Long Way to the Top

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
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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#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.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

#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 ToursMetropolis 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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