Australian music legend Beeb Birtles joins Shayne Brian on Long Way to the Top for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most remarkable careers in Australian rock history.

From the colourful pop explosion of Zoot to the international success of Little River Band, Beeb reflects on six decades in music, songwriting, fame, faith, and the ever-changing music industry.

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Zoot, Beeb shares stories from the band's early days with Rick Springfield and Darryl Cotton, the origins of the band's iconic name, and the surprising connection to Doc Neeson. He also revisits the pre-Zoot era with Down the Line and their work as a backing band for John Farnham.

The conversation explores Beeb's role in Little River Band, including writing the band's debut single Curiosity Killed the Cat, helping create timeless hits like Everyday of My Life, Home on Monday and Happy Anniversary, and witnessing Australian music conquer the world stage.

Shayne and Beeb also discuss the rise of Yacht Rock, the pressures of fame, spirituality, Christian faith, and what continues to inspire creativity after more than sixty years in music.

Whether you're a fan of classic Australian rock, Little River Band, Zoot, or the golden era of 70s music, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode:

• The story behind changing his name from Gerard Bertelkamp to Beeb Birtles
• Celebrating 60 years of Zoot
• The origins of the name "Zoot" and its connection to Doc Neeson
• Working in Down the Line as a backing band for John Farnham
• Memories of Rick Springfield and Darryl Cotton
• The groundbreaking success of Zoot's Eleanor Rigby
• The formation and early days of Little River Band
• Writing Little River Band's first single Curiosity Killed the Cat
• The stories behind the classic LRB songs.
• Breaking into the American market and global success
• Little River Band's place in Yacht Rock history
• Creativity, songwriting and solo work
• Faith, spirituality and life beyond fame
• The future of Australian music and preserving its legacy

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#BeebBirtles #LittleRiverBand #Zoot #YachtRock #AustralianMusic #ClassicRock #RickSpringfield #JohnFarnham #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #MusicPodcast #AustralianRock #LRB #70sMusic #RockHistory #DocNeeson

Image © Jackson Moon Photography. Taken at the German Club as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, February 22, 2019.

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What was it like creating one of the most iconic guitar solos of the 1980s? How do you go from recording with Tears for Fears to performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people with Robbie Williams? And after a lifetime at the top of the music industry, what inspires the next chapter?

In this episode of Long Way to the Top, Shayne Brian sits down with legendary guitarist Neil Taylor for a fascinating deep dive into a career that has helped shape the soundtrack of multiple generations.

Best known for his unforgettable guitar work with Tears for Fears, including the iconic solo on Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Neil shares the stories behind the recording sessions that produced some of the biggest songs of the decade. He reflects on working alongside Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith during the making of the landmark album Songs from the Big Chair and discusses his contribution to the ambitious follow-up, The Seeds of Love.

Neil also takes us behind the scenes of his decade-long association with Robbie Williams, from recording sessions on hit albums to performing at the legendary Knebworth Concerts 2003 in front of record-breaking crowds.

We also explore Neil's exciting current project, Blue Water Giants, a band featuring an impressive lineup of musicians whose combined résumés include Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams, Procol Harum and Simnple Minds.

The conversation also dives into the band's brand-new single, Dangerously In Love, available now, and how creating new music with Blue Water Giants has given Neil another exciting creative outlet after decades of performing with some of the biggest names in music. The current lineup includes Neil Taylor, Josh Phillips and Mel Gaynor

Along the way, we discuss Neil's work and examine what it takes to become one of the most respected session and touring guitarists in the world.

If you love Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams, classic rock, 80s music, guitar history, music production, songwriting, live performance, Blue Water Giants and the stories behind the songs, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In This Episode:

• The story behind the Everybody Wants to Rule the World guitar solo
• Recording Songs from the Big Chair and The Seeds of Love
• Working with Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith
• Touring the world with Robbie Williams
• Performing at Knebworth
• Life as a professional session guitarist
• The formation of Blue Water Giants
• The new single Dangerously In Love
• The secrets of crafting memorable guitar parts
• Neil Taylor's reflections on a remarkable career

Blue Water Giants. Single "Dangerously In Love" out now

https://www.facebook.com/bluewatergiants https://open.spotify.com/album/6JwuGl6e9AtXZwVgKFaSLW?si=kDed8q0DT06E-0kPC_ckaQ 

Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians and industry legends who created — and continue to create — the soundtrack of our lives.

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#NeilTaylor #TearsForFears #EverybodyWantsToRuleTheWorld #RobbieWilliams #BlueWaterGiants #DangerouslyInLove #SongsFromTheBigChair #TheSeedsOfLove #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #ClassicRock #80sMusic #RockPodcast #MusicInterview #GuitarLegend #MelGaynor #JohnRhinoEdwards #JoshPhillips #MusicHistory #RockLegends

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Australian rock powerhouse Rose Carleo joins Shayne Brian on Long Way to the Top for a powerful, honest, and deeply personal conversation about her brand-new album 42 Days.

In this episode, Rose opens up about the emotional journey behind the record — a raw, blues-rock driven album born from real-life experiences, grief, resilience, and healing. Best known for her commanding vocals and standout appearance on The Voice Australia, Rose has built a respected career across the Australian music scene, blending classic pub rock, blues, and soulful storytelling into one unmistakable sound.

We dive into the stories behind key tracks including the title song “42 Days”, explore her songwriting partnership with Mick Adkins, and talk about how this album became a defining moment in her career. Plus, Rose shares what fans can expect from her upcoming live shows and how these songs translate on stage.

If you love Australian rock, blues rock, powerful female vocalists, and real stories behind the music, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎸 Listen to the album 42 Days and follow Rose Carleo Band here - https://www.rosecarleoband.com/

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Australian country rock star Casey Barnes joins Shayne Brian on Long Way to the Top for an in-depth conversation about his brand-new album Made For This, his powerful duet with Pete Murray called Time To Burn, and the incredible journey that has made him one of the biggest names in Australian country music.

In this exclusive interview, Casey opens up about the personal stories behind the new album, the themes of resilience, perseverance and vulnerability woven throughout the record, and how songs like Made For This, Rough Around The Edges and Still In The Fight reflect where he is in both life and career.

Shayne also dives into Casey’s rise from the Queensland pub circuit to national success, his chart-topping albums, Golden Guitar recognition, international touring, and becoming the voice behind the NRL on Nine anthem Made For This.

This episode also explores:

• The making of the new album Made For This
• Working with producers Michael Paynter, Michael DeLorenzis, Andy Skib and Mitch Thompson
• Casey’s first collaboration with Pete Murray
• The evolution of Australian country rock
• Songwriting, storytelling and balancing arena-ready anthems with emotional honesty
• Touring plans and what fans can expect next

If you love Australian country music, country rock, heartfelt songwriting and deep-dive artist interviews, this episode is for you.

To find out more about the upcoming album and tour or to purchase Casey's new merch, head to - https://www.caseybarnes.com.au/

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The queen of 80s pop is back — and this is one of the most revealing interviews Kim Wilde has done in years.

In this special episode of Long Way to the Top, Shayne Brian sits down with global pop icon Kim Wilde ahead of her 2026 Australian Closer Tour for an in-depth conversation about fame, reinvention, music, creativity, and surviving one of the most defining decades in pop culture history.

From the explosive success of Kids In America to massive worldwide hits like You Keep Me Hangin’ On, Cambodia, You Came, View From A Bridge, Chequered Love and If I Can’t Have You, Kim opens up about the songs that shaped a generation — and the moments behind them that fans rarely hear about.

Image used for the podcast tile courtesy of Expressions 1977
Check them out here - https://www.instagram.com/expressions1977/

This is not your typical rock interview.

Shayne dives deep into:

• The real story behind Kids In America
• Growing up in a famous musical family
• The pressures of being one of the biggest female stars of the 1980s
• The darker emotional themes hidden inside her music
• Why Cambodia still resonates decades later
• Stepping away from fame and reinventing herself
• Winning a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show
• The changing music industry
• Legacy, identity, creativity and longevity

Plus Kim reflects on:

• Touring Australia through the decades
• What it feels like performing these songs today
• The enduring power of 80s music culture
• And the surprising song she never gets tired of singing live

And of course… Shayne finishes the interview with his legendary Fast Five Questions.

If you love:

• Classic rock podcasts
• 80s pop culture
• New wave music
• Deep dive artist interviews
• Stories behind iconic songs
• Music documentaries and nostalgia
  then this episode is essential listening.

🎟️ KIM WILDE – CLOSER TOUR 2026 AUSTRALIA

• Wednesday 18 November – Perth – Astor Theatre
• Friday 20 November – Brisbane – The Tivoli
• Saturday 21 November – Melbourne – Palais Theatre
• Sunday 22 November – Geelong – Costa Hall
• Tuesday 24 November – Adelaide – The Gov
• Friday 27 November – Newcastle – Civic Theatre
• Saturday 28 November – Sydney – Enmore Theatre
• Sunday 29 November – Canberra – Canberra Theatre

Tickets and tour information:
David Roy Williams Tours
Metropolis Touring

🎧 Listen now to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.

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In this episode of Long Way to the Top, host Shayne Brian sits down with legendary New Zealand singer-songwriter Tim Finn for a deep dive into one of the most influential careers in Australasian rock history.

From the art-school origins and global breakthrough of Split Enz, to his pivotal role in Crowded House, and a celebrated solo career including the iconic Escapade album, Tim Finn shares the stories behind the songs that defined generations.

With the highly anticipated Split Enz reunion tour and his upcoming A Finn Night Out shows, this interview explores the full spectrum of Finn’s journey — including his early creative influences, the pressures of success, the dynamics of working with brother Neil Finn, and the evolution of his songwriting across decades.

Expect rare insights into classic tracks like I Hope I Never, Fraction Too Much Friction, and Dirty Creature, along with candid reflections on artistic risk, reinvention, and the legacy of one of the region’s most enduring musical figures.

Long Way to the Top is known for uncovering the real stories behind the music — the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the defining moments that shape legendary careers.

🎙️ If you’re a fan of classic rock, Australian and New Zealand music history, or long-form artist interviews, this is essential listening.

To see Tim Finn on his Finn Night Out Tour

Saturday, July 4th
Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul NSW

Saturday, August 29th
Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW

Get tickets here - https://www.empiretouring.com.au/

And for Split Enz In Concert visit - 

https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=UMBFIJUD26

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What happens when legendary musicians from Procol Harum, Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams and Simple Minds come together to form a brand new band?

Welcome to Blue Water Giants — a true rock supergroup made up of some of the most respected players in music.

In this exclusive episode of Long Way to the Top, Shayne Brian sits down with:

• Josh Phillips (Procol Harum)
• Neil Taylor (Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams)
• Mel Gaynor (Simple Minds, Robert Palmer)

Together, they’ve performed with icons like Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and The Who — and now they’re creating brand new music as Blue Water Giants.

🎧 Presave their brand new single Dangerously In Love dropping at the end of April here:
👉 https://slinky.to/DangerouslyInLove

This conversation also comes via a special connection through Ian Grant and the Think Loud for Parkinson’s Project, shining a light on both the music and the mission behind the scenes.

🎤 In this interview, we dive into:

• The formation of Blue Water Giants
• Their brand new songs and musical direction
• Behind-the-scenes stories from their legendary careers
• Life inside bands like Procol Harum and Simple Minds
• Touring with global superstars like Robbie Williams and Robert Palmer
• The difference between session work and being in a band
• What it takes to stay relevant in rock music today

Plus — Shayne’s Quick Fire Round brings out some unexpected (and hilarious) moments from the band.

This is not just another interview — this is a deep dive into the musicians behind the music, their legacy, and what happens when decades of experience collide to create something new.

If you love classic rock, rock supergroups, music history, and behind-the-scenes artist stories, this is a must-watch.

Follow Blue Water Giants on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluewatergiants/

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 #BlueWaterGiants #DangerouslyInLove #ClassicRock #LongWayToTheTop #RockInterview #MusicPodcast #ProcolHarum #SimpleMinds #TearsForFears #RobertPalmer #RockLegends #ThinkLoudForParkinsons

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INXS sold over 75 million records worldwide, boasting an impressive catalogue of hits that include ten Australian Top 10 singles and seven US Top 10 singles. The band’s accolades include three Grammy nominations, a BRIT Award for Best International Group, five MTV Music Awards, and seven ARIA Awards, with induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. This year INXS is nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

But behind the stadium tours, the global hits, and the unmistakable sound was a songwriter..a composer...a producer...a musical architect.

Today, we’re stepping beyond the arena lights and into the next chapter. A chapter of country music, Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry plus a new single called Mending Fences

This is Andrew Farriss – Beyond INXS.

To buy/listen to Andrew Farriss's new single visit https://andrewfarriss.com/music/

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As the frontman of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, Lloyd burst onto the scene in the mid-80s with a sound that blended jangly guitar pop with deeply intelligent, often cinematic lyricism. Songs like Rattlesnakes, Perfect Skin, and Lost Weekend didn’t just stand out on radio… they painted pictures. They made you lean in. They made you think.

But Lloyd Cole was never interested in standing still.

From Glasgow to New York, from band life to a fiercely independent solo career, he’s continued to evolve, releasing music on his own terms, exploring everything from stripped-back acoustic records to more experimental, electronic textures.

Now, he’s heading back to Australia, bringing that incredible catalogue with him, along with the stories, the perspective, and the songs that have stood the test of time.

Enjoy Long Way to the Top with Lloyd Cole. 

For all the concert details visit - https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/lloydcole

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Welcome to Season 4 of Long Way to the Top, the podcast where we dive deep into the stories behind rock’s biggest names, their defining moments, and the road that brought them here.

I’m kicking off this year with a bang. Maybe a little later than planned, but with some incredible guests on the way. Andrew Farriss, Tim Finn, members of Spandau Ballet, and we’ll also be revisiting some interviews from the vault that either never made it into Season 3 or are simply too good not to hear again.

I wanted to start Season 4 with an interview that is very relevant today given the sad news of the passing of Phil Campbell, a guitarist whose riffs and firepower helped define one of the loudest and most influential bands in heavy music.

For more than 30 years, Phil Campbell stood shoulder to shoulder with Lemmy in Motörhead, helping shape the band’s unmistakable sound on albums like Orgasmatron, Bastards and Inferno. Together they toured the globe relentlessly, building one of the most powerful legacies in rock until Lemmy’s passing in 2015 brought that incredible chapter to a close.

But Phil didn’t hang up the guitar.

Instead, he carried that same raw spirit into a new chapter with Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, a band that just happens to feature his own sons alongside him on stage.

Enjoy this chat with Phil Campbell from Motörhead.

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