From the shadows of Manchester’s post-punk explosion to the neon pulse of the world’s dance floors, few musicians have shaped modern music the way Peter Hook has. As the founding bassist of Joy Division, Hook’s distinctive melodic basslines defined a generation, carrying the raw power of songs like ‘Disorder’ and ‘Transmission’ into the history books. When tragedy struck with the loss of Ian Curtis, Hook and his bandmates reinvented themselves as New Order — pioneering a sound that fused rock and electronic music, giving us anthems like ‘Blue Monday,’ ‘Bizarre Love Triangle,’ and ‘True Faith.’ Now, with his band The Light, Peter Hook is keeping that history alive — and adding new chapters. July 2026, he returns to Australia and New Zealand, performing New Order’s Get Ready in full for its 25th anniversary, alongside the timeless catalogues of Joy Division and New Order. On Long Way to the Top, we dive deep into the music, the legacy, the battles, and the brilliance of one of rock’s most enduring figures: Peter Hook. Find out more about the band - https://peterhookandthelight.live/ and tour information - https://metropolistouring.com/peter-hook-and-the-light-2026/ Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the psychedelic poetry of ‘The Real Thing’ to the blues-soaked grit of ‘Sharkmouth,’ Russell Morris has lived every verse of the Australian rock story. Across six decades, he’s reinvented himself again and again—never chasing trends, always chasing truth. As he prepares to take his final bow on tour, we sit down with a man who didn’t just witness the rise of Aussie rock—he helped write the opening chapters. This is Russell Morris. Catch Russell Morris with The Fabulous Caprettos - https://www.fabulouscaprettos.com.au/events_1 And also on his final ever solo tour - The Farewell Tour - https://russellmorris.com.au/tour/ Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They’re not just a band — they’re a revolving door of rock royalty. With members who’ve shared stages with Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Dio, Mötley Crüe, and INXS, The Dead Daisies have become something bigger than a supergroup. They’re a living, breathing celebration of loud guitars, road-worn truth, and the raw power of rock 'n' roll. On this episode of Long Way to the Top, we go deep with frontman John Corabi as we unpack the band’s latest album, Lookin’ for Trouble — a swaggering, blues-soaked record that hits like a shot of Jack straight from the bottle. It’s a sound that blends classic Southern soul with no-bullshit hard rock, recorded with the urgency and edge of a band that knows exactly who they are. We explore the creative process behind the album, the deep influence of classic blues and the spirit of FAME Records, and how the band managed to bottle live energy into every track. From growling riffs to soul-drenched vocals, this is the Daisies at their most raw, most refined, and most real. Corabi opens up about the chemistry in the studio, the stories behind the songs, and why Lookin’ for Trouble may just be the defining moment in the Daisies' journey. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering their sound, this episode is your all-access pass to the heart of one of the hardest-working rock bands on the planet. This is Long Way to the Top — and this is The Dead Daisies in full flight. Buy the vinyl and Crank it Loud - https://thedeaddaisies.com/lookin-for-trouble-album/ Find out about the Europe & UK tour here - https://thedeaddaisies.com/shows/ Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you grew up in the 70’s and 80’s you would have heard at least one of the records that my guest produced. With a string of huge artists like U2, Rolling Stones, Simple Minds, Talking Heads, Ultravox, Peter Gabriel, Steve Lillywhite has been responsible for over 500 records during his career. He has been awarded 6 grammy awards, including U2’s Beautiful Day & Walk On, and the U2 album How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb. In 2012, he was made a CBE for his contribution to music.As a fan of his work, this guy was on my bucket list for a chat, Producer Steve Lillywhite. Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Check out the new release "Think Loud 4 Parkinson's". Support the project by clicking here:https://www.kindredspiritmusic.org/product-page/think-loud-4-parkinson-s Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My guest on today's show was described to me by Kate Ceberano as the God of Australian music. Apart from The Church, he's been in too many alt music bands to count, worked with countless artists here and abroad and with The Church has recorded over 26 full length albums and they're about to embark on a singles tour around Australia. Today's guest is lead singer & bass guitarist of The Church, Steve Kilby. Find out all about their upcoming tour here - https://metropolistouring.com/the-church-the-singles-tour-2025 Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Excited to have spoken with my next guest, Alan Edwards, the godfather of British music PR. Alan has worked with some of the most legendary artists of our time, from David Bowie to the Spice Girls via the Rolling Stones, the Stranglers, Blondie, Prince and Amy Winehouse. His book "I Was There" is a snapshot of his life in the fast paced rock world with stories like working with Keith Moon, heading to the US to work with Blondie, football with Bob Marley, listening to Prince discuss the future of civilisation or getting himself into the middle of a power struggle between Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. And now he joins us on the release of Think Loud for Parkinsons and his work with the man behind it Ian Grant. The Rock Gods Right Hand Man...Alan Edwards I also spoke with Alan just days after the death of Blondie drummer, Clem Burke so it was front and centre at the start of our discussion. Enjoy! Check out the new release "Think Loud 4 Parkinson's". Support the project by clicking here:https://www.kindredspiritmusic.org/product-page/think-loud-4-parkinson-s Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My next guest was a founding member of 80’s rock band Killing Joke, influencing bands like Metallica, Nirvana, Soundgarden. A self taught super producer, Youth started a label was responsible for artists like Take That, Wet Wet Wet, Tom Jones and Maria McKee. He has produced, worked and remixed Kate Bush, The Verve, Guns n Roses, Pink Floyd, U2, INXS and he even managed to get Crowded House to record naked. Oh and did I mention he is a member of the Fireman with Paul McCartney? Martin Glover, known to the world as Youth joins us on Long Way to the Top Check out the new release for Youth's band Killing Joke on "Think Loud 4 Parkinson's" new album. Support the project by clicking here:https://www.kindredspiritmusic.org/product-page/think-loud-4-parkinson-s Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My next guest is an English cricket commentator, former English Test Cricketer from 1992 until his retirement in 2009. He made his Test debut in 1997 in the Ashes series against Australia, Captained England once, known as the Runaway leader then in traded it all in for a music career. Mark Butcher has performed with former Stranglers front man Hugh Cornwell and performed on TV with Sarah Brightman. And now he has had his music recorded as part of the new release Think Loud 4 Parkinsons. Mark Butcher joins us on Long Way to the Top. For Mark's music visit: https://www.markbutchermusic.com/ Take a listen and support the Think Loud project by purchasing the album here - https://www.musicglue.com/kindred-spirit/products/think-loud-4-parkinsons-x2-12-vinyl-plus-cd Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With a discography described as floorless, 12 studio albums, 12 compilations, four EPs, and 43 singles while accumulating 25 top 75 singles, two Kerrang! Awards beating Muse and Stereophonics and over 5 million sales worldwide, welsh band Feeder are heading down under for the first time in 14 years to give fans a taste of what made them love feeder all those years ago. With songs like ‘Buck Rogers’, ‘Feeling a Moment’, ‘Just a Day’, ‘Just the Way I’m Feeling’, The Feeder juggernaught is on the way and Grant Nicholas joins us to chat about their long way to the top.FEEDER April 2025 Australian Tour DatesSaturday 5th April - PERTH, The RosemountSunday 6th April - ADELAIDE, Lion Arts FactoryWednesday 9th April - MELBOURNE, 170 RussellThursday 10th April - SYDNEY, Manning BarFriday 11th April - BRISBANE, The TriffidGet your tickets from https://thephoenix.au Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2023 a group was formed called Kindred Spirit, releasing a song called Think Loud to raise funds for Cure Parkinsons. The project was spearheaded by UK Manager, Ian Grant (Big Country, The Stranglers), who has been a long term Parkinson's Disease sufferer. Fast forward 18 months and the project has now released an album with a who's who of the UK music industry. I caught up with Ian Grant, the producer of the album - Paul Mitchell, and the legendary Leo Sayer who features prominently on the album alongside many artists he counts as friends, all donating their time to make this album a true collectors item.A huge thank you to all the artists involved for getting behind this incredible project and bringing awareness to Parkinson's Disease.Take a listen and support the Think Loud project by purchasing the album here - https://www.musicglue.com/kindred-spirit/products/think-loud-4-parkinsons-x2-12-vinyl-plus-cd Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are kicking off the new season of Long Way to the Top with a very cool band. The most famous band you have never heard of. They were featured in a documentary called Yacht Rock prior to Christmas and now they are heading to Australia. If you love Toto, Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oats, Kenny Loggins or Christopher Cross then you will love Yächtley Crëw. I chat with the Captain of the Crew, Philly Ocean (that is not a misprint) about his tour, their origins and all things Yacht Rock. For information about their tour visit: https://www.yachtleycrew.com/ and to buy tickets to the Australian Tour visit: https://totaltouring.com.au/yachtley-crew-2025/ Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Next year marks a milestone for this week's guest. 60 years in the Oz Music scene both in front of the mic and behind. In fact it is safe to say he has written or produced hits in pretty much every decade. Starting off with his own smash hits with Daddy Cool, producing records for Skyhooks & Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, he had massive success in the 80’s with Mondo Rock and of course his solo career. There is no other name that could be behind all of that, 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected and well-known artists! Ross Wilson joins Long Way to the Top for an epic journey through Oz Music in the 70's and 80's. Visit Ross Wilson's website for all the details of his upcoming tour: https://www.rosswilson.com.au/ And check out Ross Wilson's daughter, Athina Uh oh and her band Gut Health:https://www.instagram.com/gut___health Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment. https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is safe to say this episode's guest was arguably the voice of the New Romantic movement. It has been over forty years since Tony Hadley first released music with his former band, Spandau Ballet. Tony earned himself the accolade of being one of pop’s greatest vocalists. From the international number one True, to the unofficial London Olympics theme, Gold...and a successful solo career, Tony is now heading to Australia to perform with both friends and also a solo tour. Enjoy this chat with Tony Hadley. To purchase tickets for Tony's solo shows visit:https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/tonyhadley Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment. https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Dead Daisies are back with a new album and channelling AC/DC with their new song ‘I’m Gonna Ride’. After a bunch of fairly decent albums (let's face it you can’t go wrong with The Dead Daisies), John Corabi, has stepped back in after a hiatus, plugged in the mic, cranked it to 11 and given The Dead Daisies a new lease of life. Check out the new album "Light 'Em Up" and tour dates here - https://thedeaddaisies.com/ Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment. https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My guest on the show today is Aussie rock guitarist Ronnie Simmons who has had an incredible career, working with Richie Ramone from The Ramones, Faster Pussycat and is currently touring with Rose Tattoo. Ronnie also has a new band, The Redback Spiders and a brand new single. The Redback Spiders are influenced by classic punk and Australian pub rock with a tinge of ska. When playing live Ronnie is joined by bandmates Hayden McGoogan and Sean Anderson on guitar, Tommy Hills on bass and Chip Scanu on drums. Post two live performances in Sydney they were immediately signed to Suburban Records based in the Netherlands. Check out the new single "Alone With You" and tour dates here - https://www.ronniesimmonsandtheredbackspiders.com/ Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment. https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you were alive and listening to music in the 90’s then chances are you would have remembered my next guest because they were a stable on commercial radio. They graced our shores in 1992 just prior to the release of their 1993 sophomore album "God Shuffled His Feet" and now Canadian Band "Crash Test Dummies" are back for the 30th Anniversary World Tour, lead singer and guitarist Brad Roberts joins me on the show. Find out more about the tour and purchase tickets here - https://www.crashtestdummies.com/ I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment. https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A few months ago I had the opportunity to chat with Nashville-based shock rocker Chuck Garric ( bass player for the original shock rocker Alice Cooper) and Alice Cooper’s daughter Calico Cooper, together they form Beasto Blanco, a raw powerful rock & roll band with a searing, theatrical live experience. This week, to celebrate the release of their new album I chat once again with Chuck and Calico. You can purchase Kinetica by Beasto Blanco here - https://beastoblanco.bandcamp.com/album/kinetica I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment. https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's guest, Kate Ceberano is revered as one of the finest female vocalists on the music scene today both within Australia and internationally. Kate was the first Australian woman to be inducted into the Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) Hall of Fame, she’s traversed the jazz and pop scenes, worked as an artistic director, penned an acclaimed autobiography and sold in excess of 1.5million albums alone. Kate is now embarking on a tour with Jon Stevens, 32 years after the unrivalled success of the 1992 Australian production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. The original cast members are together again sharing the stage for a night of spine-tingling hits from the smash hit musical that made them household names. For more about Kate Ceberano's work and to find tickets for the upcoming tour - https://www.kateceberano.com/ Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the early 70’s the UK delivered a style of rock that included glitter, platform shoes, make up and outlandish clothing. It was Glam Rock - T-Rex and Bowie embraced it and before long it was literally on the Top of the Pops. One band was at the forefront, originally known as Sweet Shop, The Sweet and then just Sweet. Brian, Steve, Mick and Andy were the classic line-up. Sadly with the passing of Brian, Steve, and Mick, Andy Scott is left holding the torch, and now Sweet are heading down under for their farewell tour, playing their greatest hits. The brand new album by Sweet "Full Circle" is out soon. Check out their new single Burning Like a Falling Star here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0PF6iCf6jI SWEET The Farewell Tour: Greatest Hits Dates November 2024 Friday 8th MELBOURNE, Palms At CrownSunday 10th AIRLIE BEACH Music FestivalWednesday 13th TWEED HEADS, Twin TownsThursday 14th TOOWOOMBA, The Empire TheatreSaturday 16th BRISBANE, Princess TheatreMonday 18th ADELAIDE, The GovThursday 21st SYDNEY, Factory TheatreFriday 22nd PENRITH, Penrith PanthersSaturday 23rd THIRROUL, Anitas Theatre Tickets are available from: https://metropolistouring.com/sweet-2024/ Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My guest today on the show could be called the song writer of our generation, certainly one of Australia’s biggest songwriting exports, having penned some of the most iconic tunes with his internationally successful band INXS. For the last ten years Andrew Farris has been carving out his very successful solo career in the country scene and with a new single called Something Stronger out now and an album due out in 2025 called The Prospector. Andrew Farriss joins us on Long Way to the Top. Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.