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

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Image © Jackson Moon Photography. Taken at the German Club as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, February 22, 2019.