Back in high school, Andrew and Mike Tierney, Toby Allen and Phil Burton were the self-described uncool kids who found their people through music. Nearly four decades later, Human Nature have become one of Australia’s most enduring musical acts, with platinum records, international tours and a long-running Las Vegas residency behind them.  

In this episode of Love Stories, the four friends join Tiffany Dunk to look back on the journey that began in a Sydney school choir. They share how Andrew and Mike’s parents helped keep the dream alive, why they were determined to prove their critics wrong, and how the pressure of fame sometimes made it difficult to celebrate their own success. They also revisit extraordinary career moments, from touring with Celine Dion to performing with John Farnham, and explain how Smokey Robinson helped open the door to Las Vegas. 

Plus, the band reflect on the impact of their move to the US, balancing their private relationships with life in the public eye, and the everyday work of staying connected after almost 40 years together. 

Moments you’ll hear: 

• How four high school friends found their people through music 
• The parents who helped turn their dream into a career 
• Hearing their first single on the radio and realising they were really doing this 
• Touring with Celine Dion and sharing the stage with John Farnham 
• How Smokey Robinson helped open the door to Las Vegas 
• The criticism that made them question their place in the Australian music scene 
• The pressure to keep their relationships private while building a public career 
• How moving to Las Vegas changed life for the band and their families 
• The friendship, trust and compromises that have kept them together for almost 40 years 
• What the future holds for Human Nature 

Buy your copy of Only Human: Harmony Through the Hits & Hard Times by Human Nature here. 

Check out Human Nature’s tour dates here. 

Thank you for listening ❤️ 

Before you leave... 

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Credits 

Host: Tiffany Dunk 

Edited by Phoebe Zukowski-Wallace 

Production by Leah Porges and Helen Smith 

Our wonderful The Australian Women’s Weekly team 

Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain 

Learn More: The Australian Women’s Weekly website