Long Way to the Top – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

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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-bullshit 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

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https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

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Next year marks a milestone for this week's guest. 60 years in the Oz Music scene both in front of the mic and behind. In fact it is safe to say he has written or produced hits in pretty much every decade. Starting off with his own smash hits with Daddy Cool, producing records for Skyhooks & Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, he had massive success in the 80’s with Mondo Rock and of course his solo career.

There is no other name that could be behind all of that, 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected and well-known artists!

Ross Wilson joins Long Way to the Top for an epic journey through Oz Music in the 70's and 80's.

Visit Ross Wilson's website for all the details of his upcoming tour:

https://www.rosswilson.com.au/

And check out Ross Wilson's daughter, Athina Uh oh and her band Gut Health:
https://www.instagram.com/gut___health

Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment.

https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast

And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

Keep on Rocking!

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It is safe to say this episode's guest was arguably the voice of the New Romantic movement. It has been over forty years since Tony Hadley first released music with his former band, Spandau Ballet. Tony earned himself the accolade of being one of pop’s greatest vocalists. 

From the international number one True, to the unofficial London Olympics theme, Gold...and a successful solo career, Tony is now heading to Australia to perform with both friends and also a solo tour.  Enjoy this chat with Tony Hadley.

To purchase tickets for Tony's solo shows visit:

https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/tonyhadley

Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment.

https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast

And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

Keep on Rocking!

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The Dead Daisies are back with a new album and channelling AC/DC with their new song ‘I’m Gonna Ride’. After a bunch of fairly decent albums (let's face it you can’t go wrong with The Dead Daisies), John Corabi, has stepped back in after a hiatus, plugged in the mic, cranked it to 11 and given The Dead Daisies a new lease of life.

Check out the new album "Light 'Em Up" and tour dates here -

https://thedeaddaisies.com/

Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment.

https://www.youtube.com/@longwaytothetoppodcast

And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

Keep on Rocking!

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My guest on the show today is Aussie rock guitarist Ronnie Simmons who has had an incredible career, working with Richie Ramone from The Ramones, Faster Pussycat and is currently touring with Rose Tattoo. Ronnie also has a new band, The Redback Spiders and a brand new single.

The Redback Spiders are influenced by classic punk and Australian pub rock with a tinge of ska.  When playing live Ronnie is joined by bandmates Hayden McGoogan and Sean Anderson on guitar, Tommy Hills on bass and Chip Scanu on drums.  Post two live performances in Sydney they were immediately signed to Suburban Records based in the Netherlands.

Check out the new single "Alone With You" and tour dates here - https://www.ronniesimmonsandtheredbackspiders.com/

Check out the Long Way to the Top Youtube channel. I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment.

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.

If you were alive and listening to music in the 90’s then chances are you would have remembered my next guest because they were a stable on commercial radio. They graced our shores in 1992 just prior to the release of their 1993 sophomore album "God Shuffled His Feet" and now Canadian Band "Crash Test Dummies" are back for the 30th Anniversary World Tour, lead singer and guitarist Brad Roberts joins me on the show.

Find out more about the tour and purchase tickets here - https://www.crashtestdummies.com/

I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment.

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.

A few months ago I had the opportunity to chat with Nashville-based shock rocker Chuck Garric ( bass player for the original shock rocker Alice Cooper) and Alice Cooper’s daughter Calico Cooper, together they form Beasto Blanco, a raw powerful rock & roll band with a searing, theatrical live experience.

This week, to celebrate the release of their new album I chat once again with Chuck and Calico.

You can purchase Kinetica by Beasto Blanco here - https://beastoblanco.bandcamp.com/album/kinetica

I will be giving away a vinyl album every month to one lucky subscriber. Simply subscribe to the Youtube Channel and leave a comment.

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.

Today's guest, Kate Ceberano is revered as one of the finest female vocalists on the music scene today both within Australia and internationally. Kate was the first Australian woman to be inducted into the Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) Hall of Fame, she’s traversed the jazz and pop scenes, worked as an artistic director, penned an acclaimed autobiography and sold in excess of 1.5million albums alone.

Kate is now embarking on a tour with Jon Stevens, 32 years after the unrivalled success of the 1992 Australian production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. The original cast members are together again sharing the stage for a night of spine-tingling hits from the smash hit musical that made them household names.

For more about Kate Ceberano's work and to find tickets for the upcoming tour - https://www.kateceberano.com/

Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast.

And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast

Keep on Rocking!

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In the early 70’s the UK delivered a style of rock that included glitter, platform shoes, make up and outlandish clothing. It was Glam Rock -  T-Rex and Bowie embraced it and before long it was literally on the Top of the Pops.

One band was at the forefront, originally known as Sweet Shop, The Sweet and then just Sweet. Brian, Steve, Mick and Andy were the classic line-up. Sadly with the passing of Brian, Steve, and Mick, Andy Scott is left holding the torch, and now Sweet are heading down under for their farewell tour, playing their greatest hits.

The brand new album by Sweet "Full Circle" is out soon. Check out their new single Burning Like a Falling Star here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0PF6iCf6jI

SWEET The Farewell Tour: Greatest Hits Dates November 2024

Friday 8th MELBOURNE, Palms At Crown
Sunday 10th AIRLIE BEACH Music Festival
Wednesday 13th TWEED HEADS, Twin Towns
Thursday 14th TOOWOOMBA, The Empire Theatre
Saturday 16th BRISBANE, Princess Theatre
Monday 18th ADELAIDE, The Gov
Thursday 21st SYDNEY, Factory Theatre
Friday 22nd PENRITH, Penrith Panthers
Saturday 23rd THIRROUL, Anitas Theatre

Tickets are available from:

https://metropolistouring.com/sweet-2024/

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.