"Shotgun Karaoke" began as a backstage challenge while Something for Kate were on tour. Paul was thrown impossible songs to cover from artists like Iron Maiden and You Am I.

Strangely the challenge started to get a following on Youtube and it sparked something - a covers album!

"Shotgun Karaoke" came out and then Paul toured the country, but he didn't necessarly want to be known as the 'covers guy'. (But we all loved his "Wrecking Ball" version all the same!)

In 2025, "Shotgun Karaoke II" was released with covers from Cher, Max Q, REM and Patti Smith.

The tour also continues in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.

This is The Rider with Becko, and Paul Dempsey.

Ione Skye, has written one of the greatest books of the year - "Say Everything".

Ione, Hollywood it girl as many refer to her is now an adopted Aussie: married to the iconic Ben Lee and living in Sydney. Their podcast "Weirder Together" has some hilarious takes and worth checking out.

In 1986 fifteen-year-old Ione Skye landed the breakout role in 'River's Edge' and then she inspired John Cusack’s iconic boombox serenade in the hit Cameron Crowe film, 'Say Anything. '

Her experiences around music and musicians is what makes this memoir so special. Growing up in the Hollywood Hills and living in Laurel Canyon, surrounded by so many gifted people from the Fleetwoods to the Zappas - Ione saw it all.

This is The Rider with Becko and Ione Skye.

Sometimes you chat to someone and straight away you think you're on the same wavelength, that's how it feels with 360.

His 5th album, 'Out of The Blue' is out in July and it feels very much a 'HEY, I'M BACK!!' Most of the album had been recorded over the last few years since covid and it seems his life has hit a crossroad.

You find out in this episode of The Rider, 360 has made some huge changes to his life that will surprise you.

The new album though, is a progression that rolls on from his last release and even includes some collabs you wouldn't expect.

See 360 on tour with Pez through July and August.

This is The Rider with Becko, and 360.

Little Birdy came onto the scene as the spotlight was on their hometown, Perth.

Eskimo Joe were riding high, Jebediah, Sleepy Jackson, End of Fashion and more...

The debut album from Little Birdy, 'Big Big Love' landed in the ARIA chart at number 5 and the unforgettable track, 'Beautiful To Me' was loved by the entire country.

As Little Birdy celebrate 21 years of that album, we hear how the band started all those years ago at the Hyde Park Hotel and maybe there's more in the fire for Little Birdy down the track...

This is The Rider with Becko and Katy Steele from Little Birdy.

The Cat Empire have been a huge part of Melbourne's music scene since 1999.

Most of us heard "Hello" and we were hooked, while others were lucky enough to be there from the beginning.

Recently, The Cat Empire dissolved their original lineup and had the official farewell at the Myer Music Bowl.

Now with a brand new lineup and the first album since the change, "Bird in Paradise" - Felix says the band has never been more hungry.

This is The Rider with Becko, and Felix Riebl from The Cat Empire

Paul Kelly, our icon of the Australian music industry has officially released his 29th studio album, "Fever Longing Still".

It's his first album with new material since 2018, with 12 additions to his incredible collection of love songs spanning more than 40 years.

Paul is about as Melbourne is it gets, but we discover in this conversation that things weren't always easy to begin with in the Melbourne music scene. His move to Sydney in the mid-80s brought about his break-through with a long list of hits.

This is an open and completely honest chat with Paul, no topic is off limits whether it be life, love, heartbreak and even heroin.

Paul and his band will hit the road in August next year to celebrate another huge release, so hit up Frontier to get your tickets.

This is The Rider with Becko and Paul Kelly

Kasey Chambers is nothing short of a national treasure. We as a nation cried and supported her when 'Not Pretty Enough' burst Kasey onto the scene.

It was an anthem people related to and was in so many ways the most unlikely to be a number one hit.

Now her 13th album is out, 'Backbone' which accompanies her book 'Just Don't Be a Dickhead'.

A lot has changed in her life, but this album feels like it crosses all stages of her career with music that could have featured on any of her earlier albums.

Kasey's life is an amazing one, in this chat, we hear about her childhood and how her father influenced her music style and the balancing act that is touring and having a family.

This is The Rider with Becko and Kasey Chambers.

Unwritten Law burst onto the scene in the late 90s with a fast-paced rock vibe that we all grew up with.

Many years later, a true fan of the band took on the role of Tour Manager and then literally fell into the role of guitarist. This opportunity wasn't taken for granted, in fact it's more of an all-rounder role of Tour Manager, Guitarist, and sometimes babysitter!

Scotty Mac, the Aussie living the dream playing for Unwritten Law is a story not to be missed.

Catch Unwritten Law on 'Hotter Than Hell' Festival.

This is The Rider with Becko and Scotty Mac from Unwritten Law.

The Jezabels superstar, Hayley Mary is all set to step into her solo persona with the debut album, "Roman XS."

You may have seen the Jezabels rise to fame in the early 2010s, being a festival staple and also the famous residency gigs at Sydney's Lansdown Hotel.

Hayley chose the worst possible time to launch her solo career - right at the beginning of the pandemic, but we finally get our hands on her new album 25 October.

With Oasis announcing their return, you'll hear some hilarious Liam Gallagher stories after she supported him on the last Aussie tour.

Catch Hayley Mary on tour this Summer celebrating this incredible album.

This is The Rider with Becko and Hayley Mary from the Jezabels.

Regurgitator are one of Australia's favourite bands and recently celebrated some huge milestones - 25 years of the album "Unit" and we're not far off from 30 years of "Tu Plang".

You'll see them on the 'Hotter Than Hell' tour, which kicks off 12 October in WA.

You'll hear about the highs and lows of the band, how they got through 'Band in a Bubble' and their unusual connection with Powderfinger.

This is The Rider with Becko and Quan from Regurgitator.

Jon Toogood reached legendary status in the NZ music scene many years ago.

Fronting the band Shihad, supergroup 'The Adults' and over 30 years of songwriting, producing and mentoring.

Finally, he has a solo project to his name: ‘Last Of The Lonely Gods’ is a rousing and optimistic 10-track collection that sees Jon back on the acoustic guitar, making meaning of being separated from his mother in lockdown as she passed away, losing his brother-in-law and experiencing tinnitus as a side effect of long covid.  

“This is a really honest record. It's healing for me, it comforts me, and it’s about looking to the future.” 

This is The Rider with Becko and Jon Toogood.

Missy Higgins has grown up with all of us and we've grown up with her.

The debut album 'The Sound of White' was mostly written when she was 15 and it was perfect.

Every Missy Higgins album was different moment in our lives, and hers too - from the highs to the lows.

The latest album is 'The Second Act' and it literally is the next step of her life.

Songs from Missy’s eagerly anticipated new album have already been previewed at 40 sold out shows across Australia, drawing unanimous rave reviews. Missy has explained that her new songs pick up on a lot of the same themes that she was exploring when she first started writing songs – “who am I and who do want to be?” – hence the tour’s unusual structure where new material was juxtaposed with a performance of her entire debut album across two distinct, but linked, acts.

This is The Rider with Becko and Missy Higgins.

Franz Ferdinand are set to return to Australia for another massive tour, Perth to Sydney this November and December.

The timing is appropriate, after releasing their 6th album - coming back to the country that elevated Franz Ferdinand onto the main stage at The Big Day Out.

The rise of Franz Ferdinand blew everyone away when 'Take Me Out' charted across the world and earned the band a Grammy nom and Mercury Prize.

There is a winning formula behind the sound of the band, and it made them stand out compared to other guitar based artists.

Make sure you catch them in November and December - tickets through Frontier Touring.

This is The Rider with Becko, and Bob from Franz Ferdinand

Birds of Tokyo have returned with a new single, and it's not what you expect - 'Heartbreakers Bar'.

The band haven't lost their sense of humour and you'll hear from Adam that this has been a work in progress for a number of years.

Birds Of Tokyo will stage some unconventional shows in Australia’s favourite rock venues over the coming months. The band will perform an opening set in ‘acoustic busking mode’ followed by fully plugged performances of electric anthems like “Lanterns”, “Good Lord”, “Plans” and “Unbreakable” which have seen them grow into one of Australia’s most popular bands. See them on tour and check out the new track 'Heartbreakers Bar'.

This is Adam Spark from Birds of Tokyo, on The Rider with Becko.

Diesel is the legendary quiet achiever of the Aus music industry - constantly toiling away, touring and recording. You might find it hard to believe his latest album is his 17th!

"Bootleg Melancholy" is out now and the national tour kicks off in late-August.

Diesel is in a great zone, and this conversation - one of many I've had with him over the years would go down as one of his most honest.

We hear how it all happened, from "Johnny Diesel and The Injectors," touring with Jimmy and then making the hard (or easy) decision to go solo.

This is Diesel on The Rider with Becko.

The world was a different place in 2004 when Spiderbait went into the studio, armed with a somewhat crazy idea to cover 'Black Betty'. It was a year over great cover songs including 'Behind Blue Eyes', reworked by Limp Bizkit and we can't forget Shannon Noll's work with 'What About Me' - some kids even think that was the original!?

Spiderbait decided to not just cover the song, but to completely rework it.

We hear the story behind the album 'Tonight Alright' before Spiderbait hit the road to celebrate 20 years of the release.

This is The Rider with Becko and Kram from Spiderbait.

When you take two of the most respected Aussie musicians of the last 30 years and stick them in a studio - great things happen.

Powderfinger's Bernard Fanning and Something For Kate's Paul Dempsey have given us 'Fanning Dempsey National Park'. (You'll find out why they settled on that name a little later in this episode)

'The Deluge' is finally out and has straight away secured #2 on the ARIA chart.

You'll hear how this project got off the ground and also how they managed to keep it a secret. The initial recordings took them to Norway and San Francisco, or as Bernard referred to it - 'the great eating tour!!'

'The Deluge' is a brilliant album which you will listen from cover-to-cover. Also get set for the tour coming up in October.

The is The Rider with Becko and Bernard Fanning & Paul Dempsey.

After 8 years, Empire of The Sun are back with a sensational new album "Ask That God."

Their 4th album has been jam-packed with solid singles you expect from Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore - both songwriting machines.

In this chat with Luke, we delve into the circumstances of the recording of this album and how the setbacks of covid may have assisted their creativity.

The accompanying videos of the singles are visual masterpieces, filmed in Thailand and Luke explains when you're filming overseas, nothing always goes to plan.

Empire of the Sun go on tour in October, taking them across Australia and to the Hollywood Bowl.

This is The Rider with Becko and Luke Steele from Empire of The Sun.

The Tea Party is one of the great successes of the Canadian music scene.

They burst onto the scene with their 3rd album, "The Edges of Twilight, " bringing them to Australia for the first time. Jeff Martin fell in love with the place and ended up staying!

25 years ago, "Triptych" was released and this tour celebrates this much-loved album.

'The three of us are looking forward to bringing the magic of our fourth studio album Triptych to live audiences in Australia. The album features several timeless classics including Heaven Coming Down amongst others. Join us as we take this journey into an iconic era in The Tea Party’s history together.’

The tour has kicked off in Perth, get your tickets through Livenation so you don't miss out.

This is The Rider with Becko and Jeff Martin from The Tea Party.

Brisbane band Sheppard's 4th album Zora brings happiness from its first listen. That's typical Sheppard though, it puts you in a better mood and that's exactly what the inspiration was behind the album - their grandmother Zora.

The band are celebrating 10 years of 'Geronimo' - the song that acted like a slingshot and gave them a chance to tour the world.

This has taken them to Nashville, a new home for a band and the perfect environment to work with the world's best musicians.

The is George, Amy and Emma from Sheppard on The Rider with Becko.

The Eskis make it count when they release new music. It's been five years since their last single and Aussie music fans are incredibly excited at the prospect of more new music from the pride of Fremantle.

They haven't gone away, plenty of touring has been going on including Spring Loaded and more recently the Incubus and Live tour.

The nostalgic "The First Time" is out and the Eskis continue their road trip, kicking off their national acoustic tour.

“We really look up to bands like the Rolling Stones and U2 – those guys who keep touring and creating music over and over again,” shares bass player and vocalist Kav Temperley.

“It makes us proud of our musical journey and the people who have taken our songs into their lives. Eskimo Joe is still the three core members. It just wouldn't be the Eskies without the three of us in a studio or on stage making music together – our friendship is as much a part of the band as the music itself. After an amazing 2023 of playing some huge festivals, there's this indescribable energy when a massive crowd is singing your songs back at you. We wanted to capture that energy and infuse it into our recording. So, in the first week of January this year, over five days we wrote and recorded The First Time at my studio in Fremantle.”

It's an entertaining chat as always with Kav and maybe in a few months we'll be able to check out some more tasty new music from Eskimo Joe.

The is Kav Temperley from Eskimo Joe, on The Rider with Becko.

Jebediah have always been a fan favourite since "Slightly Odway" came out in 1997. It certainly doesn't feel like 13 years since their last album Kosciuszko.

OIKS, their sixth album is now out and it feels like they have picked up from where they left off, after over a decade. The fact they have gone into the same studio with producer, Dave Parkin shows that they are after familiar surroundings but prepared to mix up the sound.

OIKS also kickstarts a packed year for Jebediah in 2024, with the band set to embark on a 22 date national album tour starting in July, supported in full by Aussie rock legends Magic Dirt.

In this episode of The Rider, Kevin Mitchell opens up on his Bob Evans project and how Jebediah are comfortable with not releasing music frequently but when they do get into the studio, they really slot right in like old times.

This is Kevin Mitchell from Jebediah, on The Rider with Becko.

We all remember where we were when we heard that debut album for the Living End - usually near a radio when "Prisoner of Society" was released.

That album debuted at number one and stayed in the ARIA chart for 83 weeks - insane by any standards.

25 years since its release, frontman Chris Cheney reflects on the creation of the album: “I think unknowingly our destination was always this; this album right here. All songs led here. All the gigs and all the songs we’d written and rejected over the years, all the lessons we’d learned had been building up to this….our first album.”

“Ultimately what we captured was a melting pot full of our influences but not to the extent that we sounded confused,” Cheney continued. “The way we played glued it all together. Stylistically, it had punk (‘West End Riot’), metal (‘Growing Up Falling Down’), pop (‘I Want a Day’), rockabilly (‘Second Solution’), hillbilly thrash on steroids (‘Prisoner of Society’), jazz (‘Fly Away’), ska (‘Trapped’ and ‘All Torn Down’), swampy surf twang (‘Bloody Mary’), country pickin’ and anything else we thought we could throw at it.”

The Living End celebrate this album with a huge show in Melbourne and a special vinyl re-release of the album with some cool extras.

This is Chris Cheney and Scott Owen from The Living End, on The Rider with Becko

Davey Lane is one of the hardest-working musicians I know.

Guitarist for You Am I, he's on various touring projects including the album celebrations of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, and now his fourth album is released: "Finally, A Party Record."

Finally, A Party Record.  is an eclectic mix, chock full of late-‘70s LA party vibes.

Singles released so far are God, I’m Fucked Up Over You and Over, Over & Out.

Lending vocals up front on lead is Nitida Atkinson (An Absent Lover), with backing vox on other tracks from the likes of Phil Jamieson (Flippant Words), Angus Leslie (Not Expecting To Fly), Loretta Miller (Not Expecting To Fly, Flippant Words, Remedies), Gem Choir (If It Can Rain, It’ll Rain) and a scream from Kram on Remedies.   

Go and check out the new album and sit back and enjoy the stories.

This is The Rider with Becko and Davey Lane.

Silverchair, born in Newcastle - 3 kids with some incredible talent and passion for making it to the world stage, and they did.

Supported by their parents and the 'two Johns' (manager and record company boss), they became the band aussies were proud of. We saw them play the rooftop in NYC for the MTV VMA's, Rock in Rio and multiple Big Day Outs.

The story from Ben and Chris is now out, their book - 'Love & Pain'.

‘Fundamentally, our story is a great one. An extraordinary one. Some of it may seem beyond belief, but we lived it. We were there. It all happened. I want to document it for my sons to read when they’re old enough – and we owe it to our incredibly loyal fans,’ says Ben Gillies.

‘When Ben and I first discussed the idea of writing a book, I realised it would be an opportunity to celebrate some of the awesome times the two of us shared and lived together, as well as reflect on some of the hard times – in the band and in our lives. This book is a keepsake for both of us, and a reminder that there is some beauty in addressing the truth of things, as well as paying respects to all aspects – good, bad and indifferent – of our story,’ adds Chris Joannou. 

This is Ben Gillies & Chris Joannou, on The Rider with Becko.

Murray Cook is the most humble music superstar you'll ever meet.

You would never believe he is an 'O.G. Wiggle' speaking to him, but his passion for the music scene is obvious when you start talking about 'the scene' in Sydney in the 70s and 80s.

'Dumb Luck' is his 4th album as part of the Soul Movers, you'll hear his brilliant riffs and even some influences from his favourite band - The Rolling Stones.

Check out the Soul Movers as they continue their Aussie tour - the album is out now.

This is Murray Cook, on The Rider with Becko

Any band who can survive a 100+ show tour have something special.

Kingswood are a great example of the work ethic Aussie bands are famous for - tour constantly and build an audience.

Their latest album "Home" took them on the road for the "Hometowns tour" and now they head to Europe.

We will hear about 'Peggy' the tour bus and how you survive travelling to each corner of Australia.

This is Fergus (and Al!) from Kingswood, on the Rider with Becko

Voyager have been around the Perth music scene for years, in fact their new album 'Fearless in Love' is their 8th.

Their campaign to be Australia's entrant in Eurovision has been long, but this year they finally made it, performing 'Promise' on the world stage.

Alex from Voyager has plenty of stories on what goes on behind the scenes of Eurovision.

Part two of this episode features legendary Aussie musician Shane Howard from Goanna. The song 'Solid Rock' is now 40 years old but as relevant as ever.

The is the Rider with Becko, with Alex from Voyager and Shane Howard.

Tex Perkins is a national treasure - there, I said it!

A true musician's frontman and more.

You'll know him as part of The Beasts, celebrating their 40th anniversary, of course The Cruel Sea and The Fat Rubber Band.

Recently the famous stolen 'Cruel Sea ARIA' was found in a dumpster and you'll hear the massive twist to the story which you won't get anywhere else. (It was an inside job!!!!!!)

Tex is about to go out on the road for his 'Man in Black' Tour - the songs of Johnny Cash. It is one brilliant show, and you'll find out why these songs are so special to Tex.

This is The Rider with Becko and Tex Perkins.

Magic Dirt are one of the hardest workers of 'the scene' - forming in 1991 in Geelong and numerous Big Day Outs to their name.

It was late in the piece when 'Dirty Jeans' and 'Plastic Loveless Letter' gained a heap of airplay for them and entries into the JJJ Hottest 100 in the 2000s.

Adalita has released numerous solo albums and her latest, 'Inland' taking 5 years with Covid interruptions, but still another masterpiece.

Recently Adalita appeared on the Michael Hutchence tribute, 'Rooms for the Memory 2023' - Michael's only solo single which was a ARIA Top 10 hit in 1987. This recording also honoured the talents of Ollie Olsen who worked with Michael on the recording.

This is the Rider with Becko and Adalita.

Grinspoon are back on the road and another reminder we are all getting old!!

24 years since the release of the album 'Easy' and 21 years of 'New Detention.' A great reason to re-release the albums, both on vinyl for the first time.

The Easy Detention Tour will also kick off in October playing great venues across the country.

The Grinners are always solid live: a huge show and huge pyro & confetti guns!! Pat talks about what is to come on the tour and how will the set list work when you have two albums in the mix - play them in full or play the best!?

Get the tour dates at grinspoon.com.au

This is The Rider with Becko and Pat Davern from Grinspoon

When you sit opposite someone of the presence of Billy Corgan, you are reminded how important Smashing Pumpkins was to the sound of a generation.

Billy has taken risks over the years, he doesn't doubt it - but he knows this 3-part album Atum, is making an impact with the fans. The riffs are all new - don't believe the hype from fan pages and music publications.

You'll find out some cool twists to this album, and how it almost leaked early.

From 46 songs they were working on mid-Covid, to now - 33 tracks, 3 acts written and produced by Corgan over 4 years.

This is The Rider with Becko, and Billy Corgan

Leo Sayer is the musician who has had it all. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lennon, Richards, Daltrey and Dylan - you'll hear the Bob story a little later in the podcast.

Number one hits around the world, the fame and the setbacks and even a moment with Elvis that changed his life.

This is an episode that is full of incredible moments, and hey - let's now claim him as an Aussie because we can.

This is The Rider with Becko and Leo Sayer

We've all heard the stories of child-stars falling on tough times, it's not something new. But you very rarely hear the success stories, like Nathan's. A loving family, supportive parents and an amazing wife and kids - and some great stories to tell.

He has made some amazing music over the years, and this new album "Miracles" is special - he built it from the ground up, in front of his fans online.

If you saw his Australian Story on the ABC, you'll also know his private struggles, but also how he pushed through.

This is Nathan Cavaleri, on The Rider with Becko

It's hard to believe 30 years have passed since one of the most important albums of the indy scene was released: Dave Graney & The Coral Snakes "The Soft N Sexy Sound".

Dave Graney & The Coral Snakes were part of a huge movement, long before most of us discovered the band in the mid-90s. Whether it was Melbourne, Sydney or London, we all have a story of stumbling into a smokey bar and seeing the 'loung lizard' in action... and it was something.

Fast track 30 years, the upcoming Anniversary shows promise to bring the cool and collective sounds of DG & The Coral Snakes’ acclaimed album to life in full on the stage. The setlist will dive deep into The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound, with standout tracks such as  “Rock'n'Roll is Where I Hide", "I'm Not Afraid to Be Heavy”, and "I'm Gonna Live in My Own Big World”, along with a second set of classics and fan favourites.

Dave says: The Soft ‘n’ Sexy Sound. 1995. Gold status. ARIA award for Best Male Artist (I called it “king of pop” as that sounded less pretentious). Rock’n’Roll Is Where I Hide, I’m Not Afraid To Be Heavy, Apollo 69, Morrison Floorshow.

This is The Rider with Becko and Dave Graney & Clare Moore

Jeff Martin is a legendary name in rock and Canadian royalty.

His band, The Tea Party had already released albums and toured extensively before they rose to worldwide fame in the early 90s.

His latest album, '7 Deadly Sins' is out 7 July (7/7/23) and we find out what he did differently this time around and the lessons learned post-covid.

Jeff also opens up why the Tea Party had a break and the reasons for hitting the stage with his 'brothers' again 5 years later.

This is Jeff Martin, on The Rider with Becko

Matt Sorum, legendary drummer and the many of a million rock n roll stories. 

His book "Double Talkin' Jive" came out this year with so many brilliant stories of the touring life and what was it like to be sacked by Axl Rose. He has had so much success, but it didn't come without the dark times and a few bumps along the way. 

Finally, his passion project Kings of Chaos - a band which started off as a jam band with a rotating list of legends involved like Slash, Steven Tyler, Billy Gibbons and Duff McKagan debuted their new single "Judgement Day". It's what you expect from a combination of Slash and Duff with Matt - a driving rocking track and you have to check out the clip on Youtube. 

Matt also tackles what it's like to get back in the studio with Slash and Duff despite some disappointment from the GN'R Hall of Fame induction and then the reunion tour. 

He's the happiest he's ever been, and you'll hear that. 

This is The Rider with Becko, and Matt Sorum. 

We all have a Soundwave memory, seeing Iron Maiden on the main stage or a debut from Parkway Drive - it was a festival we all were proud to say "I was there at the beginning! 

Now, that same DNA carries on with Good Things Festival. It's on this December and we couldn't be more excited with NOFX coming back doing 'Punk in Drublic' and TISM returning for the first time in 19 years. 

Chris O'Brien started off managing The Mavis' and Bodyjar and then started booking punk nights in Melbourne. Then he met AJ Maddah, and things grew from there!

Get ready for some great stories, this is The Rider with Becko and concert promoter Chris O'Brien.

What can you say about legendary producer Mark Opitz, that hasn't been said before? 

Just look at the track record:

Cold Chisel - EAST, AC/DC - Powerage, Angels - Face to Face, INXS Shabooh Shoobah, Jimmy Barnes - For the Working Class Man. 

In this episode, you will get a feel for what takes to succeed in the music industry. Mark is an incredibly hard worker... a perfectionist (although he denies that!). The pressure of being a music producer is you are only as good as your last album. Lucky for Mark, his resume is solid. 

This is one of the great chats, an absolute pleasure to spend an hour with someone who is such a huge part of the pub rock sound we all know today. 

The is Mark Opitz, on The Rider with Becko. 

I was reflecting on how important The Superjesus were to the 'scene' in the 90s and then reinventing themselves with an incredibly polished sound after 2000. Gravity, Down Again, Saturation, then later Enough to know and Secret Agent Man.  

It's so exciting to hear the news they are returning with new music in 2023. 

Sarah during the pandemic made a huge change in her life and moved to Brisbane - a new start right in the middle of lockdowns (and a week in a quarantine hotel!). These days she's balancing her life of rock n roll with acting, starring in 'Jane Eyre' as it tours around the country.

I'm proud to say she's a mate, and always a great chat. 

The is Sarah McLeod, on The Rider with Becko  

I've spoken to Jim Kerr many times over the years, even once while he was sitting by the pool in his hotel in Sicily. (Hotel Villa Angela.. if you want to check it out) But I've never spoken to him while on promo for a new album, and this 18th album "Direction Of The Heart" is bloody impressive. How can a heritage artist stay hungry and still create new music, we'll find out. 

Despite line up changes over the years, the core songwriting partnership continues with Charlie Burchill. They went into 'music lockdown' during Covid to create this new album and then the other members of the band contributed remotely as there were difficulties crossing borders. Make sure you check out 'First you Jump' and the cover of 'The Walls Came Down' by The Call - amazing. 

It's always a pleasure to talk to Jim Kerr and let's keep our fingers crossed for an Aussie tour (after two false starts) for the 40th anniversary. 

This is Jim Kerr, on The Rider with Becko. 

I've been hearing over the years that Chris Emerson ('What So Not') was someone I had to interview - they said we 'were really similar people' and would just click when it came to talking about music, life and the challenges of the last couple of years. 

'What So Not' has just released his 3rd album, Anomaly and it proves that these isolation albums recorded during the pandemic aren't all 'bedroom demos'. This is a masterpiece with some brilliant collaborations from Killer Mike, MØ, and DMA's. 

In this episode of The Rider, Chris will give his reasons for relocating to LA, how the early post-pandemic festivals were awkward and of course, what's in his rider! 

The is The Rider with Becko, and What So Not. 

This week on The Rider we have two massive artists who both have some incredible new music out. 

First up, Orianthi who is about to release her next new album, Rock Candy. 

We talk about why she didn't do an album with Prince, after he offered (but songs recorded with him are in a vault somewhere), how she has kept her Aussie accent after 17 years in LA and of course what is in her rider. Tequila???

Then it's a chat with Gavin Rossdale from Bush. It's his 2nd appearance on The Rider after coming to Australia for "Under the Southern Stars" and at the time revealing he had a new album in the works. "The Art of Survival" is out now and it's incredible. Check out the first 3 tracks, it will blow you away. 

Gavin reveals how Bush have stayed true, even after their family lives have changed so much since their debut, "Sixteen Stone" and what advice his kids have given him. 

This is The Rider with Becko and Orianthi .... and Gavin Rossdale from Bush

We all remember how huge Sheppard's 'Geronimo' was, in fact it was so big it almost became a meme of itself. The song took Sheppard around the world 5 times over and a tour run that simply exhausted them.

Amy Sheppard has gone it alone for a new project, her EP 'Nothing but wild' - which is out now. No doubt you have heard her song 'Blue Guitar' already, recorded in Nashville. 

We talk to Amy to find out how scary this step has been and what was it like playing her hometown Brisbane at the famous 'EKKA'. 

This is Amy Sheppard, on The Rider with Becko.

(Also stick around to hear a bonus interview with Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil as they wrap up their farewell world tour this week in Sydney).

The Darkness are about to touch down to kick off the Motorheart Aussie tour, and this is a big deal. The band love Australia, our pub rock and our pubs! 

Hear Frankie's response when I reveal to him one of his favourite rock bars in Sydney is closing down. 

Motorheart, The Darkness' latest album was recorded in isolation and we hear the struggles of this process - lucky they will be back in the studio for the next one. Frankie also reveals why he left London, right in the middle of the pandemic. 

This is Frankie Poullain from The Darkness, on The Rider with Becko. 

‘MOTORHEART’
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR OCTOBER 2022
Tuesday, Oct 11: Forum, Melbourne - NEW SHOW
 Wednesday, Oct 12: Forum, Melbourne SOLD OUT
Friday, Oct 14: Astor, Perth
Saturday, Oct 15: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Sunday, Oct 16:  Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tuesday, Oct 18: Kambri, Canberra
Wednesday Oct 19: Tivoli, Brisbane
Friday, Oct 21: Hunter Lounge, Wellington
Saturday, Oct 22: Powerstation, Auckland

Alice Cooper has reunited with his original Alice Cooper group for the first time in over 50 years - the new album is out now, "The Revenge of Alice Cooper."

Dennis Dunaway, Michael Bruce, Neal Smith and Glen Buxton are back with Alice, and they sound as brutal as ever.

A lot has happened since Alice went solo, the 80s 'Trash' era was epic and it's been endless touring. But this is a big deal, the original Alice Cooper Band going into a studio in Connecticut and bringing back the magic of the 70s.

You'll hear some brilliant stories from Alice including the impact of Wayne's World and the secret lair of the 'Hollywood Vampires.'

This is The Rider with Becko, and Alice Cooper

It's hard to believe 'Riptide' was 8 years ago! This Aussie legend became a household name almost overnight, but as we all know - it's never an 'overnight success.' In this Series 3 opener of The Rider with Becko, we catch up with Vance Joy and find out how this 3rd album is a little different from the rest. As he heads out on another Aussie tour we hear what is in his Rider (and who controls it!) and also what advice the legendary Michael Gudinski gave him as he signed to Liberation.  This is The Rider with Becko, and Vance Joy

The Mundi Mundi Bash is a real team effort - The Empire Touring family, Marc and Issy to Greg Donovan, the Promoter and his team. Then there's the roadies and stage managers, the security guys and of course the amazing musicians. 

The Rider speaks to them all backstage and find out what goes on. 

We celebrate the final day on the Mundi Mundi plains with Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite, and the team behind the festival. 

This is The Rider with Becko at The Mundi Mundi Bash. 

So what makes a music festival work - we go behind the scenes at the Mundi Mundi Bash at Broken Hill and talk to everyone, from the managers, promoters, artists, caterers and security. 

Hear from Eurogliders, Sarah McLeod, Marc from Empire Touring, Melanie Dyer and more... 

This is The Rider with Becko at the Mundi Mundi Bash

It's crazy when you realise how young Daniel, Chris and Ben were when they formed "Innocent Criminals" which would become Silverchair. These 15 year olds went into the studio to create one of the greatest debuts as we know it, "Tomorrow" (the album version is a little different as you'll find out). 

The band would grow and in a way, we grew up with them. 

After Silverchair, Ben took a break but never stopped working on music. His 'Bento' release showed so much promise and later he would finally record music under his own name. 

Hear the ups and downs, from Silverchair to solo. 

This is The Rider with Becko, and Ben Gillies