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 the stadium tours, the global hits, and the unmistakable sound was a songwriter..a composer...a producer...a musical architect.

Today, we’re stepping beyond the arena lights and into the next chapter. A chapter of country music, Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry plus a new single called Mending Fences

This is Andrew Farriss – Beyond INXS.

To buy/listen to Andrew Farriss's new single visit https://andrewfarriss.com/music/

Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. Check out our socials - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

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&rsquo;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 the stadium tours, the global hits, and the unmistakable sound was a songwriter..a composer...a producer...a musical architect.
Today, we&rsquo;re stepping beyond the arena lights and into the next chapter. A chapter of country music, Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry plus a new single called Mending Fences
This is Andrew Farriss &ndash; Beyond INXS.
To buy/listen to Andrew Farriss's new single visit <a href="https://andrewfarriss.com/music/">https://andrewfarriss.com/music/</a>
Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. Check out our socials - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast">https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast</a>

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!

Long Way to the Top

S4E3 - Andrew Farriss - Beyond INXS

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.

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

#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.

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:
<ul data-start="1429" data-end="2232">
<li data-section-id="1pxzine" data-start="1429" data-end="1504">The story behind changing his name from Gerard Bertelkamp to Beeb Birtles</li>
<li data-section-id="wsz6m7" data-start="1505" data-end="1535">Celebrating 60 years of Zoot</li>
<li data-section-id="emlssz" data-start="1536" data-end="1601">The origins of the name "Zoot" and its connection to Doc Neeson</li>
<li data-section-id="1invvh" data-start="1602" data-end="1663">Working in Down the Line as a backing band for John Farnham</li>
<li data-section-id="x35840" data-start="1664" data-end="1712">Memories of Rick Springfield and Darryl Cotton</li>
<li data-section-id="1gieleq" data-start="1713" data-end="1767">The groundbreaking success of Zoot's Eleanor Rigby</li>
<li data-section-id="qqvrhn" data-start="1768" data-end="1819">The formation and early days of Little River Band</li>
<li data-section-id="qv1gf6" data-start="1820" data-end="1889">Writing Little River Band's first single Curiosity Killed the Cat</li>
<li data-section-id="1etr5na" data-start="1890" data-end="1985">The stories behind the classic LRB songs.</li>
<li data-section-id="1syxoqz" data-start="1986" data-end="2040">Breaking into the American market and global success</li>
<li data-section-id="zw8khb" data-start="2041" data-end="2090">Little River Band's place in Yacht Rock history</li>
<li data-section-id="177zp6u" data-start="2091" data-end="2130">Creativity, songwriting and solo work</li>
<li data-section-id="5wb1g6" data-start="2131" data-end="2173">Faith, spirituality and life beyond fame</li>
<li data-section-id="1ipg24z" data-start="2174" data-end="2232">The future of Australian music and preserving its legacy</li>
</ul>
Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians and industry legends who created &mdash; and continue to create &mdash; the soundtrack of our lives.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast
#BeebBirtles #LittleRiverBand #Zoot #YachtRock #AustralianMusic #ClassicRock #RickSpringfield #JohnFarnham #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #MusicPodcast #AustralianRock #LRB #70sMusic #RockHistory #DocNeeson
Image &copy; Jackson Moon Photography. Taken at the German Club as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, February 22, 2019.

S4E10 - Beeb Birtles: Zoot at 60, Little River Band  & a Lifetime of Music & Faith

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

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 r&eacute;sum&eacute;s 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:
<ul data-start="2856" data-end="3380">
<li data-section-id="9lv9dk" data-start="2856" data-end="2926">The story behind the Everybody Wants to Rule the World guitar solo</li>
<li data-section-id="1ltgi2m" data-start="2927" data-end="2989">Recording Songs from the Big Chair and The Seeds of Love</li>
<li data-section-id="wm6q14" data-start="2990" data-end="3034">Working with Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith</li>
<li data-section-id="1x6a8ms" data-start="3035" data-end="3075">Touring the world with Robbie Williams</li>
<li data-section-id="1fv72bc" data-start="3076" data-end="3101">Performing at Knebworth</li>
<li data-section-id="d1lk7u" data-start="3102" data-end="3144">Life as a professional session guitarist</li>
<li data-section-id="gm6pby" data-start="3145" data-end="3181">The formation of Blue Water Giants</li>
<li data-section-id="13b8413" data-start="3182" data-end="3220">The new single Dangerously In Love</li>
<li data-section-id="14hthmd" data-start="3281" data-end="3329">The secrets of crafting memorable guitar parts</li>
<li data-section-id="18ctma9" data-start="3330" data-end="3380">Neil Taylor's reflections on a remarkable career</li>
</ul>
Blue Water Giants. Single "Dangerously In Love" out now
https://www.facebook.com/bluewatergiants <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6JwuGl6e9AtXZwVgKFaSLW?si=kDed8q0DT06E-0kPC_ckaQ">https://open.spotify.com/album/6JwuGl6e9AtXZwVgKFaSLW?si=kDed8q0DT06E-0kPC_ckaQ</a>&nbsp;
Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians and industry legends who created &mdash; and continue to create &mdash; 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

S4E9 - Neil Taylor: From Tears for Fears to Robbie Williams... and the Next Chapter with Blue Water Giants

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/

Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. Check out our socials - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

 

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 &mdash; 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 &ldquo;42 Days&rdquo;, 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&rsquo;t want to miss.
🎸 Listen to the album 42 Days and follow Rose Carleo Band here -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rosecarleoband.com/">https://www.rosecarleoband.com/</a>
Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. Check out our socials - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast">https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast</a>
&nbsp;

S4E3 - Andrew Farriss - Beyond INXS

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