hambridge has built an extraordinary career that bridges the worlds of stage and studio — working alongside some of the biggest legends in American music. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Tom began playing drums at the age of five, showing an instinctive sense of rhythm that would shape his life. He studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his craft not only as a drummer but also as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Before becoming one of Nashville’s most in-demand producers, Hambridge led his own band, Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes, building a devoted following for his high-energy live shows and original songs that blended blues, rock, and Americana influences. Hambridge’s reputation as a go-to songwriter and producer skyrocketed when he…