Long Way to the Top

Shayne Brian
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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!

  1. 11/19/2025

    S3E13 - Dave Graney

    Enjoy this quick little chat with Dave Graney as he finishes up his Coral Snakes tour.  It is the Soft and Sexy Sound of the King of Cool this week. Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. Check out our socials - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    9 min
  2. S3E12 - Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows

    11/02/2025

    S3E12 - Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows

    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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  3. S3E11 - Peter Hook & The Light (New Order, Joy Division)

    09/07/2025

    S3E11 - Peter Hook & The Light (New Order, Joy Division)

    From the shadows of Manchester’s post-punk explosion to the neon pulse of the world’s dance floors, few musicians have shaped modern music the way Peter Hook has. As the founding bassist of Joy Division, Hook’s distinctive melodic basslines defined a generation, carrying the raw power of songs like ‘Disorder’ and ‘Transmission’ into the history books. When tragedy struck with the loss of Ian Curtis, Hook and his bandmates reinvented themselves as New Order — pioneering a sound that fused rock and electronic music, giving us anthems like ‘Blue Monday,’ ‘Bizarre Love Triangle,’ and ‘True Faith.’ Now, with his band The Light, Peter Hook is keeping that history alive — and adding new chapters. July 2026, he returns to Australia and New Zealand, performing New Order’s Get Ready in full for its 25th anniversary, alongside the timeless catalogues of Joy Division and New Order.  On Long Way to the Top, we dive deep into the music, the legacy, the battles, and the brilliance of one of rock’s most enduring figures: Peter Hook. Find out more about the band - https://peterhookandthelight.live/ and tour information - https://metropolistouring.com/peter-hook-and-the-light-2026/ Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast. And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  4. S3E10 - Russell Morris

    06/16/2025

    S3E10 - Russell Morris

    From the psychedelic poetry of ‘The Real Thing’ to the blues-soaked grit of ‘Sharkmouth,’ Russell Morris has lived every verse of the Australian rock story. Across six decades, he’s reinvented himself again and again—never chasing trends, always chasing truth. As he prepares to take his final bow on tour, we sit down with a man who didn’t just witness the rise of Aussie rock—he helped write the opening chapters. This is Russell Morris.  Catch Russell Morris with The Fabulous Caprettos - https://www.fabulouscaprettos.com.au/events_1 And also on his final ever solo tour - The Farewell Tour - https://russellmorris.com.au/tour/ Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  5. S3E9 - The Dead Daisies Special - Lookin' For Trouble

    06/09/2025

    S3E9 - The Dead Daisies Special - Lookin' For Trouble

    They’re not just a band — they’re a revolving door of rock royalty. With members who’ve shared stages with Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Dio, Mötley Crüe, and INXS, The Dead Daisies have become something bigger than a supergroup. They’re a living, breathing celebration of loud guitars, road-worn truth, and the raw power of rock 'n' roll. On this episode of Long Way to the Top, we go deep with frontman John Corabi as we unpack the band’s latest album, Lookin’ for Trouble — a swaggering, blues-soaked record that hits like a shot of Jack straight from the bottle. It’s a sound that blends classic Southern soul with no-b******t hard rock, recorded with the urgency and edge of a band that knows exactly who they are. We explore the creative process behind the album, the deep influence of classic blues and the spirit of FAME Records, and how the band managed to bottle live energy into every track. From growling riffs to soul-drenched vocals, this is the Daisies at their most raw, most refined, and most real. Corabi opens up about the chemistry in the studio, the stories behind the songs, and why Lookin’ for Trouble may just be the defining moment in the Daisies' journey. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering their sound, this episode is your all-access pass to the heart of one of the hardest-working rock bands on the planet. This is Long Way to the Top — and this is The Dead Daisies in full flight. Buy the vinyl and Crank it Loud - https://thedeaddaisies.com/lookin-for-trouble-album/ Find out about the Europe & UK tour here - https://thedeaddaisies.com/shows/ Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  6. S3E8 - Steve Lillywhite

    05/15/2025

    S3E8 - Steve Lillywhite

    If you grew up in the 70’s and 80’s you would have heard at least one of the records that my guest produced. With a string of huge artists like U2, Rolling Stones, Simple Minds, Talking Heads, Ultravox, Peter Gabriel, Steve Lillywhite has been responsible for over 500 records during his career. He has been awarded 6 grammy awards, including U2’s Beautiful Day & Walk On, and the U2 album How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb. In 2012, he was made a CBE for his contribution to music.As a fan of his work, this guy was on my bucket list for a chat, Producer Steve Lillywhite. Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Check out the new release "Think Loud 4 Parkinson's". Support the project by clicking here:https://www.kindredspiritmusic.org/product-page/think-loud-4-parkinson-s Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  7. S3E7 - Steve Kilbey (The Church)

    04/29/2025

    S3E7 - Steve Kilbey (The Church)

    My guest on today's show was described to me by Kate Ceberano as the God of Australian music. Apart from The Church, he's been in too many alt music bands to count, worked with countless artists here and abroad and with The Church has recorded over 26 full length albums and they're about to embark on a singles tour around Australia. Today's guest is lead singer & bass guitarist of The Church, Steve Kilby. Find out all about their upcoming tour here -  https://metropolistouring.com/the-church-the-singles-tour-2025   Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  8. S3E6 - Alan Edwards

    04/18/2025

    S3E6 - Alan Edwards

    Excited to have spoken with my next guest, Alan Edwards, the godfather of British music PR. Alan has worked with some of the most legendary artists of our time, from David Bowie to the Spice Girls via the Rolling Stones, the Stranglers, Blondie, Prince and Amy Winehouse. His book "I Was There" is a snapshot of his life in the fast paced rock world with stories like working with Keith Moon, heading to the US to work with Blondie, football with Bob Marley, listening to Prince discuss the future of civilisation or getting himself into the middle of a power struggle between Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. And now he joins us on the release of Think Loud for Parkinsons and his work with the man behind it Ian Grant. The Rock Gods Right Hand Man...Alan Edwards I also spoke with Alan just days after the death of Blondie drummer, Clem Burke so it was front and centre at the start of our discussion. Enjoy! Check out the new release "Think Loud 4 Parkinson's". Support the project by clicking here:https://www.kindredspiritmusic.org/product-page/think-loud-4-parkinson-s   Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast And head over to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast Keep on Rocking!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Shayne Brian
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2026 © Bad Boys Media
  • Show Website
    Long Way to the Top