Long Way to the Top
Every song has a story. Every legend has a journey. Long Way to the Top is where those stories come alive — the raw, revealing, and often hilarious moments behind rock’s most enduring names. Hosted by Shayne Brian, this is the ultimate backstage pass into the minds of the artists who built the soundtrack of our lives. From chart-topping anthems and studio secrets to the reinventions that kept them alive across decades, each episode dives deep into the grit, the glory, and the genius that made these icons who they are. Featuring legendary guests including: Stewart Copeland (The Police) — on the art of rhythm, rebellion, and creating one of the most innovative bands in rock history. Leo Sayer — sharing stories from a five-decade career of global hits, resilience, and reinvention. Russell Morris — reflecting on The Real Thing and the timeless spirit of Australian music. Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock) — taking us through six decades of songs that shaped Aussie rock. Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet) — reliving the glamour, sound, and legacy of the 1980s New Romantic movement. Steve Kilbey (The Church) — exploring mysticism, creativity, and the making of Under the Milky Way. Whether you grew up spinning vinyl or streaming playlists, Long Way to the Top takes you deep into the world of the artists who defined generations — and are still climbing. Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast, Keep on Rocking!
Episodes
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 c...
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 f...
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...
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.
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 t...
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...
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 inte...
Enjoy this quick little chat with Dave Graney as he finishes up his Coral Snakes tour.
It is the Soft and Sexy Sound of the King of Cool this week.
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From Hit and Run and Shape I’m In to Chained to the Wheel and Harley and Rose, Joe Camilleri has written the soundtrack to Australian life. As the frontman of The Black Sorro...
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 Ia...
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...
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 ...
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 At...
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 the...
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, fo...
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 menti...
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 reco...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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