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