180 episodes
- My guest today, well it’s the returning champion, Gordon Rytmeister.
Gordo first joined me back in 2019 for Episodes 61 and 63, and he’s also been part of the Steve Gadd and Simon Phillips Spotlight episodes.
This time, we’re hanging out in his studio—the same place where I first met him for a drum lesson more than 20 years ago.
We catch up on life, touring with Tim Finn, playing in Russia with James Morrison, playing alongside his son Elijah, recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, and why feel, context and musicality still matter in an age of social media chops.
We also geek out on Steve Gadd, drum sounds, snare drums, recording from home, and why music usually feels better when everyone’s playing together in the same room.
This conversation was recorded 9th July 2026.
Cover photo by Bill Risby
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Check out whosondrums.com
Mentioned in this episode:
https://whosondrums.com/ - My guest today is Luke Herbert.
Luke is a drummer, percussionist, educator and founder of Pocket Percussion.
From the Sydney 2000 Olympic opening ceremony, to seven-night-a-week pub gigs and working with Brian Cadd, to three years on the road and in the studios of Nashville, Luke has built a career around groove, feel and playing for the song.
Luke also plays alongside Murray Cook from The Wiggles in Murray and the Movers, bringing together a great band of players for some seriously fun rock and roll.
His latest project, Every Beatles Beat, is a full-blown love letter to Ringo Starr—recording a snippet of every Beatles song in chronological order at Studios 301 and turning it into a film, live show and art installation.
We talk drumming heroes, vintage gear, life on the road, teaching and finding your own sound.
For more on Luke check out
lukeherbert.com
everybeatlesbeat.com
Luke on instagram
This conversation was recorded 8th July 2026.
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Mentioned in this episode:
https://whosondrums.com/ - Have you ever listened to a song and thought…
Who’s playing drums on this?
Join long-time friends and drummers Stevie Taylor and Jonnie Adams as they dive deep into some of their favourite songs and drum performances, uncovering the stories behind the recordings. Along the way, they sit down with the drummers, musicians, songwriters and producers who helped create the music we all know and love.
Our first episodes feature songs including Big Bone by Los Lobotomys, If You Were Mine by Level 42, and Daybreak Again by Tommy Emmanuel, with exclusive interviews with David Garfield, Will Lee, Gary Husband, Tommy Emmanuel, Mitch Farmer and more.
Subscribe, follow and share at whosondrums.com.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
Coming soon…
Until then, we'll keep asking the question… Who's on Drums? - On Friday 10th July 2026, Andy Bickers passed away after a battle with cancer.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Andy for this conversation in 2025. Although we had only just met in person, it quickly felt like two old Kiwi bros catching up over a coffee.
We talked rugby, growing up in New Zealand, moving across the Tasman, and, of course, an extraordinary life in music.
Andy’s career took him from the New Zealand live music scene to stages around the world with Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Don Henley, the Eagles and many others.
But listening back to this conversation, it isn’t only the incredible career that stands out.
It’s Andy’s humour, his warmth, his humility, his intelligence and the genuine gratitude he carried for the life music had given him.
At one point Andy described himself as “the luckiest saxophone player I know.”
The many tributes shared since his passing make it clear that the musicians around him felt just as lucky to know him.
I’m incredibly grateful that this conversation exists, and it is an honour to share it with you again
Thank you for the music, the stories and the laughs. Rest easy, my bro
Stevie.
My guest today is Andy Bickers.
Andy is a saxophone player, originally from New Zealand and now living in Australia.
From NZ bands Backdoor Blues Band, Smokeshop and Netherworld Dancing toys, to a long time association with Midnight Oil, a few Eagles gigs here and there, to just recently coming off the road with Cold Chisel on their 5-0 tour…Andy is a session saxophonist, jazz to the roots but a rock n roll attitude. This was an awesome hang. Hope you dig this conversation.
More info on Andy:
Ander Bickers on Instagram
This conversation was recorded 25/02/2025
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The Gig Life Podcast - My guest today is Dario Bortolin.
Dario has been on my original interview wish list since I started this podcast back in 2018, so this one has been a long time coming.
Currently playing with the Baby Animals, Dario has played with Jimmy Barnes, Billy Thorpe, Dragon, INXS, Rose Tattoo, The Angels, Kevin Borich, Barry Leef and many more.
Great player. Great stories. Wicked hang…enjoy.
This interview was recorded 10th March 2026.
For more on Dario:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
As mentioned, here is the link to Dario and the band "Spoon" with 3 Little Pigs
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About The Gig Life Podcast
The Gig Life Podcast is a long-form music interview series hosted by Stevie Taylor, featuring in-depth conversations with musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry professionals from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. Since launching in 2018, the show has shared authentic stories from the people behind the music — exploring creative journeys, career breakthroughs, studio sessions, touring life, and the realities of making a living in music.
With over 160 episodes, The Gig Life Podcast has become a trusted platform for Australian and NZ music storytelling, featuring well-known artists, rising session players, and behind-the-scenes industry voices. Whether you’re a musician, music fan, or curious creative, you’ll find real talk, inspiration, and insight in every episode.defining moments to the challenges and triumphs of making a life in music. With over 160 episodes, The Gig Life Podcast has become a trusted space for authentic storytelling, celebrating both well-known names and hidden gems of the music world.
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