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

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

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 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

Chit Chat Von Loopin Stad: Member of Machine Gun Fellatio, journalist, composer and now movie maker. 

He was deep in the Sydney indy music scene back in the 90s and has a million stories to tell. 

He is also a great example of someone who has the intelligence and drive to try anything - and nail it. From composing music for porn, to high budget movies. 

Then there was the big step into music tv and being respected as one of the most talented interviewers in the game clocking up over 1000 interviews for Max TV. 

This is one of the great interviews, and you have to hear his 'Rider' story from an infamous gig in Darwin.... 

This is The Rider with Becko and Chit Chat

Live touring has been taken for granted since covid. We don't understand the risk involved in touring regional areas as it is now - the rising costs and you are just one sniffle away from a gig being cancelled. 

Thirsty Merc have been one of the hardest working bands in the last 20 years and their new Aussie covers album, "Celebration" is literally that -  an incredible collection of Australian songs. 

Their tour continues and we take this interview right into the tour van as they head West into regional NSW. 

This is Rai Thistletwayte & Thirsty Merc, on The Rider with Becko 

Imagine leaving the band you've spent most of your adult life in, (over 20 years) and then trying to figure out what's next. That's very much how things were when Powderfinger broke up, leaving Ian Haug with the search for 'what's next." 

In 2013, he joined The Church, a band he looked up to in his teenage years and beyond - it's like playing with your idols. 

Hear the story of post-Powderfinger with Ian.

The is The Rider with Becko, and Ian Haug

Awolnation's "Sail" was one of the biggest songs in the world in 2011. So far, the song has achieved 1.5 billion streams and is certified Diamond - that doesn't happen by accident. 

This anonymous (and humble) musician was all of a sudden on every radio station and thrust into the spotlight after achieving a small deal with Red Bull Records. 

His 5th album is now out, a collection of covers all recorded in isolation during Covid - "My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers And Me." This features some high profile vocalists:

Jewel on "Take a Chance on Me"

Beck - "Eye in the Sky"

Branden Boyd & Portugal The Man - "Wind of Change"

Taylor Hanson - "Material Girl"

The question is, did Covid help with access to these vocalists or the opposite?? 

This is Awolnation, on The Rider with Becko

Tim Wheatley comes from a special family. His Dad Glenn and Mother, Gaynor gave him very much a rock & roll upbringing but somehow he stayed grounded. His father, bass player for the Master Apprentices went on to manage Little River Band and took them from filling pubs in Australia to stadiums of America. 

Of course we know his history managing John Farnham (and let's not forget the Telecom ads) and launching EON FM / Triple M. 

There are so many stories Tim has to say, but the first one is how he has coped with the loss of his Dad and turned that sadness into great music. The release of his cover of "Because I Love you" was a beautiful tribute and now EP "Shiny Tacoma" is officially out there. 

2022 has certainly had the highs and the lows for Tim and we will hear all about it and a couple of cool tales from living in Los Angeles too!

This is Tim Wheatley, on The Rider with Becko. 

Lit paved the way for the modern rock scene in the late 90s with "My Own Worst Enemy" getting airplay not just in their home, California but right around the world. 

The rock wave later introduced bands like Good Charlotte, Blink 182, Simple Plan and Sum 41 to the mainstream, pls being part of major sound tracks like American Pie. 

Ajay and Jeremy have made a huge change, moving to Nashville to adapt to the evolving music scene but have stayed true to their sound and what made them famous. 

You'll hear some great stories from the guys including a classic stuff-up at the AVN Awards in front of Gene Simmons and how they managed to get Steven Tyler to sing on one of their tracks. 

This is Ajay and Jeremy from Lit on The Rider with Becko 

Kav Temperley is working on his 2nd solo album, "Machines of Love and Grace" and after hearing the title track - you know he is carrying on from where he left off with Eskimo Joe. The song is a straight-up Eskis track and you'll find out in this interview that it almost was. 

The song was workshopped during covid and as Kav explains, it is heavily influenced by the attachment we all have to our phones and the voyeuristic nature of social media. 

Kav tackles the pressures of writing an album but also the benefits of not having record company pressures and being truly independent. 

We also hear about his new projects with NFTs and how Eskimo Joe was always ahead of the curve with fundraising for a new album (remember when they crowd funded in 2013??) 

Kav's new album includes the talents of John Butler and Katy Steele, so there is a lot to look forward to from the Perth music "mafia". 

This is The Rider with Becko, and Kav Temperley

Simple Plan are back with their 6th album and it couldn't come at a better time. The usual Covid dilemmas pushed back the release to 2022, since bands couldn't tour or promote their new music and as Chuck says, it didn't really feel appropriate to release and celebrate a new release while people were going through such tough times. 

We all grew up with Simple Plan as the sound track for many life experiences and Chuck will explain why that doesn't change as the band enter their 40s.

In this episode of The Rider you'll find out why Simple Plan have always been conservative with their rider expectations and also how they managed to get signed to a major label when they hadn't even done any big concerts - the story is amazing. 

Check out their album, "Hard Than it Looks" - it's out now.

This is Chuck from Simple Plan, on The Rider with Becko 

Tony Mott (not actually his real name - you'll hear what it is later in the podcast) has collected rock stars like 'Trainspotting' (like the book). 

He's had access to the biggest names in music, but it's not all about the photos - it's the stories he's collected along the way. 

In this podcast, you'll hear about:

Queen's last concert at Knebworth (and the afterparty!) 

Mick Jagger being yelled at by his mum during a photo shoot in Sydney.

Why Chrissie Amphlett was the greatest female lead singer he's ever seen.

Which artist brought in the '3 song rule' in rock photography.

Who is the greatest Tony has ever seen, and who was the worst.

This is Tony Mott, on The Rider with Becko 

As Season 2 of The Rider kicks off, it feels right to invite another member of INXS to tell his story - Tim Farriss. 

INXS at their peak were the biggest band in the world, but this didn't happen by accident. It was pure hard work and constant touring. You had the winning formula of a tight band: Jon, Andrew, Tim, Kirk and Garry with lead-singer perfection up front - Michael Hutchence. 

Chris Murphy as Manager was pivotal to the success of the band. Not just back then, but even today with INXS songs regular appearing in the charts. He knew they had skill and talent but above all, the right work ethic. Tim reveals how Chris reached out to him before his death and sadly never got to say goodbye. 

We'll talk about their greatest gig, Wembley 'Summer XS', how he's coping with not being able to play guitar, was there any consultation in the decision to call it quits in Perth in 2012, and how they got the news about the loss of Michael in 1997.

It's one of the most honest chats Tim Farriss has ever had.

This is the Rider with Becko, with Tim Farriss from INXS. 

Series 2 kicks off Monday with Tim Farriss from INXS in one of his most honest interviews ever. 

This is a chance to go back and celebrate the last 23 episodes of Series 1 of The Rider with Becko.

If you use Spotify, you can hear a "with music" version, and get the stories behind the artists.

Remember you can catch-up anytime on any of the interviews on whatever platform you choose and leave a rating if you have time - it all helps!!

Series 1 included chats with:

Andrew Farriss from INXS

Ben Lee

Nic Cester from Jet

Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother

Dave Gleeson from the Screaming Jets and The Angels

Mark Gable from The Choirboys

Fifa Riccobono from Alberts Music

Tim Rogers from You Am I

Novak from Polish Club

The Legendary Michael Chugg

Rob Hirst & Peter Garrett from Midnight Oil

Gavin Rossdale from Bush

Rick Nielsen & Robin Zander from Cheap Trick

Eric Kretz from Stone Temple Pilots

Todd Kerns from Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators

Brandon Boyd from Incubus

Tim Freedman from The Whitlams

Dave Faulkner from The Hoodoo Gurus

Shane Nicholson

Taylor Hanson

***Spotify Music Included***

We all know the success that Hanson had in 1997, from "MMMBop" to "Where's The Love" and the mania that followed.

Hanson are celebrating 30 years of music with "Red Green Blue" - coming out May 20. This time around, it's each band member working separately, rather than a collaborative effort, to write and record.

We'll hear all the stories of how this came together during covid and the usual dilemmas of releasing music when you can't tour.

Hanson are a machine, they survived record company takeovers, having 80 songs rejected and then deciding to launch their own record company - which was a genius move. Also since the podcast is called "The Rider" - you'll hear what Hanson have in their green room and what the usual demands are.

This is Taylor Hanson, on The Rider with Becko

This is a chance to go back and celebrate the last 23 episodes of Series 1 of The Rider with Becko. 

If you use Spotify, you can hear a "with music" version, and get the stories behind the artists.

Remember you can catch-up anytime on any of the interviews on whatever platform you choose and leave a rating if you have time - it all helps!!

Series 1 included chats with:

Andrew Farriss from INXS

Ben Lee

Nic Cester from Jet

Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother

Dave Gleeson from the Screaming Jets and The Angels 

Mark Gable from The Choirboys

Fifa Riccobono from Alberts Music

Tim Rogers from You Am I

Novak from Polish Club

The Legendary Michael Chugg

Rob Hirst & Peter Garrett from Midnight Oil

Gavin Rossdale from Bush

Rick Nielsen & Robin Zander from Cheap Trick 

Eric Kretz from Stone Temple Pilots

Todd Kerns from Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators

Brandon Boyd from Incubus

Tim Freedman from The Whitlams

Dave Faulkner from The Hoodoo Gurus 

Shane Nicholson

Taylor Hanson

This is a chance to go back and celebrate the last 23 episodes of Series 1 of The Rider with Becko.

This is a bonus "with music" version on Spotify with the songs included - not bad!!

Don't forget you can go back and listen to the full interviews anytime you like on whatever platform you choose and also feel free to leave a rating!

Series 1 included chats with:

Andrew Farriss from INXS

Ben Lee

Nic Cester from Jet

Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother

Dave Gleeson from the Screaming Jets and The Angels

Mark Gable from The Choirboys

Fifa Riccobono from Alberts Music

Tim Rogers from You Am I

Novak from Polish Club

The Legendary Michael Chugg

Rob Hirst & Peter Garrett from Midnight Oil

Gavin Rossdale from Bush

Rick Nielsen & Robin Zander from Cheap Trick

Eric Kretz from Stone Temple Pilots

Todd Kerns from Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators

Brandon Boy from Incubus

Tim Freedman from The Whitlams

Dave Faulkner from The Hoodoo Gurus

Shane Nicholson

Taylor Hanson

We all know the success that Hanson had in 1997, from "MMMBop" to "Where's The Love" and the mania that followed. 

Hanson are celebrating 30 years of music with "Red Green Blue" - coming out May 20. This time around, it's each band member working separately, rather than a collaborative effort, to write and record. 

We'll hear all the stories of how this came together during covid and the usual dilemmas of releasing music when you can't tour. 

Hanson are a machine, they survived record company takeovers, having 80 songs rejected and then deciding to launch their own record company - which was a genius move. Also since the podcast is called "The Rider" - you'll hear what Hanson have in their green room and what the usual demands are. 

This is Taylor Hanson, on The Rider with Becko 

Shane Nicholson really is the quiet achiever of the Aussie music industry. 

Nicholson's story begins with Brisbane band Pretty Violet Stain in the late 90s and then a magnificent solo career. 

After winning 3 ARIAs, 11 Golden Guitars (with 5 more nominations this year), it's clear he's one of the great Aussie song writers. His next album, "Living in Colour" is out now and as you check out the tracks from 'And You Will Have Your Way' and 'Helena' you see how the story has continued from the last album. It's clearly the next chapter, just 2.5 years later. 

He's got a lot of stories from a career on the road and being known as "Kasey Chambers' Ex" - he'll tell you a funny tale about that in the podcast. 

This is The Rider with Becko, and Shane Nicholson

The Hoodoo Gurus are one of Australia's favourites coming out of the pub scene. It was such a fertile era, bands like Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Mental As Anything and The Angels ruled the 'sticky floors' of Australia. 

In their 40th (well.. 41st) year, the Gurus have released their new album "Chariot of the Gods" coming with some wicked tracks - their farewell to Donald Trump "Hung Out to Dry" was one of the most notable. 

I got to visit them in the studio while recording in Surry Hills and in the podcast you'll hear about some of the history of that studio. Also the limitations, when recording during covid. 

Dave opens up on the music that influenced him, when growing up and what is on the Gurus' Rider after all these years. 

Their tour may be postponed at this stage, but we can't wait to see the Hoodoo Gurus back on the road with the Dandy Warhols celebrating 40 years.

This is Dave Faulkner, on The Rider with Becko

The Whitlams waited 15 years to release "Sancho" but it felt like the right time. The 7th record is out and the "Gaffage & Clink" tour continues - you'll find out what that is, a little later in the podcast!

Tim Freedman was ready to start on a new project when The Whitlams' long time tour manager, Greg Weaver tragically passed away. This gave Tim more inspiration and a chance to salute "Sancho" in this new album. 

The Rider gets plenty of great stories from Tim as he navigates through touring life and even being a father. "Eternal Nightcap" fans will also get some positive news on what is to come!

This is The Rider with Becko and Tim Freedman, from The Whitlams  

**Bonus Episode on Spotify with Music**

Brandon Boyd is nothing less than a musical genius, so to sit down and chat to him about the stories behind his latest album is a real privilege.

The lead man of Incubus, Brandon Boyd has come back with his new album "Echoes and Cocoons". This comes after new Incubus releases in 2019/2020 with "Trust Fall" Side B: "Into The Summer" and "Our Love" which was a gift to Incubus fans in the middle of lockdown.

Yes, that Covid lockdown... it sucked, but it lit the flame of many songwriters, including Brandon. But it wasn't isolation that sparked this creativity, it was a newly moved-in girlfriend with a passion for music that got John Congleton (Sigur Ros, Lana Del Ray) on Brandon's radar. In fact, they started writing new music in isolation without having met!

This is an honest and warm chat, direct from his home and hear the songs as you get the stories behind them.

This is Brandon Boyd and his new album Echoes & Cocoons, on The Rider with Becko

Brandon Boyd is nothing less than a musical genius, so to sit down and chat to him about the stories behind his latest album is a real privilege. 

The lead man of Incubus, Brandon Boyd has come back with his new album "Echoes and Cocoons". This comes after new Incubus releases in 2019/2020 with "Trust Fall" Side B: "Into The Summer" and "Our Love" which was a gift to Incubus fans in the middle of lockdown. 

Yes, that Covid lockdown... it sucked, but it lit the flame of many song writers, including Brandon. But it wasn't isolation that sparked this creativity, it was a newly moved-in girlfriend with a passion for music that got John Congleton (Sigur Ros, Lana Del Ray) on Brandon's radar. In fact, they started writing new music in isolation without having met! 

This is an honest and warm chat, direct from his home. 

This is Brandon Boyd, on The Rider with Becko 

Slash has released his 4th album with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators and this one didn't come easy. 

Post-Covid, recording comes with its risks. They jumped in a tour bus and travelled across the country to Nashville, to record in the historic RCA Studios - famous for Elvis and the Everly Brothers. 

The band wanted to get in the right head-space to record an album "as LIVE" and the tour bus trip was the perfect opportunity, especially after the isolation of Covid lockdowns to get to know each other again. What they didn't know, is that Myles Kennedy at the time had Covid and was about to sit out a week after a positive test. Then Todd and Brent Fitz caught it, and the album stalled. 

Despite the set-backs, the latest album 4 comes with a killer sound. "The River is Rising" and "Call off The Dogs" are clear highlights.

Becko chats with Todd about life before working with Slash and how the audition went to get the gig - imagine growing up with 'Appetite' and 'Use Your Illusion' and then getting to work with Slash! Todd also opens up about his chats with GN'R legend Duff McKagan.

This is The Rider with Becko, and Todd Kerns from Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators 

We are so excited to have international bands back on tour with Under The Southern Stars kicking off last week. The band, Cheap Trick weren't an overnight success. They relentlessly toured warehouse parties and taverns until they were signed to a major label - funnily enough, discovered playing at a bowling alley! The first 2 albums weren't a huge success either, but after a 'Beatlemania like' trip to Japan and the release of 'Live at Budokan' it all just happened! That lead to 'Surrender' and 'Dream Police' and worldwide attention.

Bush formed in London, in 1992 - right in the middle of a cultural change in music. The band were hard to define initially, it wasn't grunge. it wasn't classic rock - but my god, they had a polished sound. He could have easily not been a lead singer in a rock band, and you'll hear why in the podcast.

Then, Stone Temple Pilots are one of the great bands to come out of the 90s. Out of San Diego, the original lineup was Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and of course Eric Kretz on drums. Their insane debut album Core blew us all away in '92 and somehow this band found their place while the market was crowded with other bands at the time, like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Porno for Pyros. The album Purple came soon after in '94 and that confirmed they were onto something special. One thing they couldn't control was their relationship with Scott, who joined Velvet Revolver after the band took a break / broke up in 2002. They eventually reconciled and recorded more music only to have him sacked in 2013 and then the gifted lead singer passed away in 2015.

They are back to prove they can carry on with a brand new lead singer, Jeff Gutt and recently released a new acoustic album.

As part of Under the Southern Stars, they are coming back to Australia and a lot has changed! UTSS was revolutionary, trying to bring international bands to Australia while we were cut off from the world during covid. The solution was, they all stay at a resort together for two weeks in quarantine. It would have been wild! Luckily it hasn't come to that, and it's on until March 27 in Brisbane.

This Under The Southern Stars special of The Rider with Becko features the music from the lineup and of course you can catch up with the full interviews on all platforms.

This is The Rider with Becko, with Gavin Rossdale from Bush, Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick and Eric Kretz from Stone Temple Pilots (with the music!) 

We are so excited to have international bands back on tour with Under The Southern Stars kicking off last week. The band, Cheap Trick weren't an overnight success. They relentlessly toured warehouse parties and taverns until they were signed to a major label - funnily enough, discovered playing at a bowling alley! The first 2 albums weren't a huge success either, but after a 'Beatlemania like' trip to Japan and the release of 'Live at Budokan' it all just happened! That lead to 'Surrender' and 'Dream Police' and worldwide attention.

As part of Under the Southern Stars, they are coming back to Australia and a lot has changed! UTSS was revolutionary, trying to bring international bands to Australia while we were cut off from the world during covid. The solution was, they all stay at a resort together for two weeks in quarantine. It would have been wild! Luckily it hasn't come to that, and it's on until March 27 in Brisbane.

(Make sure you catch up on the chat with Gavin Rossdale from Bush and Eric Kretz from Stone Temple Pilots)

This is Robin Zander from Cheap Trick, on The Rider with Becko

and.... bonus, Rusty from Electric Mary

Stone Temple Pilots are one of the great bands to come out of the 90s. Out of San Diego, the original lineup was Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and of course Eric Kretz on drums. Their insane debut album Core blew us all away in '92 and somehow this band found their place while the market was crowded with other bands at the time, like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Porno for Pyros. The album Purple came soon after in '94 and that confirmed they were onto something special. One thing they couldn't control was their relationship with Scott, who joined Velvet Revolver after the band took a break / broke up in 2002. They eventually reconciled and recorded more music only to have him sacked in 2013 and then the gifted lead singer passed away in 2015. 

They are back to prove they can carry on with a brand new lead singer, Jeff Gutt and recently released a new acoustic album. 

As part of Under the Southern Stars, they are coming back to Australia. UTSS was revolutionary, trying to bring international bands to Australia while we were cut off from the world during covid. The solution was, they all stay at a resort together for two weeks in quarantine. It would have been wild! Luckily it hasn't come to that, and it all kicks off March 11 - 27.

Still to come next week, the iconic Robin Zander, the lead singer of Cheap Trick. (and make sure you catch up on the chat with Gavin Rossdale from Bush and Rick Neilsen)

This is Eric Kretz from Stone Temple Pilots, on The Rider with Becko