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

Ever wondered what Slade's Noddy Holder is doing now?

Curious as to whether he still sings? Or how he survived a terminall cancer diagnosis? Tune in to find out.

Neville ‘Noddy’ Holder is one of the great institutions of British rock. As the garishly trousered, top-hatted frontman of West Midlands glam yobs Slade, he helped soundtrack the early 70s with a string of Top 10 hits that peaked with the immortal festive anthem Merry Xmas Everybody. Since leaving the band in the early 90s, Noddy branched out into acting, most notably in sitcom The Grimleys, and writing (his 1999 autobiography Who’s Crazee Now? was followed by 2014’s The World According To Noddy). He is also the voice for the elevator announcements at his local Walsall art gallery.

Born in 1946 in the Midlands, Noddy formed his first band, The Rockin’ Phantoms, at the age of 13 and left school after O levels to take a job in a car parts firm while pursuing a music career. The band became The Memphis Cut-Outs and they became popular enough on the local scene for Noddy to quit the day job. He went on to join The Mavericks, who were signed to a record label in 1965, and his stablemates were The N’ Betweens, a band that included future Slade members guitarist Dave Hill and drummer Don Powell. The two bands shared bills and bonded, laying the foundations for Noddy's next move.

In 1966, Dave and Don convinced Noddy to join their new group, along with multi-instrumentalist Jim Lea. They called the band Ambrose Slade. After their debut album flopped, they changed their name to Slade and adopted a skinhead image for the following year’s Play It Loud. When that failed to catch the public’s imagination, the band turned to glam rock and swiftly became one of Britain’s biggest bands, with Slayed? (1972) reaching No 1 after their breakthrough single Get Down And Get With It.

The next few years saw Slademania take Britain by storm with a run of classic, hit singles (mostly chart-toppers) that gave English teachers the nation over sleepless nights including Coz I Luv You, Take Me Bak ’Ome, Mama Weer All Crazee Now, Gudbuy T’Jane, Cum On Feel The Noize, Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me and Merry Xmas Everybody.

Noddy Holder left Slade in 1992 but remained a familiar figure on BritishTV screens, most notably as a team captain on BBC1’s music series A Question Of Pop and playing the music teacher Neville Holder in the ITV comedy drama The Grimleys. In 2000, Noddy was awarded the MBE for his services to showbusiness.

Late in 2023, Noddy revealed that he’d been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer five years earlier and had been given six months to live. Thanks to some experimental chemotherapy treatment, Noddy has survived and is back on the stage doing what he loves to do best.

Noddy Holder joins us this week to walk us through his illustrious career and talks warts and all.

For more information about Noddy http://www.noddyholder.com/

Comments, questions or suggestions for future guests https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Want to know what happened to Paul Carrack?

Why he left Mike and the Mechanics?

Which song he wrote for the Eagles and what he's doing now?

Well, tune in and find out!

English singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Paul Carrack has been a member of several bands including Ace, Squeeze, Mike + The Mechanics, and Roxy Music. He's been a session and touring musician for several others including Nick Lowe, the Frankie Miller Band, The Undertones, The Smiths, John Hiatt, The Pretenders and has enjoyed success as a solo artist as well.

Born in Sheffield, Paul began with semi-pro bands playing pubs and clubs locally. At age 17 he played in European discos and at army bases. He joined the band Warm Dust in 1970.
In 1972, Paul formed Ace who enjoyed success with 3 albums, a worldwide hit "How Long" (which Paul wrote), and a US tour with the group Yes. In 1977 he joined the Frankie Miller Band for 2 albums before joining Roxy Music in 1978. Paul toured the U.K. and Europe and played on their albums Manifesto & Flesh And Blood.
In 1985, Carrack joined Mike Rutherford's group Mike + The Mechanics, who enjoyed international fame with "Silent Running" on which Paul sang lead vocal, and they toured until 1986.
Mike & The Mechanics resumed in late 1988, recorded their second album, The Living Years, and had a world wide hit (and U.S. number 1) with the title track being sung by Carrack. When The Mechanics resumed other interests, Carrack began recording his fourth album Groove Approved released in late 1989.
During a 1994 tour of the UK, US and Japan, he aided Mike & The Mechanics in the recording of their 4th album Beggar On A Beach Of Gold (1995) which included two Carrack songs, one of which, "Over My Shoulder" achieved popularity in the UK and Europe.
In January 1996, Paul Carrack found European success with 'How Long' and 'Eyes of Blue' from Blue Views. By the end of 1996 he was opening for Sting's UK tour, and sang a duet with Sting.
Paul maintains an active solo career to the present day. He still sings some of his affiliated bands' best-known hits, including Ace's "How Long"; Squeeze's "Tempted"; and Mike + The Mechanics' "Silent Running" ,"The Living Years" and "Over My Shoulder".

He has also performed lead vocals on tracks from the Roger Waters albums Radio K.A.O.S. and The Wall – Live in Berlin, and achieved a major solo hit with "Don't Shed a Tear".

Paul's songs have been recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Eagles, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Michael McDonald and Jools Holland, and he has recently served as a session and/or touring musician for Elton John, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, B.B. King, and Madness.

Phil Manzanera is one of the UK’s best-known musicians and record producers, having shot to prominence in the early ‘70’s as the lead guitarist with the seminal band, Roxy Music. He is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading guitarists and remains in huge demand. 

Roxy Music were inducted into  the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and recently Phil was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music.

He was born to a British father and Colombian mother and has collaborated with musicians from South and Latin America, South Africa, Cuba and continental Europe.

His recent album releases  include The Liberation Project: Songs That Made us Free,  Corroncho 2 and Live in Japan as well as The Ghost from Santiago that he did with Split Enz's Tim Finn.

In recent years Phil has co-produced Pink Floyd’s ‘The Endless River’. He released, ‘The Sound of Blue’, his own autobiographical album, co-produced David Gilmour’s new album, ‘Rattle That Lock’, toured with Gilmour in the UK, Europe and South America.   In 2015 he was Maestro Concertatore at Italy’s largest free festival. He also took part in ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ a tribute concert to his friend, Jack Bruce.

Phil’s musical influence stretches far and wide, but even he was taken by surprise when his guitar riff from 1978’s K-Scope was sampled by Jay Z and Kanye West and became the Grammy winning smash hit ‘No Church in the Wild’ the first track on their multi-million selling album, ‘Watch The Throne’.

At 73, Phil is now in his fourth decade as a professional musician.  He joined Roxy Music in 1972, aged 21,  as lead guitarist. Roxy’s rise was meteoric, with the band being hailed as the stylistic influence of the early 1970’s. During the next 12 years, until 1983 when the band members went on a ‘long break’, Roxy Music released a series of international best selling albums, achieving ten UK top ten albums and touring extensively throughout the world. The 18 year hiatus ended in 2001 with a critically acclaimed, sellout 52-date world tour featuring Bryan Ferry, Andy MacKay and Paul Thompson. The world rediscovered Roxy Music.

In the summer of 2003 Roxy again played in the US and Europe. 2010 saw Roxy Music thrilling fans at Festivals in the UK, Europe and Japan, which was followed by a Winter UK tour, and dates in Australia and New Zealand. 

As a writer, producer and solo artist, Phil Manzanera has worked with many of the luminaries of modern music, such as Steve Winwood, David Gilmour, John Cale, Godley and Creme, Nico (Velvet Underground) and John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia). He has co-written material with many artists, including Brian Eno, Tim Finn and David Gilmour.

Phil co-wrote Pink Floyd’s single ‘One Slip’from their 1988 ‘Momentary Lapse of Reason’ album.

He has recently been awarded an OBE.

Phil joins us this week to share his amazing story.

For more information about Phil and his music head to his website: https://manzanera.com/new/

If you have a request for a '60s '70s or '80s musician contact me through my website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Do you know the name Bruce Sudano? Perhaps you've heard of him as the late DONNA SUMMER's husband and collaborator? They sure made beautiful music together.

Bruce is a celebrated musician, songwriter, and producer renowned for his extensive contributions to the music industry. With a career spanning several decades, he has written chart-topping hits for legendary artists like Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, and Dolly Parton. He co-founded the bands Alive N Kickin' and Brooklyn Dreams, both achieving significant success with their unique sounds.

Sudano's songwriting prowess is evident in timeless classics like "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff," co-written with his late wife, Donna Summer. His partnership with Summer was not only professional but deeply personal. The duo's creative synergy produced some of the most iconic tracks of the disco era, and their relationship blossomed into a lifelong romance. They married in 1980 and had two daughters, Brooklyn and Amanda, both of whom have followed in their parents' musical footsteps.

Beyond his collaborative triumphs, Sudano has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing critically acclaimed albums that showcase his rich storytelling and musical versatility. His solo work, such as "With Angels on a Carousel" and "21st Century World," highlights his ability to blend genres, creating a signature sound that resonates with diverse audiences.

Bruce's influence extends beyond performance, as he continues to mentor emerging artists and contribute to various musical projects. His dedication to nurturing new talent is a testament to his passion for the art of music.

In addition to his musical achievements, Bruce Sudano is known for his profound lyrics and ability to blend genres. His enduring legacy in the music world is marked by innovation, passion, and an unwavering dedication to his craft. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Sudano's impact on the industry remains indelible, solidifying his place as a true icon in the world of music.

Sudano's partnership with Donna Summer was a defining aspect of his career. Together, they created an impressive body of work that continues to influence and inspire musicians worldwide. Their collaboration extended beyond the studio, with Sudano playing a crucial role in Summer's rise to fame as the "Queen of Disco." His contributions to her albums, including "I Remember Yesterday" and "Once Upon a Time," were instrumental in shaping the sound that defined a generation.

Bruce Sudano's story is one of artistic evolution, enduring love, and a profound impact on the world of music. Today he has a brand new solo album out "Talkin Ugly Truth Tellin Pretty Lies" and you are not going to want to miss hearing some of the tracks.

He is the Maestro behind many hits and he joins us this week to share the story of his musical (and personal) journey so far.

To learn more about Bruce Sudano, head to his website https://www.brucesudano.com/ Once you get into this man and his music, I promise you'll never forget either.

Let me know what you think? Send me a message through my website https:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Enjoy!

Guess who was behind hits like the Turtles' "Happy Together" or CSN&Y's "Ohio?"

It was renowned drummer Johny Barbata who sadly passed away unexpectedly last month.

Johny's extraordinary talent and versatility made him a pivotal figure in rock and pop music. Starting his career in the 1960s, Johny first gained prominence as a member of The Turtles, where his dynamic drumming powered hits like "Happy Together" and "She'd Rather Be With Me." His innovative style and rhythmic precision caught the attention of major bands and artists, leading him to join Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, where he contributed to their classic live album "4 Way Street."

In the 70s, Johny's career soared even higher when he became the drummer for Jefferson Airplane, later transitioning to Jefferson Starship. His powerful beats and creative percussion were instrumental in shaping the band's sound on iconic tracks like "Volunteers" and "Miracles." Throughout his career, Johny Barbata's drumming was characterised by its technical proficiency, adaptability across genres, and ability to enhance the music's emotional impact.

John's influence extended beyond his performances; he was also a mentor and inspiration to countless drummers. His autobiography, "The Legendary Life of a Rock Star Drummer," offers an in-depth look at his journey through the highs and lows of the music industry. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a serious car accident, Barbata's resilience and passion for music kept him active in the industry until the day he died.

Johny Barbata continues to be celebrated as one of rock's greatest drummers, known for his contributions to some of the most memorable songs in music history. His legacy is marked by his unique ability to blend technical skill with expressive artistry, leaving an indelible mark on every band he ever played with.

This week, I'm honouring the late Johny Barbata by featuring a recent interview we did together. During our conversation he sheds light on what it was like to be a famous rock star and how in demand he constantly was as a session drummer. Artists like Jackson Browne, Linda Rondstadt and Neil Young couldn't get enough of him.

Find out why by listening to him tell his story.

If you'd like to know more about the life and times of Johny Barbata, pick yourself up a copy of his book Johnt Barbata- The Legendary Life of a Rock Star Drummer - available from Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Johny-Barbata-Legendary-Life-Drummer/dp/7774585796

I hope you enjoy the celebration of John's life and music.

Don McLean III is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his 1971 hit song "American Pie", an 8.5-minute folk rock "cultural touchstone" about the loss of innocence of the early rock and roll generation (US #1 for four weeks in 1972 and UK #2).

Though some of his early musical influences included Frank Sinatra and Buddy Holly, as a teenager, Don became interested in folk music, particularly the Weavers' 1955 recording At Carnegie Hall. He often missed long periods of school because of childhood asthma, particularly music lessons, and although Don slipped back in his studies, his parents allowed his love of music to flourish. By age 16, he had bought his first guitar and began making contacts in the music business, becoming friends with the folk singers Erik Darling and Fred Hellerman of the Weavers.

Don recorded his first album, Tapestry in 1969 in Berkeley, California during the student riots. After being rejected 72 times by labels, the album was finally picked up and released. Don worked on the album for a couple of years before putting it out. It attracted good reviews but little notice outside the folk community, although on the Easy Listening chart "Castles in the Air" was a success, and in 1973 "And I Love You So" also became a number 1 Adult Contemporary hit for crooner, Perry Como.

Don's major break came when the record company he was with was taken over by United Artists Records, which gave him major label promotion for his second album, American Pie. The album launched two number one hits - the title song and "Vincent". American Pie's success made Don an international star overnight and piqued interest in his first album, which charted more than two years after its initial release.

In 2004, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In January 2018, BMI certified that "American Pie" and "Vincent" had reached five million and three million airplays respectively.

His composition "And I Love You So" has been sung by Elvis Presley, Perry Como, Helen Reddy, Glen Campbell, and others, and in 2000, Madonna had a hit with a rendition of "American Pie". His other hit singles include "Vincent" , "Dreidel" , a rendition of Roy Orbison's "Crying", a rendition of the Skyliners' "Since I Don't Have You" , and "Wonderful Baby".

Recently, the Grammy-award honoree and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient has released his latest studio album, "American Boys" which pays tribute to his rock and roll heroes.

As always, if you'd like to request a music guest for the show, please get in touch with me [email protected]

Martha and the Muffins is a Canadian new wave band formed in Toronto in 1977. Known for their eclectic sound that blends post-punk, art rock, and new wave influences, the band achieved international success with their hit single "Echo Beach" in 1980.

Martha and the Muffins was formed by two art students, Martha Johnson and Mark Gane, at the Ontario College of Art. They were soon joined by David Millar, Carl Finkle, Mark Gane's brother Tim Gane, and Martha Ladly. The band name was chosen as a playful jab at the plethora of "The Something-something" band names at the time.

The group quickly became a staple in the Toronto music scene, known for their quirky and innovative performances. Their unique sound combined elements of punk, rock, and electronic music, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

In 1979, Martha and the Muffins signed with the British label Dindisc, a subsidiary of Virgin Records. Their debut album, "Metro Music," was released in 1980 and included the single "Echo Beach." The song became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in Canada, the UK, and several other countries. Its catchy melody and wistful lyrics captured the imagination of a generation and remain iconic to this day.

The success of "Echo Beach" propelled the band into the spotlight. However, they faced challenges in maintaining their momentum. Their second album, "Trance and Dance" (1980), and third album, "This is the Ice Age" (1981), saw significant lineup changes.

In 1982, the band released "Danseparc," another collaboration with new member, Daniel Lanois. The album further showcased their willingness to experiment with different sounds and production techniques.

By the mid-1980s, Martha and the Muffins underwent a significant transformation, with Mark Gane and Martha Johnson remaining the core members. They released "Mystery Walk" in 1984, which included the Canadian hit "Black Stations/White Stations," a song that tackled issues of racial segregation in the music industry.

Following the release of their 1985 album "The World is a Ball," Martha and the Muffins took a hiatus. During this period, Johnson and Gane focused on solo projects and other collaborations. Johnson released a solo album, "Solo One," in 1997, while Gane worked on various production and music projects.

In the early 1990s, Martha and the Muffins reformed, primarily as a duo consisting of Johnson and Gane. They released "Modern Lullaby" in 1992, which was well-received by critics but did not achieve significant commercial success.

After another extended hiatus, the band re-emerged in 2010 with the album "Delicate," which marked a return to their roots while incorporating modern influences. This period also saw renewed interest in their earlier work, with reissues and retrospective collections.

Martha Johnson was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2001. She has been open about her battle and has faced significant challenges due to the progressive nature of the disease.

Martha's diagnosis came after she began experiencing symptoms that interfered with her ability to perform and record music. The diagnosis was a significant moment for her, marking the beginning of a long journey to manage the condition while continuing her career in music.

Despite the challenges, Martha has shown remarkable resilience. She has become an advocate for Parkinson's disease awareness, using her platform to educate others about the condition. Her advocacy includes speaking engagements and participating in events aimed at raising funds for research and support for those affected by the disease.

She has not let Parkinson's disease define her or halt her creativity. Martha continues to be involved in music and is an inspiration to many.

Martha has just released a new single to enhance awareness of PD and this week shares her personal reflections on music and living with Parkinson's disease. Her story is one of courage, persistence, and the power of music to transcend personal hardships.

As a founding member of the Grammy-winning, platinum-selling rock band TOTO, songwriter/keyboardist Steve Porcaro had huge pop hits with "Hold the Line," "Rosanna," and "Make Believe."

He also co-wrote "Human Nature" which is featured on Michael Jackson's 30 million-selling Thriller album.

Steve's other band mates in Toto were his brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro, David Paich, David Hungate, Steve Luthaker, Bobby Kimball, Fergie Fredericksen, and Joseph Williams. Each of these guys also became in-demand session musicians, playing on numerous records.

Born in Connecticut, Steve's musical roots run deep in his family tree. He started taking piano lessons when he was four years old. With his brothers began playing in various bands. The Porcaro brothers met David Paich when their fathers worked together on Glenn Campbell's TV variety show. The boys became friends and started making music together.

As the youngest brother, Steve couldn't compete with his brothers and found a niche playing the synthesiser and the keyboard. He got his break when he toured both with Gary Wright ("Dreamweaver") and Boz Scaggs around the time of Boz's Silk Degrees album.

It was the members of Boz's touring band who would later form Toto. Their self-titled LP was released in 1977. Going platinum, it yielded the gold single "Hold the Line," "I'll Supply the Love," and "Georgy Porgy" --a favourite sample source for rap/hip hop groups in the '90s, as was "Human Nature."

1982 would prove to be a huge year for the group. Their million-selling LP Toto IV cleaned up at the Grammys winning Album of the Year, Record of the Year ("Rosanna" ), and Producer of the Year.

After seven albums, Toto disbanded in 1988. Steve went on to launch a film scoring career and contributed to many popular films.

However, he continued working with Toto in various supporting capacities, assisting with keyboards, drum looping, synthesizers and arranging/composing. He has also done session musician work for many other acts, including Yes (on Union) and Jefferson Airplane (on their self-titled 1989 reunion album). He was also a member of Chris Squire’s short lived band, The Chris Squire Experiment, in 1992.

Steve returned to play with Toto at live performances since 2010, when they decided to reform the band and tour in Europe to support an ailing Mike Porcaro. He performed on the band's 2015 studio album, co-writing and singing lead on "The Little Things" and co-writing/singing lead on the Japan-only bonus cut, "Bend". This was only the third lead vocal performance from him on a Toto album.

When the band dissolved in 2019 and regrouped in 2020, Porcaro did not return.

Steve Porcaro joins us this week to share stories of his fascinating musical journey. If you'd like to know more abotu him, head to his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/steveporcaromusic/

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me - all comments, feedback and requests for future guests - gratefully received. Simply send me a message https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

I hope you enjoy this episode!

Born in 1952, in Virginia, Stewart Copeland - the son of a CIA agent - spent his formative years in the Middle East but attended college in California before settling in England in 1975. He joined the progressive rock outfit Curved Air, working first as their road manager then as their drummer.

In early 77, he founded the Police with singer/bassist Sting and guitarist Henri Padovani (soon replaced by Andy Summers). Their first hit, 79's "Roxanne," set the course for huge success to follow.

The trio emerged as one of the most popular and innovative bands of the post-punk era, drawing upon reggae, funk, and world music to create a uniquely infectious yet cerebral brand of pop which generated a series of smash singles including "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Every Breath You Take," and "King of Pain."

While with the Police, Steward also issued a solo record under the alias Klark Kent. This not only earned him wide critical acclaim for his intricate, textured drum work, but also for his songwriting as he contributed many of the group's songs.

When the Police officially disbanded in 1986, the band was still at their commercial peak. Disagreements betwenn members had caused the trio's collapse and Stewart took to composing film scores, earning himself a Golden Globe nomination. He increasingly spent more time on film scores.

In 2002, Stewart formed a new rock-oriented project, Oysterhead - a power trio supergroup. A year later he produced and directed Everyone Stares, a documentary film about his time in the Police.

In 2007, Stewart reunited with his former bandmates to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Stewart also wrote his memoir, Strange Things Happen: A Life with The Police, Polo, and Pygmies at this time.

In 2021, Stewart collaborated on the instrumental 'Divine Tides'. The album won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album, giving Copeland his first Grammy win outside of the five he earned as a member of the Police. 

He also released 'Police Deranged for Orchestra' where he reworked Police hits for an orchestra.

In 2023, he published Stewart Copeland's Police Diaries, a book based on his original diary entries from 1976-1979.

This week Stewart Copeland joins us to regale us with his many stories.

If you'd like to kmow more about him head for https://www.stewartcopeland.net/151/life-and-work

If you'd like to request a guest, send me a message through my website https:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

I know you're going to LOVE this episode. He's quite a character!

Pat Arnold (born Patrica Ann Cole in 1946 in Los Angeles), professionally known as P.P. Arnold, is a soul singer who enjoyed considerable success in the United Kingdom in the 60s and beyond.

Born into a family of gospel singers, PP married early, had two children, worked a series of menial jobs until the early 60s, when her friends contacted her with an offer she couldn't refuse. The girls had managed to arrange an audition for them to replace the original Ikettes, the vocal and dancer/singer troupe behind the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. One of the girls didn't show up and PP was asked to fill in.

The three girls were offered the job on the spot. PP defied her husband, placed her children in the care of her parents and joined Ike & Tina Turner.

She came to England in 1966 on tour in support of The Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger was impressed by her soulful voice and convinced Stones manager Andrew Oldham to sign PP to record with his newly founded record label. PP quit the Turner band to establish a solo career. She also had a fling with Jagger.

PP enjoyed several major British hits, including songs written for her by Steve Marriott of The Small Faces. She also sung backing vocals on the their hit "Tin Soldier" and toured with them in 68.

PP toured with Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Kinks, Blind Faith, David Bowie and others, and scored several hits including a cover version of "The First Cut Is the Deepest" and "Angel of the Morning".

After the collapse of record label in the late 60s, PP released two singles produced by Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees, but a planned album with Gibb was never completed.

In 1970 she moved to the musical stage, and contributed session musician backing vocals to many notable UK sessions. During these sessions she met bassist Fuzzy Samuels of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. They married and had a son.

The couple returned to Los Angeles. PP''s marriage to Samuels ended and two weeks after the split, her daughter Debbie was killed in a car accident.

She withdrew from public life, re-emerging in 1978 when she was reunited with Barry Gibb and teamed up with Andy Gibb for a duet recording of the Carole King song "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow".

She returned to England in 1982 to raise her son there.

In 1984 she joined the cast of the musical Starlight Express.

She appeared on Roger Waters' album in 1992, providing vocals on the song "Perfect Sense".

In 1994 she joined the cast of the award-winning musical Once On This Island. While the production was playing in Birmingham she met leading UK band Ocean Colour Scene, one of the new wave of latter-day mod groups who (like their mentor Paul Weller), idolised The Small Faces.

Her friendship with OCS led to her singing the lead vocal, backed by Primal Scream, on a cover of The Small Faces' "Understanding", which was included on a successful Small Faces tribute album. She also worked extensively with Ocean Colour Scene on their 1997 album.

This success led to plans for her to record her first solo album in decades, but once again it was not completed. Deciding to put together a new band to promote her material, Arnold joined forces with Chaz Jankel, former pianist with Ian Dury and The Blockheads. This was followed by an invitation to tour widely with Roger Waters. She was a backup vocalist on his 1999–2000 tour as well as the 2006–2008 tour, Dark Side of the Moon Live.

In mid 2007 she released her first recorded work for several years. The album is a duet with The Blow Monkeys frontman Dr. Robert and has been met with critical acclaim, as have their live performances at several venues.