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 recalls the transformation of Mississippi into Little River Band, the arrival of Glenn Shorrock, the vision of legendary manager Glenn Wheatley and the chance roadside moment that inspired the band's iconic name.

The conversation explores LRB's groundbreaking assault on America, where they became the first Australian band to achieve sustained commercial success across the US.

Derek explains how the band built its audience one city at a time long before MTV existed, touring relentlessly and opening for some of the biggest names in rock including Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Heart, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Miller Band and The Doobie Brothers.

Those years of constant travel, endless overnight bus rides and unforgettable performances eventually led to thirteen US Top 40 hits and established Little River Band as Australia's biggest musical export of the era.

Derek also offers remarkable behind-the-scenes stories about the making of some of the band's best-loved songs, including Reminiscing, Cool Change, Lonesome Loser and It's A Long Way There.

One of the highlights of this episode is Derek's vivid recollection of working with legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

For a musician whose career began because of The Beatles, collaborating with Martin was a full-circle moment. Derek explains the invaluable lessons Martin taught the band about simplicity, arrangement, discipline and always serving the song before serving the musician.

The conversation then turns to Derek's life after Little River Band. Moving to Los Angeles opened the door to songwriting, and he reflects honestly on why he wishes he had begun writing much earlier in his career.

His lifelong love of literature eventually found its way into his lyrics, leading to a new creative chapter that has become every bit as fulfilling as performing on stage.

Today Derek is once again breaking new ground with his album Welcome to the Human Race. He speaks openly about using artificial intelligence as part of his songwriting and production process, why he believes creativity still belongs to the artist rather than the technology, and why audiences should judge music by what they hear rather than how it was created.

His thoughtful perspective on AI provides one of the most fascinating discussions you'll hear about where music may be heading in the years ahead.

Derek also reflects on friendship, success, the realities of life on the road, the tensions that inevitably arise inside successful bands, and why he has no desire to chase the past through endless reunion tours.

Whether you've loved Little River Band since the '70s or you're discovering their music for the very first time, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear one of Australia's most respected musicians tell his story with warmth, humour and remarkable honesty.

It's an inspiring conversation about following your passion embracing change and proving that creativity never has an expiry date.

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 later enjoy success with other iconic bands, including Foghat. He also talks about songwriting, life on the road, recording classic albums such as Blue Matter, Looking In, Street Corner Talking and Hellbound Train, and why authenticity has always mattered more than commercial success.

More than a history lesson, this is an intimate conversation with two of the true pioneers of British blues. Pat and Garnett reflect on the highs and challenges of an extraordinary career, the friendships forged through music, and the enduring appeal of the blues in an ever-changing musical landscape.

Whether you've followed Savoy Brown since the '60s or are discovering the band for the very first time, this episode offers a fascinating insight into one of the most influential yet often underappreciated groups in blues rock history.

If you enjoy interviews with classic rock legends, blues musicians and the artists behind the soundtrack of our lives, be sure to subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air with Sandy Kaye for more exclusive conversations with the musicians who changed popular music forever.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The formation of Savoy Brown in London in 1965
• Kim Simmonds' early musical influences
• The British blues boom and its lasting impact
• Touring America and building an international audience
• Classic Savoy Brown albums and defining songs
• The musicians who passed through Savoy Brown, including future members of Foghat
• Why the blues continues to inspire audiences worldwide
• Songwriting, recording and life on the road
• Kim Simmonds' lasting legacy in blues and classic rock

Follow A Breath of Fresh Air for more interviews with music legends from the worlds of classic rock, blues, folk, pop and beyond.

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 rule book.

He recalls how The Damned came together, the excitement surrounding the band's earliest rehearsals, and the extraordinary feeling of being part of something completely new.

He shares his memories of recording "New Rose," now recognised as the first British punk single, and explains how the band quickly established itself as one of the most exciting live acts of the era.

The conversation explores what life was really like inside the early punk scene, separating myth from reality while revealing the friendships, rivalries and creative energy that fuelled one of the most important musical revolutions of the twentieth century.

Rat reflects on performing alongside many of the biggest names in punk, the unpredictable nature of those early tours and the unique chemistry that helped make The Damned one of the genre's most enduring bands.

Throughout the interview, Rat discusses his distinctive drumming style, his approach to performance and why humour has always played such an important role in both his personality and his career.

He also reflects on the many changes The Damned have experienced over nearly five decades, including line-up changes, reunions and the band's remarkable ability to remain relevant while continuing to attract new generations of fans.

The conversation also ventures beyond music as Rat talks about his lifelong curiosity, his fascination with history and the paranormal, and the many unusual adventures that have occupied him away from the stage.

It's a revealing look at a musician whose interests extend far beyond rock and roll and whose inquisitive mind has led him down some remarkable paths.

Whether you've followed The Damned since the very beginning or you're discovering them for the first time, this episode offers an intimate portrait of one of punk's true pioneers.

Rat Scabies proves to be thoughtful, witty, refreshingly self-aware and full of stories that capture both the chaos and creativity of an era that transformed popular music forever.

If you enjoy hearing the real stories behind legendary artists, be sure to follow A Breath of Fresh Air so you never miss an episode. You'll find in-depth conversations with many of the musicians who created the soundtrack of our lives, sharing the memories, challenges and triumphs that shaped music history.

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 extraordinary stories from sessions with The Jackson 5, Motown, Boz Scaggs, Neil Diamond, The Carpenters, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and dozens more, explaining how many classic recordings were built before the artists even stepped into the studio. You'll hear what made the Motown rhythm section so unique, why Michael Jackson immediately stood out as an 11-year-old vocalist and how session musicians created some of the most recognisable guitar parts in music history.

Louie also reflects on working with Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter, Tiny Tim and countless stars whose careers he watched unfold, while offering thoughtful observations on fame, celebrity and why so many legendary artists struggled with the pressures that accompanied enormous success.

The conversation also explores Louie's transition from session guitarist to acclaimed producer, producing Seals & Crofts' Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl, launching England Dan & John Ford Coley, and producing Art Garfunkel's platinum-selling Fate For Breakfast.

Finally, Louie reflects on why he believes the music of the '60s and 70s continues to resonate with audiences around the world and explains why, despite an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades, he still picks up the guitar every day.

This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the true architects of popular music—a man whose guitar playing became part of the soundtrack of generations.

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 during rock's golden era.

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Glenn takes us on a journey from his earliest musical influences through the highs and lows of an extraordinary career, sharing candid stories from Deep Purple, his personal battles, creative rebirth, and his ongoing passion for performing.

As he prepares to return to Australia with Kings of Chaos aboard the Rock The Boat cruise, Glenn reflects on a lifetime in music and the legacy he continues to build.

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 David Foster and Boz Scaggs, and the remarkable chain of events that led to the formation of Toto.

He tells the real story behind the band's unusual name, explains why success arrived almost immediately, and reveals the collaborative spirit that made Toto one of the most accomplished bands of its era.

Steve also takes listeners behind two of the biggest songs of the 1980s. He explains the inspiration behind Rosanna, discusses why Africa was almost left off Toto IV, and recalls watching those songs become worldwide hits despite the band's own doubts about their commercial appeal.

Perhaps the most remarkable story concerns the song, Human Nature. Steve explains how Quincy Jones accidentally discovered his unfinished demo while searching for songs for Michael Jackson's Thriller. What followed became one of the most celebrated songs in pop music history.

Along the way, Steve reflects on working with Quincy Jones, David Foster, Earth, Wind & Fire, Hall & Oates, Chicago and countless other artists, before discussing his transition into film and television composing, his departure from Toto, and his later return to honour brother Mike during his battle with ALS.

The episode concludes with Steve's thoughts on today's music industry, the decline of school bands, the future of musicianship, and why songwriting continues to inspire him more than ever.

Fans should also know about Steve's latest chapter. His long-awaited second solo album, The Very Day, brings together songs developed over many years, including collaborations with Michael McDonald and Jason Scheff, proving that one of rock's most gifted musical architects is still creating compelling new music.

I hope you love this chat as I did.

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.

John reflects on watching generations of fans embrace the tradition, creating one of the most unique and enduring moments in rock and roll.

John also opens up about life on the road, the band's remarkable longevity, and how The Angels have managed to remain relevant while many of their contemporaries have faded away.

He explains why the band's songs continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and why performing live remains just as exciting today as it was in the 1970s.

The conversation turns to the future of The Angels, with John sharing the pride he feels in welcoming his sons into the band.

Together they discuss the passing of the torch to a new generation, preserving the band's unmistakable sound while bringing fresh energy to one of Australia's most respected rock acts.

Filled with great stories, behind-the-scenes insights and reflections on a career that has shaped Australian rock music, this episode is a celebration of resilience, family, unforgettable songs and the enduring connection between artists and their audiences.

Whether you're a lifelong Angels fan or simply love hearing the stories behind classic music, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air for more intimate conversations with the legendary artists who created the soundtrack of our lives.

New episodes feature candid interviews with the musicians behind the songs, revealing the stories you've never heard and the memories that continue to inspire generations of music lovers.

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 recalls the moment when Brandy unexpectedly caught fire at a Washington DC radio station and how that single moment changed the band's fortunes forever.

Although many people regard Looking Glass as a one-hit wonder, Elliot discusses the band's later successes, including Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne, and reflects honestly on the challenges of trying to follow a massive hit. He speaks candidly about the disappointment of his solo career and the uncertainty he faced during the late 1970s.

Listeners will also discover Elliot's remarkable second career in Hollywood as a music supervisor, where he worked on major films and television productions including Alien 3, A Night at the Roxbury and Riding in Cars with Boys.

He explains the vital role music supervisors play in matching songs to film and television and how the business changed dramatically over the years.

Now performing selectively, Elliot still enjoys the thrill of hearing audiences sing every word of Brandy more than five decades after its release. His reflections on creativity, success, reinvention and ageing offer warmth, humour and genuine wisdom.

This is a wonderful conversation about one of the great songs of the '70s, the pressures of success, the importance of perseverance and the extraordinary staying power of music that connects across generations.

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 cruise.

Featuring an ever-changing lineup of legendary musicians from bands including ZZ Top, Deep Purple and Cheap Trick, Kings of Chaos has become Matt’s ultimate passion project — a celebration of classic rock played by the artists who helped create it.

Along the way, Matt speaks candidly about addiction, sobriety, family life, surviving the excesses of fame and why collaboration — not ego — is the true key to success in music and life.

This is a warm, revealing and entertaining conversation with one of rock’s great survivors — a drummer whose career has helped soundtrack generations of rock fans around the world.

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 "Spinning Wheel," "You've Made Me So Very Happy," and "And When I Die," as well as the Grammy-winning album that made the band international stars.

Listeners will also hear fascinating stories about performing at Monterey Pop Festival, the realities of Woodstock, sharing food backstage with Jimi Hendrix, meeting Otis Redding, and navigating the political pressures that resulted in Blood, Sweat & Tears undertaking a controversial State Department tour of Eastern Europe during the Nixon era.

Steve also opens up about leaving Blood, Sweat & Tears, producing Lou Reed, working with Beatles producer George Martin, his years in the record business, discovering new artists, passing on U2, and why he remains grateful for every twist and turn in his extraordinary career.

The episode also highlights Steve's memoir, Blood, Sweat and My Rock 'n' Roll Years, and his continuing work as a musician and creative artist.

A fascinating listen for music fans of all generations.

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 music industry’s best-kept secrets. He explains why he never wanted to tour with Edison Lighthouse, how he negotiated royalties that still pay today, and why he believes TikTok has helped introduce Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) to a whole new generation of listeners.

Tony also opens up about:

Recording the smash hit Gimme Dat Ding in just two takes

Why United We Stand still resonates so strongly today

Touring with The Beatles during the height of Beatlemania

Singing backing vocals for Elton John, Rod Stewart and Cliff Richard

His contribution to Elton’s iconic Tiny Dancer

The bizarre moment the BBC reportedly banned him from appearing on television

The real story behind Edison Lighthouse and the many studio “bands” of the era

Why he became more famous in America than in his native UK

There are wonderful behind-the-scenes stories throughout this interview, including Tony’s memories of working nonstop in London recording studios, travelling anonymously on the Tube while his songs dominated radio stations worldwide, and the surreal experience of hearing modern audiences rediscover his music decades later through social media.

Despite being connected to an extraordinary catalogue of timeless hits, Tony remains remarkably humble and funny throughout the conversation, reflecting on a career that helped shape the sound of classic pop music.

If you love '60s and '70s music, studio session stories, classic pop craftsmanship and discovering the hidden figures behind famous songs, this episode is an absolute treat.

Listen now to hear the remarkable untold story of the voice behind some of the biggest hits of a generation.