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 Sorrows and founder of Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Joe is one of the most influential voices in Australian rock, soul, and blues.

In this special episode, I sit down with Joe Camilleri for an in-depth conversation about his incredible four-decade career and the release of The Quintessential Black Sorrows, a brand-new double album that celebrates forty years of timeless songwriting, touring, and storytelling.

Joe shares the origins of The Black Sorrows — from humble café gigs in Melbourne and the independent release of Sonola, to the life-changing moment when Elvis Costello heard the record and it led to a worldwide deal with CBS/Sony. We revisit the stories behind the hits — Chained to the Wheel, Hold On to Me, Daughters of Glory, and the unforgettable Harley and Rose — songs that defined an era of Australian music.

More than just a greatest hits collection, The Quintessential Black Sorrows is a hand-picked journey through Joe’s most iconic songs. It’s a love letter to the fans, the musicians, and the road that shaped his life.

If you love Australian rock history, soul-driven songwriting, and the stories behind the songs, this conversation with Joe Camilleri is essential listening.

Find out more about the new album and tour - https://www.theblacksorrows.com.au/

Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast.

Check out our socials - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

From Hit and Run and Shape I&rsquo;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 Sorrows and founder of Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Joe is one of the most influential voices in Australian rock, soul, and blues.
In this special episode, I sit down with Joe Camilleri for an in-depth conversation about his incredible four-decade career and the release of The Quintessential Black Sorrows, a brand-new double album that celebrates forty years of timeless songwriting, touring, and storytelling.
Joe shares the origins of The Black Sorrows &mdash; from humble caf&eacute; gigs in Melbourne and the independent release of Sonola, to the life-changing moment when Elvis Costello heard the record and it led to a worldwide deal with CBS/Sony. We revisit the stories behind the hits &mdash; Chained to the Wheel, Hold On to Me, Daughters of Glory, and the unforgettable Harley and Rose &mdash; songs that defined an era of Australian music.
More than just a greatest hits collection, The Quintessential Black Sorrows is a hand-picked journey through Joe&rsquo;s most iconic songs. It&rsquo;s a love letter to the fans, the musicians, and the road that shaped his life.
If you love Australian rock history, soul-driven songwriting, and the stories behind the songs, this conversation with Joe Camilleri is essential listening.
Find out more about the new album and tour - <a href="https://www.theblacksorrows.com.au/">https://www.theblacksorrows.com.au/</a>
Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast.
Check out our socials - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

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!

Every song has a story. Every legend has a journey.
Long Way to the Top is where those stories come alive &mdash; the raw, revealing, and often hilarious moments behind rock&rsquo;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:
<ul data-start="899" data-end="1588">
<li data-start="899" data-end="1036">
Stewart Copeland (The Police) &mdash; on the art of rhythm, rebellion, and creating one of the most innovative bands in rock history.
</li>
<li data-start="1037" data-end="1143">
Leo Sayer &mdash; sharing stories from a five-decade career of global hits, resilience, and reinvention.
</li>
<li data-start="1144" data-end="1244">
Russell Morris &mdash; reflecting on The Real Thing and the timeless spirit of Australian music.
</li>
<li data-start="1245" data-end="1359">
Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock) &mdash; taking us through six decades of songs that shaped Aussie rock.
</li>
<li data-start="1360" data-end="1476">
Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet) &mdash; reliving the glamour, sound, and legacy of the 1980s New Romantic movement.
</li>
<li data-start="1477" data-end="1588">
Steve Kilbey (The Church) &mdash; exploring mysticism, creativity, and the making of Under the Milky Way.
</li>
</ul>
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 &mdash; 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!

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