What happens when you walk away from an award-winning, international hairdressing career in the UK to chase a teenage dream? If you’re Amy Russell, you trade the scissors for a camera body and end up jet-setting across the globe to document rock royalty. But her latest adventure, crossing the equator to serve as the official touring photographer and content creator for American pop-punk titans Bowling For Soup during their Australian run, is the kind of surreal, rock 'n' roll folklore that sounds almost too good to be true, and Amy is our guest for Episode 296 of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast.

This isn't just a gig; it's the ultimate fan-to-inner-circle evolution. Amy has been a die-hard BFS devotee since the early 2000s. By relentlessly backing her own creative vision, she didn't just get into the photo pit, she earned family status with the very band that soundtracked her youth. Now a permanent fixture in the BFS camp, her undeniable talent is evident in every high-octane frame she shoots, matched only by the deep, hilarious, and wholesome mutual respect shared between her and the band both on stage and behind the scenes.

Fresh off capturing the chaos of their massive Australian co-headlining tour alongside Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls and local legends Talk Heavy, Amy’s fairytale trajectory is officially in overdrive. While she modestly chalks up her ongoing adventures to "a lot of luck," make no mistake: you don't get this far by accident. From a massive career pivot and pulling double duty on merch, to navigating onstage fart jokes and unforgettable fan interactions, this is the definitive insider look at how a super-fan became an indispensable part of the touring machine.

In This Episode, We Dive Into:

The Origin Story: How Amy officially made the leap and cut her teeth in the photography world.

The View From the Stage: What it's really like sharing the stage with the BFS lunacy night after night.

Chaos & Carnage: Onstage mishaps, accidents, and the unpredictable nature of live rock shows.

The Famous BFS Bar: The stories behind the most iconic onstage watering hole in music.

The Perfect Frame: Amy’s absolute favorite venues to shoot in.

Beyond the Soup: The other incredible bands she loves collaborating with.

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#Hear2Zen #Podcast #AmyRussell Photography #BowlingForSoup #BFS #LiveMusicPhotography #ConcertPhotographer #MusicJournalism #TourLife #FrankTurner #TalkHeavy #FromFanToPhotographer #rockphotography

He’s back! On this episode of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome back the powerhouse vocalist and former INXS frontman, JD Fortune. Fresh off the announcement of his highly anticipated October 2026 Australian tour, JD sits down with us for a deep, unfiltered conversation that spans his past, present, and future in rock 'n' roll.

We dive straight into the massive news surrounding the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination and what it means for the enduring legacy of INXS. JD also takes us behind the glass to look back at the studio production of the 2005 album Switch, sharing rare insights into the creation of the tracks, the bonus material, and the remixes that fans still obsess over.

Plus, we get a nostalgic look into his pre-fame days with his old band JUICe, and he pulls back the curtain on the reality TV machine, revealing exactly how creative editing is used to manufacture drama for the cameras. Finally, with an explosive Australian tour on the horizon this October, JD gives us a taste of what to expect from a live set packed with iconic anthems. Whether you're a die-hard INXS fan or a lover of pure rock history, this is an episode you cannot miss.

JD FORTUNE October 2026 Australian Tour Dates

Thursday 1ST October QUEANBEYAN, The B

Friday 2nd October THIRROUL, Anita’s Theater

Saturday 3rd October MARICKVILLE, Factory Theatre

Wednesday 7th October, NEWCASTLE, Nex Newcastle

Friday 9th October, TWEED HEADS, Twin Towns

Saturday 10th October, BRISBANE, The Triffid

Friday 16th October, DONCASTER, Shoppingtown Hotel

Saturday 17th October, MELBOURNE, Max Watts

Tuesday 20th October ADELAIDE, The Gov

Saturday 23rd October PERTH, Astor Theatre

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#Hear2Zen #Hear2ZenPodcast #JDFortune #INXS #RockStarINXS #SwitchAlbum #PrettyVegas #DevilsParty #INXSFans #LiveMusicAustralia #AusTour2026 #ClassicRock #RockPodcast #MusicJournalism #NewEpisode #BrisbaneMusic #TheTriffid #MaxWatts #TheGov #AstorTheatre #AnitasTheatre #FactoryTheatre

Welcome to Episode 294 of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast! On this episode, we are catching up with one of the hardest-working, most versatile guitarists in modern rock today, Sam "Bam" Koltun.

Currently holding down guitar duties for rock titans Godsmack, Sam checked in from home during a brief, well-deserved breather between Leg 1 and Leg 2 of their massive world tour. We dive deep into his incredible musical journey, tracing his steps from a rock-obsessed kid in the Midwest to commanding arena stages worldwide.

We map out his entire trajectory: growing up in St. Louis, making the definitive leap to Los Angeles to study at MIT, and paying his dues in the trenches of the legendary LA jam night circuit. Sam opens up about getting down and dirty on the road with sleaze rock royalty Faster Pussycat, pulling double duty during his stellar stint with Dorothy, and the unforgettable moment he got the definitive "big call-up" to join Godsmack.

We also get into some serious gear talk about his undying love for the classic Gibson Les Paul, and Sam shares his essential, real-world advice on what it actually takes to survive and thrive on the road. Grab a drink, crank the volume, and join the congregation for an absolute masterclass in rock 'n' roll work ethic!

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#Hear2Zen #Hear2ZenPodcast #SamBamKoltun #Godsmack #FasterPussycat #Dorothy #GibsonLesPaul #LesPaul #Guitarist #RockPodcast #LiveMusic #MusicJournalism #LAJamScene #RockGuitarist #NewEpisode #PodcastLife

Episode 293: The Ultimate Good Things 2026 Lineup Speculation Spectacular

The heavy music festival season is officially cooking. With the Good Things Festival 2026 dates locked in for December, the number one question flooding every metalhead's inbox and DM feed is glaringly obvious: Where is the lineup?

While the festival team is busy putting the final pieces of the puzzle together behind the scenes, we couldn't wait any longer. For Episode 293 of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we are breaking new ground with our first-ever cross-podcast collaboration. We’ve joined forces with our longtime brother-in-arms, Troy from the incredible May The Rock Be With You.

Troy and I have been friends for over 20 years, cutting our teeth and working within the music business together, but we have never actually done a formal collab. When those December dates dropped, it felt like the absolute perfect opportunity to sit down, fire up the microphones, and talk some heavy music folklore.

What’s Packed Into This Episode:

• The Headliner & Lineup Predictions: We put our reputations on the line and map out exactly who we think will be topping the bill and filling out the main stages this December.

• The "Cross 'Em Off" List: The rumor mill has been spinning out of control. We play executioner and rule out a bunch of highly requested bands, breaking down the cold hard scheduling conflicts and tour data as to why they won’t be hitting the East Coast.

• The Wildcards: We both bring an Australian and an International wildcard artist to the table, the kind of left-field bookings that would completely steal the weekend.

• The Ultimate 80s Fantasy Bill: To top it all off, we indulge our inner old-school rock purists and curate a dream-scenario Good Things Festival made up entirely of legendary 80s rock and metal bands.

This episode was an absolute blast to record, and it marks the first of many joint ventures between Hear 2 Zen and May The Rock Be With You.

Official Festival Update: The July Intel

If you are losing your mind waiting for the official bill, don't panic. The Good Things team has confirmed they've been working on this massive, multi-city beast since well before last year’s gates even closed.

To keep the community in the loop, they have committed to a major update dropping in the first week of July. Keep your eyes glued to their socials, because they’ll be launching an official “Guess the Lineup Drop Date” competition to see who can precisely predict when music festival Christmas lands, complete with killer prizes.

Until then, block out your calendars for the biggest weekend of the year:

• Friday, 4th December: Melbourne

• Saturday, 5th December: Sydney

• Sunday, 6th December: Brisbane

Listen to Episode 293 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your go-to podcast platform. Make sure to follow both Hear 2 Zen and May The Rock Be With You on all social channels so you don't miss a single beat.

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The internet loves to hate a "nepo baby," but are we throwing the baby out with the bathwater?

On Episode 292 of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we are diving deep into Stanley Simmons , the brand-new project from Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons. Yes, those last names. The sons of Kiss co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have teamed up, and the internet comments section has some serious thoughts. From their accidental garage origins to working with legendary producer Rob Cavallo, we break down their history and review their four stellar singles: "Body Down," "Dancing While The World Is Ending," "Temporary Love," and the brand-new psychedelic trip "Cellophane."

We are also putting YOUR comments up on the screen during the episode to show exactly what the rock community is saying.

WE WANT TO KNOW: Does Stanley Simmons deserve the pre-emptive internet hate just because of who their famous fathers are? Or does the music stand entirely on its own merits?Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and we might feature you on the next segment!

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Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!#Hear2Zen #Hear2ZenPodcast #StanleySimmons #EvanStanley #NickSimmons #NewMusic2026 #FolkRock #PsychedelicPop #DancingWhileTheWorldIsEnding #KISSArmy #RockHistory #MusicJournalism #SupportNewMusic #RockPodcast

In this episode, we are joined by Australian rock royalty: John Brewster. As a founding member of The Angels, John has been at the epicenter of the pub rock movement that defined a nation’s sound.

With the band hitting the road this June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their debut track, Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, we dive deep into the legacy of a song that has evolved from a folk-tinged ballad into a multi-generational cultural anthem.

We chat about 🤘 "Brotherhood" with Rick, the unique energy of touring with his sons,

🤘 The high-stakes pressure of working with legendary producers Vanda & Young.

🤘A potential collaborations with Slash

🤘 Which classic Angels record John is itching to get back into the studio to remix.

🤘 How Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again transcended generations and became an indelible part of Australian culture.

🤘 The Low End: Leaning on the expertise of some of Australia’s most iconic bass players throughout the band’s tenure.

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#TheAngels #JohnBrewster #Hear2Zen #AussieRock #AmIEverGonnaSeeYourFaceAgain #PubRock #LiveMusicAustralia #Podcast #MusicJournalism #rocklegends

For over two decades, Escape The Fate has remained a cornerstone of modern hard rock. From the stadium-sized hooks of This War Is Ours to the crushing versatility of their 2025 release, Redefined, the band continues to prove why they are masters of their craft.

In this episode, we sit down with founding member and drummer Robert Ortiz to talk about the band’s enduring legacy and their highly anticipated return to Australian shores after a three-year hiatus. We dive deep into:

• The Australian Return: What fans can expect from the upcoming tour alongside Arizona metalcore veterans The Word Alive.

• Redefined: The creative process behind their latest record and balancing heaviness with anthemic rock.

• The Nostalgia Trap: Robert’s take on the current wave of anniversary tours and reunions.

• Soundwave Memories: Looking back at the iconic (and chaotic) days of Australia’s premier metal festival.

• The Lighter Side: An unexpected tangent into The Village People and why, even after twenty years on the road, Robert still finds joy in being a "tourist."

With a career spanning twenty years and a reputation for one of the most explosive live shows in the business, Robert offers a candid look at the life of a modern rock survivor.

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Welcome to Episode 288 of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast! Today, we are joined by a true architect of rock and roll, the legendary Rachel Bolan. While we know him as the driving force behind Skid Row, today we are diving deep into his highly anticipated debut solo record, Bolan, dropping June 12th.

Rachel opens up about the creative freedom of going solo and the incredible "friends and family" list that helped bring this vision to life. We talk about the powerhouse collaborations on the album, featuring Corey Taylor, Nuno Bettencourt, Damon Johnson, and a heartwarming reunion in the studio with his Skid Row brothers—Snake Sabo, Scotti Hill, and Rob Hammersmith.

We also get the inside track on:

🤘 Skid Row Rarities: Upcoming Record Store Day releases you need to add to your vinyl collection.

🤘 The Vault: A special "secret project" involving classic Skid Row songs that will surprise long-time fans.

🤘 On the Road: Rachel’s plans for touring the solo record and what to expect from the live show.

🤘 Aussie Love: Reliving favorite memories from touring down under (and why the fans here are second to none).

🤘 The Human Side: From our shared lives as "Cat Dads" to the core memories of taking our young kids and grandkids to their very first concerts.

🤘 Deep Cuts: Looking back at the Ozone Monday days and solving the mystery of original Skid Row vocalist Matt Fallon.

This is a raw, honest, and high-energy conversation with one of the best in the business. Grab a beer, turn it up, and join the congregation!

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#RachelBolan #SkidRow #BolanSolo #Hear2Zen #Podcast #NewMusic #CoreyTaylor #NunoBettencourt #RockInterview #CatDads #livemusicaustralia

Welcome to Episode 288 of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast! Today, we are joined by a true architect of power-pop and a survivor of the Sunset Strip’s golden era: the one and only Chip Z’Nuff.

With Enuff Z’Nuff gearing up to return to Australia this November for the massive ‘RU PRETTY ENUFF’ co-headlining tour with Pretty Boy Floyd, Chip sits down to discuss the band's enduring legacy and what fans can expect from this double assault of rock ’n’ roll excess.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Australian Memories: Chip reflects on his favorite moments from past tours Down Under and why the Australian crowd remains one of the most passionate in the world.

• Xtra Cherries: The incredible response to their latest album and how the band continues to evolve while staying true to their melodic roots.

• The Jake E. Lee Era: A look back at the brief but legendary period when the former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist joined the ranks of Enuff Z’Nuff.

• Tour Lineup: Who is hitting the stage alongside Chip for the upcoming November dates?

• The Cheap Trick Connection: What it’s like working with the iconic Rick Nielsen and the influence he’s had on Chip’s career.

• The Beatles Blueprint: How Chip’s lifelong obsession with the Fab Four has acted as the north star for his songwriting—past, present, and future.

Get ready for big riffs, big choruses, and plenty of stories from the road. Exactly how it should be.

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Don’t Miss an Episode!📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!#Hear2Zen #ChipZnuff #EnuffZNuff #PrettyBoyFloyd #RuPrettyEnuff #PowerPop #SunsetStrip #ClassicRock #AustralianTour2026 #NewMusic #PodcastLife #LiveMusicAustralia

Welcome back to Episode 287 of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast! In this episode, Mert and I are  joined by a true legend of the scene, Andy La Rocque. While many know him as the long-standing architectural force behind King Diamond’s guitar sound and his work on Death’s iconic Individual Thought Patterns, today we are diving deep into his explosive new project: Lex Legion.

Lex Legion is a heavy metal powerhouse that reunites four-fifths of the classic late-80s King Diamond lineup. Featuring Mikkey Dee on drums, Pete Blakk and Andy La Rocque on guitars, and Hal Patino on bass, the circle is completed by the soaring, jaw-dropping vocals of Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind). This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it’s a future-facing collective delivering world-class musicianship and relentless melody.

Andy sits down to give us the full rundown on the band's self-titled debut, set for release via MNRK Music Group in June 2026. We dig into the mechanics of the new record, starting with the origins of the Lex Legion name and the instant chemistry found in the lead single, "Sleep Eternally."

Key Discussion Points:

• The Origin Story: How the name Lex Legion came to represent this gathering of metal royalty.

• The Vocal Factor: Integrating Nils K. Rue into the mix and what his range brings to the classic lineup’s sound.

• The Creative Process: A look at how the band approached recording the debut album to balance classic influences with modern production.

• The Gear: Andy breaks down his specific guitar and rig choices used to capture the riffs on this record.

• Looking Ahead: Plans for potential touring in 2027 and the future of the band.

• The Curveball: If Lex Legion had to cover a pop song, which track would they choose to "metalize"?

Lex Legion's eponymous debut is a masterclass in tasteful, "less-is-more" arrangements paired with virtuoso execution. Join us for a deep dive into one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

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#Hear2Zen #AndyLaRocque #LexLegion #HeavyMetal #KingDiamond #NewMusic #PodcastLife #MetalHead #SleepEternally #GuitarLegend