There are artists whose music instantly takes us back to another place and time, and Lobo is undoubtedly one of them.

His gentle voice and heartfelt songwriting produced some of the defining songs of the 1970s, including Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, I'd Love You to Want Me, Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend and How Can I Tell Her.

While millions fell in love with those timeless recordings, very few people ever got to know the man behind them.

In this revealing conversation, Kent LaVoie—better known to the world as Lobo—shares the extraordinary story behind a career that has spanned more than five decades.

Surprisingly, fame was never his ambition. He explains why he chose to hide behind the name "Lobo," how he deliberately avoided the celebrity lifestyle, and why he was happiest returning home to an ordinary life after stepping off stage.

Lobo recalls the chance moment that inspired Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, revealing how a glance into his backyard at his beloved German Shepherd unexpectedly created one of the biggest hits of the decade. He also opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind I'd Love You to Want Me, a song that became an international phenomenon and spent thirteen weeks at number one in Germany while touching listeners across the globe.

The conversation explores his early years playing bars around Florida, the producer who convinced him he should concentrate on songwriting rather than performing, and the remarkable success that followed when he trusted his instincts. He reflects on touring with Three Dog Night, the highs and lows of life on the road, and why one disastrous concert taught him he was never completely comfortable with the demands of stardom.

Lobo also shares fascinating stories from his incredible popularity throughout Asia, where audiences embraced his music in ways he never imagined. From emotional performances in Vietnam to discovering that many fans had learned English by singing his songs around campfires, his memories reveal just how deeply his music connected with generations of listeners around the world.

Perhaps most revealing is Lobo's philosophy on success. Because he wrote his own songs, he was able to step away from the pressures of the music business and build a quiet, fulfilling life centred on family rather than fame. His honesty about money, songwriting royalties, marriage and happiness offers a refreshing perspective that is rarely heard from artists of his generation.

Today, Lobo continues to celebrate his remarkable catalogue while introducing his classic recordings to new audiences through digital platforms, proving that great songs never really grow old.

If you've ever found yourself humming Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, I'd Love You to Want Me or Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend, this is the story behind the music—and the remarkably humble man who created it.

This episode of A Breath of Fresh Air is a warm, funny and deeply honest conversation with one of the finest singer-songwriters of the 1970s, revealing that sometimes the greatest success comes not from chasing fame, but from quietly living life on your own terms.

Cheap Trick have been one of rock's most distinctive and enduring bands for more than five decades, creating timeless classics including I Want You To Want Me, Surrender, Dream Police and Ain't That a Shame.

But behind the arena anthems lies a story filled with determination, disappointment, innovation and more than a few extraordinary twists of fate.

In this fascinating episode, founding bassist Tom Petersson takes Sandy back to where it all began in Rockford, Illinois, explaining how the arrival of The Beatles and the British Invasion inspired a generation of teenagers to pick up instruments and dream of something bigger. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a lifelong career, although success proved far more elusive than anyone expected.

Tom reveals how Cheap Trick emerged from a succession of earlier bands including Fuse and Sick Man of Europe, sharing the excitement of landing an early record deal before watching it disappear almost as quickly. Rather than giving up, the band returned to the clubs, determined to create music on their own terms instead of chasing radio trends or record company expectations.

One of the highlights of this conversation is the remarkable story behind Tom's invention of the revolutionary 12-string bass guitar.

Frustrated by the limitations of a traditional bass, he worked with Hamer Guitars to create an entirely new instrument capable of producing the huge orchestral sound that would become a defining feature of Cheap Trick's recordings.

Nearly fifty years later, it remains one of rock music's most recognisable and influential innovations.

Tom also shares the surprising origins of the band's name, explains why they deliberately refused to become another Top 40 cover band, and recalls opening for legendary acts including Kiss and Queen while slowly building a fiercely loyal following.

Along the way, he recounts memorable encounters with Frank Zappa, David Bowie and George Martin, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes during one of rock's most creative eras.

Perhaps the most astonishing revelation is how Cheap Trick's biggest breakthrough almost never happened.

After three studio albums failed to find commercial success in America, a live recording made for Japanese television unexpectedly exploded in popularity. The resulting At Budokan album became an international phenomenon, while I Want You To Want Me—a song the band had actually stopped performing live —became the hit that finally launched them into rock superstardom.

Tom speaks openly about the relentless touring schedule that saw Cheap Trick perform almost 300 shows a year while recording two albums annually, the burnout that led to his temporary departure from the band, and the chance reunion that brought him back just in time for another hugely successful chapter in the group's history.

The conversation also explores Tom's passion for unusual guitars, the truth behind one of rock's enduring myths, the band's commitment to changing its set list every night, and the touching story behind Rocky's Speech, the musical project he created to help his autistic son develop language skills.

Warm, funny and refreshingly honest, Tom Petersson reflects on a remarkable career built not by following trends, but by trusting instinct, embracing originality and never compromising the music Cheap Trick wanted to make.

It's an inspiring conversation with one of rock's genuine innovators and a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind one of the world's most beloved bands—from someone who lived every moment.

If you enjoy hearing the real stories behind the soundtrack of our lives, don't forget to follow A Breath of Fresh Air so you never miss another conversation with the legendary artists who created the music that continues to inspire generations.

Few voices are as instantly recognisable as Colin Blunstone's.

As the lead singer of The Zombies, he helped define the sound of the British Invasion with timeless classics including She's Not There, Tell Her No, Time of the Season and the landmark album Odessey and Oracle.

More than six decades later, Colin continues to tour the world, record new music and perform with the same unmistakable voice that first captivated audiences in the 1960s.

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Colin shares the extraordinary story behind one of rock's most influential bands.

He explains how The Zombies came together through little more than chance, why Rod Argent almost remained the band's lead singer, and how She's Not There became a worldwide hit despite a chaotic recording session.

Colin reflects on the realities of life during the British Invasion, revealing why hit records didn't necessarily mean financial success and how the original band ultimately dissolved while still enjoying international acclaim.

The conversation also explores Colin's remarkable solo career, including his brief period recording as Neil MacArthur, the success of Say You Don't Mind, his years with Elton John's Rocket Records, working alongside Alan Parsons and Dave Stewart, and the unexpected legal battle that temporarily stalled his career.

Colin opens up about returning to live performance after more than twenty years away, the reunion with Rod Argent that led to the rebirth of The Zombies, and the band's emotional induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Along the way, Colin discusses maintaining his voice into his eighties, the discipline required to continue performing at the highest level, overcoming self-doubt despite decades of success, and why he still believes nobody in the music industry truly knows what tomorrow will bring.

If you love classic rock, the British Invasion, timeless songwriting and honest conversations with legendary artists, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear the remarkable story behind one of music's most distinctive voices.

And ... if you're in any of these cities make sure you go see The Zombies live!

Sep 2 Somerville TheatreSomerville (Boston), MA The Fixx, Colin Blunstone, and Peter Asher

Sep 4 Count Basie Center for the ArtsRed Bank, NJ

Sep 5The ParamountHuntington (Long Island), NY

Sep 6 United TheatreWesterly, RI

Sep 8 Tupelo Music Hall Derry, NHT

Sep 10 Adler Hall New York Society for Ethical Culture New York

Sep 11 Keswick Theatre Glenside (Philadelphia), PA

Sep 12 Warner TheatreWashington, DC

Sep 13 he Kent StageKent, OH

Sep 15 Uptown TheaterMinneapolis, MN

Sep 17 Genesee Theatre Waukegan (Chicago), IL

Sep 18 The Ludlow GarageCincinnati, OH

Sep 19 Barrymore Theatre Madison, WI

Sep 21 DeVos Performance HallGrand Rapids, MI

Sep 23 Brown County Music Center Nashville

Sep 26 College Street Music Hall New Haven, CT

Sep 27 Santander Performing Arts Center Reading, PA

Sep 29 RIT Performing Arts CenterRochester, NYT

Sep 30 Troy Savings Bank Music HallTroy, NY

Australian Rock legend Angry Anderson has been hospitalised after suffering a cardiac arrest in Brussels.

Rose Tattoo released a statement some three weeks after their frontman, legally Gary Anderson, 79, was hospitalised, forcing the band to cancel the European leg of what was to be their final tour.

Anderson is currently receiving treatment and care in ICU, though his condition is unknown.

Rose Tattoo were scheduled to return to Australia this month to perform several farewell gigs across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

Angry Anderson rose to fame as a rock star in the late 1970s and 1980s, moving from the Australian-pub scene to mainstream success.

Rose Tattoo’s debut album and hit single Bad Boy for Love received widespread national recognition. Their next album, Assault and Battery, topped the UK heavy metal charts, catapulting them to international stardom.

Outside his music career, Anderson received a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his work in youth advocacy.

As we all pray that Angry recovers, I thought you may like to revisit our chat here.

Before stadium tours, platinum albums and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition, John Kay was simply a young refugee searching for a better life. Music became his escape, his identity and ultimately the vehicle that carried him from the hardships of post-war Europe to the front of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, host Sandy Kaye welcomes the legendary singer, songwriter and founding member of Steppenwolf for a deeply personal conversation about the remarkable life behind one of rock's most recognisable voices.

Born in East Prussia during the closing months of World War II, John spent his earliest years amid conflict and uncertainty. His family fled advancing Soviet forces before eventually escaping communist East Germany and building a new life in Canada. Those formative experiences shaped his resilience, independence and determination long before music entered the picture.

John recalls discovering rock and roll as a teenager and finding inspiration in the blues, folk and early rock artists who would influence his own distinctive style. He shares how those early musical ambitions led to the formation of Steppenwolf in Los Angeles, where the band quickly became one of the defining acts of the late 1960s with its raw sound, powerful songwriting and unforgettable performances.

The conversation explores the creation of timeless classics including "Born to Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me," "The Pusher" and "Monster," songs that helped shape the soundtrack of a generation. John reflects on how "Born to Be Wild" became forever linked with the landmark film Easy Rider, transforming it into a global anthem of freedom, adventure and rebellion. He also explains how the famous lyric "heavy metal thunder" unexpectedly became part of rock music history, helping to popularise a phrase that would define an entire genre.

Beyond the music, John offers thoughtful insights into songwriting, creativity and the realities of life in one of the world's biggest rock bands. He discusses the pressures of fame, the changing music industry and why staying true to his artistic principles has always been more important than chasing commercial success.

John also speaks passionately about his lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental causes, revealing another side of the man behind the music. His dedication to protecting the natural world has remained just as important as his musical legacy, demonstrating that his influence extends well beyond the recording studio and concert stage.

This conversation is more than a look back at Steppenwolf's extraordinary career. It's the story of perseverance, reinvention and the enduring power of music to transcend borders, generations and cultures. Whether you've been a fan since the 1960s or you're discovering Steppenwolf for the first time, John's remarkable journey is every bit as compelling as the songs that made him famous.

If you enjoy hearing the stories behind the artists who created the soundtrack of our lives, subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air for more in-depth conversations with the legendary musicians who continue to inspire audiences around the world.

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.