'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Sandy Kaye
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Iconic artists? Music Legends? Sandy Kaye interviews them all on A Breath of Fresh Air - a multi award-winning podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the artists you love. Through compelling conversations, we gain a rare, behind-the-scenes and intimate look at the personal stories and inspirations that fueled the music that shaped entire generations. Explore the lives, struggles, and creative journeys of these legends and relive the timeless hits that defined the soundtrack of our youth. It's all about Their Lives. Their Stories. Their Music. https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

  1. 2d ago

    Glenn Hughes: The Untold Story of Deep Purple's Voice of Rock

    Glenn Hughes is one of rock music's most enduring and distinctive talents. Known worldwide as the "Voice of Rock," he first rose to prominence with British rock band Trapeze before joining the legendary Deep Purple in 1973. As bassist and co-lead vocalist, Hughes helped shape a new era for the band, bringing his powerful soul-infused vocals to classic albums including Burn, Stormbringer and Come Taste the Band. Following Deep Purple, Glenn embarked on a remarkable career that has spanned more than five decades. He has performed with Black Sabbath, collaborated with countless rock icons, fronted supergroups including Black Country Communion and The Dead Daisies, and maintained a successful solo career that continues to earn critical acclaim. Along the way, Hughes faced and overcame significant personal challenges, emerging stronger and more creative than ever. His story is one of resilience, reinvention and an unwavering commitment to music. Today, his voice remains as powerful and distinctive as it was during rock's golden era. In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Glenn takes us on a journey from his earliest musical influences through the highs and lows of an extraordinary career, sharing candid stories from Deep Purple, his personal battles, creative rebirth, and his ongoing passion for performing. As he prepares to return to Australia with Kings of Chaos aboard the Rock The Boat cruise, Glenn reflects on a lifetime in music and the legacy he continues to build.

    Glenn Hughes: The Untold Story of Deep Purple's Voice of Rock

  2. Jul 15

    Steve Porcaro: Inside Toto, Thriller & Human Nature

    Few musicians have influenced popular music quite like Steve Porcaro. As a founding member of Toto, Steve helped create one of the most successful and respected bands of the late twentieth century while simultaneously becoming one of the most sought-after keyboard players, synthesizer programmers and songwriters in the recording industry. In this revealing conversation, he opens the door on a career that stretches from the birth of Toto through to Michael Jackson's Thriller and beyond. Steve shares stories of growing up in an extraordinary musical household under the guidance of his father Joe Porcaro, one of America's most respected jazz drummers, alongside brothers Jeff and Mike, whose own careers would become legendary. He explains why he struggled with traditional piano lessons, how his fascination with synthesizers gave him a unique place in the industry, and why embracing new technology helped launch his career. The conversation follows Steve's early years touring with Gary Wright, his work alongside David Foster and Boz Scaggs, and the remarkable chain of events that led to the formation of Toto. He tells the real story behind the band's unusual name, explains why success arrived almost immediately, and reveals the collaborative spirit that made Toto one of the most accomplished bands of its era. Steve also takes listeners behind two of the biggest songs of the 1980s. He explains the inspiration behind Rosanna, discusses why Africa was almost left off Toto IV, and recalls watching those songs become worldwide hits despite the band's own doubts about their commercial appeal. Perhaps the most remarkable story concerns the song, Human Nature. Steve explains how Quincy Jones accidentally discovered his unfinished demo while searching for songs for Michael Jackson's Thriller. What followed became one of the most celebrated songs in pop music history. Along the way, Steve reflects on working with Quincy Jones, David Foster, Earth, Wind & Fire, Hall & Oates, Chicago and countless other artists, before discussing his transition into film and television composing, his departure from Toto, and his later return to honour brother Mike during his battle with ALS. The episode concludes with Steve's thoughts on today's music industry, the decline of school bands, the future of musicianship, and why songwriting continues to inspire him more than ever. Fans should also know about Steve's latest chapter. His long-awaited second solo album, The Very Day, brings together songs developed over many years, including collaborations with Michael McDonald and Jason Scheff, proving that one of rock's most gifted musical architects is still creating compelling new music. I hope you love this chat as I did.

    Steve Porcaro: Inside Toto, Thriller & Human Nature

  3. Jul 8

    The Angels' John Brewster - Aussie Rock Classics And How The Crowd Changed the Song Forever

    For more than five decades, The Angels have been one of Australia's most influential and enduring rock bands, delivering powerful live performances and timeless songs that have become woven into the fabric of Australian music. Their catalogue has stood the test of time, but perhaps no song is more iconic than Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. In this episode, Sandy Kaye welcomes founding guitarist John Brewster for an engaging conversation that looks back on an extraordinary career while celebrating one of the most recognisable songs in Australian rock history. John shares the story of how The Angels came together, the musical influences that shaped the band, and the determination that helped them build a career spanning half a century. The discussion explores the origins of Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again and how the song evolved into a global live music phenomenon, thanks to the famous audience chant that has become as legendary as the song itself. John reflects on watching generations of fans embrace the tradition, creating one of the most unique and enduring moments in rock and roll. John also opens up about life on the road, the band's remarkable longevity, and how The Angels have managed to remain relevant while many of their contemporaries have faded away. He explains why the band's songs continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and why performing live remains just as exciting today as it was in the 1970s. The conversation turns to the future of The Angels, with John sharing the pride he feels in welcoming his sons into the band. Together they discuss the passing of the torch to a new generation, preserving the band's unmistakable sound while bringing fresh energy to one of Australia's most respected rock acts. Filled with great stories, behind-the-scenes insights and reflections on a career that has shaped Australian rock music, this episode is a celebration of resilience, family, unforgettable songs and the enduring connection between artists and their audiences. Whether you're a lifelong Angels fan or simply love hearing the stories behind classic music, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air for more intimate conversations with the legendary artists who created the soundtrack of our lives. New episodes feature candid interviews with the musicians behind the songs, revealing the stories you've never heard and the memories that continue to inspire generations of music lovers.

    The Angels' John Brewster - Aussie Rock Classics And How The Crowd Changed the Song Forever

  4. Jul 1

    Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass: How Brandy Became One of the '70s Greatest Songs

    More than fifty years after it first sailed onto the charts, Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) remains one of the most beloved songs of the 1970s. In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye welcomes Elliot Lurie, the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter behind Looking Glass, for a fascinating conversation about the song that changed his life forever. Elliot shares the remarkable story of how Brandy was written in a farmhouse in rural New Jersey, revealing that the song originally began with the name "Sandy" before evolving into the fictional barmaid the world would come to know. He explains how the song developed slowly, almost like writing a short story, and how the band painstakingly recorded multiple versions before finally creating the version that would become a number one hit. The conversation explores the early days of Looking Glass, from playing long nights in bars and fraternity houses to chasing a record deal and living together in a rented farmhouse where the band wrote and rehearsed. Elliot recalls the moment when Brandy unexpectedly caught fire at a Washington DC radio station and how that single moment changed the band's fortunes forever. Although many people regard Looking Glass as a one-hit wonder, Elliot discusses the band's later successes, including Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne, and reflects honestly on the challenges of trying to follow a massive hit. He speaks candidly about the disappointment of his solo career and the uncertainty he faced during the late 1970s. Listeners will also discover Elliot's remarkable second career in Hollywood as a music supervisor, where he worked on major films and television productions including Alien 3, A Night at the Roxbury and Riding in Cars with Boys. He explains the vital role music supervisors play in matching songs to film and television and how the business changed dramatically over the years. Now performing selectively, Elliot still enjoys the thrill of hearing audiences sing every word of Brandy more than five decades after its release. His reflections on creativity, success, reinvention and ageing offer warmth, humour and genuine wisdom. This is a wonderful conversation about one of the great songs of the '70s, the pressures of success, the importance of perseverance and the extraordinary staying power of music that connects across generations.

    Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass: How Brandy Became One of the '70s Greatest Songs

  5. Jun 24

    Matt Sorum: Guns N’ Roses, Kings of Chaos and Rock's Wild Ride

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Matt Sorum joins Sandy Kaye for an honest, funny and deeply insightful conversation about life inside some of the biggest rock bands in history. Best known for his years with Guns N' Roses during the explosive Use Your Illusion era, Matt opens up about the journey that took him from the clubs of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip to stadiums packed with hundreds of thousands of fans around the world. He reflects on joining Guns N’ Roses at the height of their fame, the challenges of navigating massive personalities inside legendary bands, and the lessons he’s learned after decades in the music business. Matt also talks about his time with The Cult, why British drummers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Ian Paice shaped his playing style, and how he eventually reunited with Slash and Duff McKagan to form the hugely successful supergroup Velvet Revolver. Now, Matt is bringing his powerhouse supergroup Kings of Chaos to Australia as one of the headline acts aboard the Rock The Boat cruise. Featuring an ever-changing lineup of legendary musicians from bands including ZZ Top, Deep Purple and Cheap Trick, Kings of Chaos has become Matt’s ultimate passion project — a celebration of classic rock played by the artists who helped create it. Along the way, Matt speaks candidly about addiction, sobriety, family life, surviving the excesses of fame and why collaboration — not ego — is the true key to success in music and life. This is a warm, revealing and entertaining conversation with one of rock’s great survivors — a drummer whose career has helped soundtrack generations of rock fans around the world.

    Matt Sorum: Guns N’ Roses, Kings of Chaos and Rock's Wild Ride

  6. Jun 17

    Blood Sweat & Tears - an Inside Look with Founder Steve Katz

    Steve Katz is known as a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears as well as a guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and author. Steve shares incredible stories from a career that spans more than six decades, taking listeners inside the birth of folk-rock, the Greenwich Village music scene, the formation of Blood, Sweat & Tears, Woodstock, Monterey Pop and beyond. Steve recalls his early days studying under folk and blues legends Dave Van Ronk and Reverend Gary Davis, spending time with Mississippi John Hurt, and joining Danny Kalb's influential band The Blues Project. He describes the excitement of discovering electric music in the mid-1960s and how that experience eventually led him to help create one of the most innovative bands of the era. The conversation explores the formation of Blood, Sweat & Tears with Al Kooper, the decision to incorporate a horn section, and the band's meteoric rise following the arrival of vocalist David Clayton-Thomas. Steve discusses the enormous success of hits including "Spinning Wheel," "You've Made Me So Very Happy," and "And When I Die," as well as the Grammy-winning album that made the band international stars. Listeners will also hear fascinating stories about performing at Monterey Pop Festival, the realities of Woodstock, sharing food backstage with Jimi Hendrix, meeting Otis Redding, and navigating the political pressures that resulted in Blood, Sweat & Tears undertaking a controversial State Department tour of Eastern Europe during the Nixon era. Steve also opens up about leaving Blood, Sweat & Tears, producing Lou Reed, working with Beatles producer George Martin, his years in the record business, discovering new artists, passing on U2, and why he remains grateful for every twist and turn in his extraordinary career. The episode also highlights Steve's memoir, Blood, Sweat and My Rock 'n' Roll Years, and his continuing work as a musician and creative artist. A fascinating listen for music fans of all generations.

    Blood Sweat & Tears - an Inside Look with Founder Steve Katz

  7. Jun 10

    Tony Burrows: The Voice Behind so many '70s Hits

    Did you know that one singer secretly voiced some of the biggest pop hits of the 1970s — all at the same time? Most people have no idea who he was. In this fascinating episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye chats with legendary British session singer Tony Burrows, the man behind an astonishing string of international hits including Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes), My Baby Loves Lovin', Gimme Dat Ding, United We Stand and many more. Tony reveals the incredible story behind his unique career as one of Britain’s most in-demand studio vocalists during the golden age of pop music. While audiences believed these were all separate bands, Tony was often the lead voice behind them all — a situation so unusual that at one point he famously appeared multiple times on Top of the Pops performing with different “groups” on the same show. In this warm and revealing conversation, Tony shares how he deliberately chose life as a studio singer over the pressures of touring and fame, allowing him to become one of the music industry’s best-kept secrets. He explains why he never wanted to tour with Edison Lighthouse, how he negotiated royalties that still pay today, and why he believes TikTok has helped introduce Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) to a whole new generation of listeners. Tony also opens up about: Recording the smash hit Gimme Dat Ding in just two takes Why United We Stand still resonates so strongly today Touring with The Beatles during the height of Beatlemania Singing backing vocals for Elton John, Rod Stewart and Cliff Richard His contribution to Elton’s iconic Tiny Dancer The bizarre moment the BBC reportedly banned him from appearing on television The real story behind Edison Lighthouse and the many studio “bands” of the era Why he became more famous in America than in his native UK There are wonderful behind-the-scenes stories throughout this interview, including Tony’s memories of working nonstop in London recording studios, travelling anonymously on the Tube while his songs dominated radio stations worldwide, and the surreal experience of hearing modern audiences rediscover his music decades later through social media. Despite being connected to an extraordinary catalogue of timeless hits, Tony remains remarkably humble and funny throughout the conversation, reflecting on a career that helped shape the sound of classic pop music. If you love '60s and '70s music, studio session stories, classic pop craftsmanship and discovering the hidden figures behind famous songs, this episode is an absolute treat. Listen now to hear the remarkable untold story of the voice behind some of the biggest hits of a generation.

    Tony Burrows: The Voice Behind so many '70s Hits

  8. Jun 3

    The Beach Boys' Al Jardine Al Jardine Reflects on The Band, Brian Wilson and the Music That Changed the World

    Al Jardine is perhaps one of few artists who can say they helped create an entirely new sound that changed popular music forever. In this warm and revealing conversation, the founding member of The Beach Boys looks back on the extraordinary journey that took a group of California teenagers from local surf culture to global music immortality. As Al prepares to tour Australia celebrating the 60th anniversary of the landmark album Pet Sounds, he shares deeply personal memories of growing up alongside Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson. Long before worldwide fame, Al and Brian were football teammates and college friends with a shared love of music, particularly folk, doo-wop and intricate vocal harmonies. Al reveals that the original musical vision for the band wasn’t surf music at all. But Dennis Wilson’s passion for surfing changed everything. What followed was one of the most remarkable runs in music history. From “Surfin’ USA” and “California Girls” to “Good Vibrations,” and “Help Me Rhonda,” The Beach Boys became synonymous with youth, freedom and the California dream. It was Brian Wilson’s musical genius that sat at the centre of it all. According to Al, Brian could hear complete arrangements in his head, using the band members as instruments to bring his musical ideas to life. The conversation also explores the personal sacrifices and difficult decisions that shaped Al’s life. Al speaks fondly about songs that remain central to every live show, including “God Only Knows,” “Sloop John B” and “Good Vibrations.” He also shares how his son Matt Jardine now performs alongside him, helping recreate the famously difficult Beach Boys harmonies for modern audiences. There are emotional moments too, particularly when discussing Brian Wilson’s legacy and passing. Al describes Brian simply as “pure genius,” reflecting on the creative obsession that drove him to constantly compose, arrange and innovate. He credits Brian with pushing the boundaries of pop music while still creating songs filled with emotion and soul. Despite decades of touring, Al remains energised by performing live. He says younger generations are increasingly discovering The Beach Boys’ music, proving these songs continue to resonate far beyond the era in which they were created. He also continues writing new material himself, drawing inspiration from his lifelong love of folk music and unfinished songs still waiting to be completed. This interview is not only a celebration of The Beach Boys’ extraordinary catalogue, but also a tribute to friendship, creativity and the enduring power of timeless music. More than sixty years after those first harmonies were sung, Al Jardine remains deeply connected to the songs — and the spirit — that helped define generations. Join Sandy Kaye for a fascinating and deeply personal conversation with Al Jardine — founding member of The Beach Boys and one of the voices behind some of the most beloved songs in music history. In this episode, Al discusses: How The Beach Boys originally planned to become a folk music groupDennis Wilson’s role in introducing surfing culture into the band’s musicThe creation of classics Brian Wilson’s extraordinary musical genius and perfectionismThe emotional legacy of Pet Sounds and Brian Wilson’s later workTouring Australia with the Pet Sounds BandNew songs and unreleased material Al is still working on today This episode is packed with warmth, humour, nostalgia and incredible behind-the-scenes stories from one of the architects of the California sound. This is a warm, funny and emotional interview with one of rock music’s true legends — packed with incredible stories and insights from the soundtrack of our lives.

    The Beach Boys' Al Jardine Al Jardine Reflects on The Band, Brian Wilson and the Music That Changed the World
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Iconic artists? Music Legends? Sandy Kaye interviews them all on A Breath of Fresh Air - a multi award-winning podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the artists you love. Through compelling conversations, we gain a rare, behind-the-scenes and intimate look at the personal stories and inspirations that fueled the music that shaped entire generations. Explore the lives, struggles, and creative journeys of these legends and relive the timeless hits that defined the soundtrack of our youth. It's all about Their Lives. Their Stories. Their Music. https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

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