Episodes

  • S4E14 - Richard Burgman - Sunnyboys Reunion, 45th Anniversary Box Set & The Story Behind an Australian Rock Classic
    Jul 14 2026

    Forty-five years after changing the sound of Australian rock, Sunnyboys are back to celebrate one of the greatest debut albums in Australian music history.

    In this special episode of Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian, guitarist Richard Burgman reflects on the band's remarkable journey, the enduring legacy of Sunnyboys, and the release of the stunning 45th Anniversary 4LP vinyl box set. Packed with rare demos, live recordings, the original Phantom Records EP, exclusive interviews and previously unreleased material on vinyl, this collection tells the complete story of the band's unforgettable first year.

    Richard shares behind-the-scenes memories of recording classic songs including Happy Man, Alone With You, I Can't Talk To You and Tunnel of Love, while discussing the brilliance of songwriter Jeremy Oxley, the explosive Sydney music scene of the early 1980s, and why Sunnyboys continue to inspire generations of Australian musicians.

    The conversation also explores the band's highly anticipated one-off reunion performance in Brisbane, what fans can expect from the show, and why the music still resonates more than four decades later.

    Whether you've loved Sunnyboys since 1981 or you're discovering one of Australia's most influential guitar bands for the first time, this is a fascinating look inside the making of an Australian rock masterpiece.

    In this episode:

    • The story behind the Sunnyboys 45th Anniversary 4LP vinyl box set

    • Rare demos, live recordings and never-before-released material

    • Richard Burgman's memories of Sunnyboys' rise to fame

    • Jeremy Oxley's songwriting and lasting influence

    • The making of Australian classics including Happy Man and Alone With You

    • Behind the scenes of the upcoming Sunnyboys reunion show

    • The band's legacy in Australian rock history

    Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians and music legends who created, and continue to create, the soundtrack of our lives.

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    #Sunnyboys #RichardBurgman #JeremyOxley #AustralianRock #AustralianMusic #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #Vinyl #ClassicRock #MusicPodcast #HappyMan #AloneWithYou #WarnerMusic #RockHistory #AussieMusic

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    54 mins
  • S4E13 - Martin Kemp on the Birth of Spandau Ballet - The Early Years, True, Gold & the Blitz Club
    Jul 13 2026

    This is a special re-release of an interview I recorded with Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet late last year. It was such a fascinating conversation that I knew it deserved to be heard again.

    Long before True, Gold, Only When You Leave, and Communication became worldwide hits, Spandau Ballet were at the centre of a cultural revolution that transformed music, fashion, and pop culture. In this in-depth conversation, Martin takes us back to the band's formative years, from the legendary Blitz Club in London's Soho to becoming one of the defining bands of the 1980s.

    The interview also celebrates the release of Everything Is Now – Vol. 1: 1978–1982, the definitive box set chronicling Spandau Ballet's groundbreaking early years. Martin shares stories about the band's rise from underground innovators to international superstars, the creative energy that fuelled their first recordings, and the friendships that helped shape one of Britain's most successful bands.

    In this episode you'll hear:

    • The incredible story of how Spandau Ballet was born at London's legendary Blitz Club

    • The making of the early classics including To Cut a Long Story Short, The Freeze, Chant No. 1, and Instinction

    • Behind-the-scenes stories from the band's formative years

    • How the New Romantic movement changed music and fashion forever

    • Martin's reflections on the journey that led to timeless hits like True, Gold, and Communication

    • Why Everything Is Now – Vol. 1: 1978–1982 is the ultimate collection for Spandau Ballet fans

    Whether you've been a fan since the New Romantic era or you're discovering Spandau Ballet for the first time, this conversation offers a unique look inside one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.

    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.

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    #MartinKemp #SpandauBallet #EverythingIsNow #True #Gold #NewRomantic #BlitzClub #80sMusic #ClassicPop #BritishMusic #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #MusicPodcast #ToCutALongStoryShort #Communication

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    25 mins
  • S4E12- Stan Bush: How to Write an 80s Rock Anthem That Lasts Forever
    Jul 4 2026

    Stan Bush, the iconic voice behind “The Touch” and “Dare” from The Transformers: The Movie, joins Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for a powerful conversation about Transformers, 80s rock, motivational music and how to write an anthem that lasts forever.

    Best known for his unforgettable songs from the 1986 Transformers movie soundtrack, Stan Bush has become one of the defining voices of melodic rock, classic 80s movie music and inspirational rock anthems. In this episode, Stan reflects on the lasting power of “The Touch,” the legacy of Optimus Prime and The Transformers: The Movie, and why these songs continue to inspire fans nearly 40 years later.

    With The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition bringing new life to “The Touch” and “Dare,” Stan shares what it is like to revisit songs that have become part of pop culture history. He also talks about the secret to a great 80s rock song, the power of big choruses, heroic melodies, emotional lyrics and why the sound of the 80s still connects across generations.

    Beyond Transformers, Stan opens up about his latest album Born for Battle, a motivational rock album exploring faith, freedom, brotherhood, immigration, resilience and the belief that there is a reason for everything.

    From Bloodsport and Kickboxer to Transformers, Sailor Moon, video games and beyond, Stan Bush’s music has become the soundtrack to courage, hope and never giving up.

    Key moments in this episode:

    • Stan Bush on the legacy of “The Touch” and “Dare”
    • Why The Transformers: The Movie still means so much to fans
    • How to write an 80s rock anthem that lasts forever
    • The secret behind big choruses, heroic melodies and motivational rock
    • Revisiting “The Touch” and “Dare” for The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition
    • The emotional connection between Stan Bush, Optimus Prime and Transformers fans
    • The story behind Born for Battle
    • How faith, freedom, brotherhood and purpose shape Stan’s songwriting
    • Why 80s rock still connects with new generations

    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://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast

    #StanBush #TheTouch #Dare #Transformers #TransformersTheMovie #Transformers1986 #OptimusPrime #80sRock #80sMusic #80sAnthem #RockAnthem #MelodicRock #MotivationalRock #BornForBattle #ClassicRock #MovieSoundtracks #SoundtrackMusic #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #NeverSurrender #FightToSurvive #TheTransformersMovieSoundtrack #ReformattedEdition

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    44 mins
  • S4E11 - John Brewster (The Angels) – The Real Story Behind “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again”
    Jun 22 2026

    In this exclusive interview on Long Way to the Top, Shayne chats with John Brewster, founding member and guitarist of The Angels, as the band celebrates 50 years of their iconic Australian rock anthem “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again.”

    From its origins as a deeply emotional song inspired by loss through to becoming one of the most recognisable singalongs in Australian music history, John shares the full story behind the track — including the real origin of the legendary crowd chant that fans still scream back at the band today.

    📣 Where did the famous “No way, get…” chant actually come from?
    John reveals how it first stunned the band during a live show in the early ’80s — and how it spread across the country to become a defining moment in Aussie rock culture.

    We also dive into:

    • The story behind writing and recording the song in 1976
    • How the track evolved into a live anthem
    • What it means to the band 50 years on
    • The legacy of Doc Neeson and the early Angels years
    • Why the song still connects with new generations of fans

    🎤 Plus, John talks about hitting the road again for the “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again… 50 Years On” National Tour, bringing one of Australia’s greatest rock bands back to stages across the country.

    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 facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast

    📍 TOUR DATES:

    Tickets are available at https://theangels.au
    The Angels are touring nationally across Australia in 2026, including:

    • Fri June 4 – Coolangatta, QLD
    • Fri June 5 – Caloundra West, QLD
    • Sat June 6 – Beenleigh, QLD
    • Fri June 12 – Hornsby, NSW
    • Sat June 13 – Albion Park Rail, NSW
    • Fri June 19 – Woden, ACT
    • Sat June 20 – Albury, NSW
    • 🎸 Fri July 3 – Launceston, TAS (Country Club Showroom)
    • Sat July 4 – Hobart, TAS
    • Fri July 10 – Belmont, NSW
    • Sat July 11 – Revesby, NSW
    • Fri July 17 – Fremantle, WA
    • Sat July 18 – Perth, WA
    • Fri July 31 – Caringbah, NSW
    • Sat August 1 – Marrickville, NSW
    • Fri August 7 – Shoal Bay, NSW
    • Sat August 8 – Prestons, NSW
    • Fri August 14 – Geelong, VIC
    • Sat August 15 – Melbourne, VIC
    • Fri August 28 – Kingsford, NSW
    • Sat August 29 – Mona Vale, NSW
    • Fri September 11 – Brisbane, QLD
    • Sat September 12 – Capalaba, QLD
    • Fri October 23 – Rozelle, NSW
    • Sat October 24 – Rozelle, NSW
    • Fri November 6 – Adelaide, SA

    🎧 If you love classic Australian rock, The Angels, or iconic live music moments, this is a must-listen interview.

    #TheAngels #JohnBrewster #AmIEverGonnaSeeYourFaceAgain #AussieRock #ClassicHits #AustralianMusic #RockInterview #MusicPodcast #RockHistory #PubRock #MusicLegends #LiveMusicAustralia #ClassicRockFans #FaceAgain #AussieAnthem #CrowdChant #IconicSongs #MusicStories #Launceston #TasmaniaEvents #LiveInTassie #CountryClubLaunceston #AustralianTour #GigGuide #ShayneBrian #AfternoonsWithShayne #LAFM #longwaytothetop

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    36 mins
  • S4E9 - Neil Taylor: From Tears for Fears to Robbie Williams... and the Next Chapter with Blue Water Giants
    Jun 8 2026

    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

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    50 mins
  • S4E8 - Rose Carleo Band
    Jun 1 2026

    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/

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    18 mins
  • S4E7 - Casey Barnes
    May 26 2026

    Australian country rock star Casey Barnes joins Shayne Brian on Long Way to the Top for an in-depth conversation about his brand-new album Made For This, his powerful duet with Pete Murray called Time To Burn, and the incredible journey that has made him one of the biggest names in Australian country music.

    In this exclusive interview, Casey opens up about the personal stories behind the new album, the themes of resilience, perseverance and vulnerability woven throughout the record, and how songs like Made For This, Rough Around The Edges and Still In The Fight reflect where he is in both life and career.

    Shayne also dives into Casey’s rise from the Queensland pub circuit to national success, his chart-topping albums, Golden Guitar recognition, international touring, and becoming the voice behind the NRL on Nine anthem Made For This.

    This episode also explores:

    • The making of the new album Made For This
    • Working with producers Michael Paynter, Michael DeLorenzis, Andy Skib and Mitch Thompson
    • Casey’s first collaboration with Pete Murray
    • The evolution of Australian country rock
    • Songwriting, storytelling and balancing arena-ready anthems with emotional honesty
    • Touring plans and what fans can expect next

    If you love Australian country music, country rock, heartfelt songwriting and deep-dive artist interviews, this episode is for you.

    To find out more about the upcoming album and tour or to purchase Casey's new merch, head to - https://www.caseybarnes.com.au/

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    20 mins