Long Way to the Top

Every song has a story. Every legend has a journey.Long Way to the Top is where those stories come alive — the raw, revealing, and often hilarious moments behind rock’s most enduring names. Hosted by Shayne Brian, this is the ultimate backstage pass into the minds of the artists who built the soundtrack of our lives.From chart-topping anthems and studio secrets to the reinventions that kept them alive across decades, each episode dives deep into the grit, the glory, and the genius that made these icons who they are.Featuring legendary guests including:Stewart Copeland (The Police) — on the art of rhythm, rebellion, and creating one of the most innovative bands in rock history.Leo Sayer — sharing stories from a five-decade career of global hits, resilience, and reinvention.Russell Morris — reflecting on The Real Thing and the timeless spirit of Australian music.Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock) — taking us through six decades of songs that shaped Aussie rock.Tony Hadley (Span

Long Way to the Top is a music podcast hosted by Shayne Brian, with 85 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Shayne Brian hosts Long Way to the Top, a music show with 85 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #18

  S4E18 - Suzi Quatro: Freedom, the Detroit Sound and the Queen of Rock

  Aug 18, 202630 minS4

  Suzi Quatro joins Long Way to the Top for a career-spanning conversation about her incredible rock and roll journey, her new album Freedom , recording with Alice Cooper and her massive Down Under 2026 Australian tour. From Can the Can, 48 Crash and Devil Gate Drive to The Wild One, If You Can't Give Me Love and Stumblin' In , Suzi Quatro didn't simply become one of the biggest rock stars of the 1970s. She helped change what a rock star could look like. In this episode, Suzi talks about growing up in the extraordinary Detroit music scene, picking up the bass, leaving America for England, working with legendary producer Mickie Most and the explosion of success that followed Can the Can in 1973. We also revisit Leather Tuscadero and Happy Days , her influence on generations of women in rock and her remarkable relationship with Australian audiences. But Suzi Quatro is far from living in the past. Her latest studio album, Freedom , sees her reconnecting with her rock and roll roots in her third album collaboration with her son Richard Tuckey. The record also features fellow Detroit rock legend Alice Cooper joining Suzi for a blistering version of the MC5 classic Kick Out the Jams . Suzi tells Shayne about working with Alice, why Detroit remains such an important part of her musical DNA, making records with her son and why, more than six decades into her career, she still has no intention of quietly putting the bass guitar away. We also look ahead to the Suzi Quatro Down Under 2026 Tour , which takes her across Australia throughout November and December with Baby Animals as special guests on the headline concerts, plus Red Hot Summer Tour appearances featuring artists including Jon Stevens, Baby Animals, Rose Tattoo, The Screaming Jets, Dragon and Choirboys , with line-ups varying between shows. If you love Suzi Quatro, 70s rock, glam rock, classic rock, Australian rock history, Alice Cooper, Detroit rock and the stories behind the songs , this is an episode you don't want to miss. IN THIS EPISODE Suzi Quatro talks about: Returning to Australia for the Down Under 2026 Tour Her extraordinary relationship with Australian audiences Why she still loves performing live Her new 2026 album Freedom Working with her son Richard Tuckey Recording Kick Out the Jams with Alice Cooper Growing up inside Detroit's legendary rock and roll scene Starting out with The Pleasure Seekers Moving to England and working with Mickie Most The breakthrough success of Can the Can 48 Crash, Devil Gate Drive, The Wild One and her classic 1970s hits Becoming Leather Tuscadero on Happy Days Breaking down barriers for women playing rock and roll The continuing popularity of Stumblin' In More than six decades of surviving the music business Why retirement still isn't part of the Suzi Quatro plan SUZI QUATRO DOWN UNDER 2026 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATESNOVEMBER 2026 Saturday 14 November Rooty Hill, NSW Coliseum Theatre With special guests Baby Animals. Sunday 15 November Sydney, NSW Sydney Opera House With special guests Baby Animals. Thursday 19 November Hobart, TAS Wrest Point Entertainment Centre With special guests Baby Animals. Friday 20 November Gold Coast, QLD The Star Gold Coast With special guests Baby Animals. Sunday 22 November Brisbane, QLD Roma Street Parkland Red Hot Summer Tour. Saturday 28 November Lake Macquarie, NSW Speers Point Park Red Hot Summer Tour. Sunday 29 November Torquay, VIC Torquay Common Red Hot Summer Tour. DECEMBER 2026 Wednesday 2 December Melbourne, VIC Palais Theatre With special guests Baby Animals. Saturday 5 December Seppeltsfield, SA Seppeltsfield Wines Red Hot Summer Tour. Sunday 6 December Fremantle, WA Fremantle Prison With special guests Baby Animals. Tickets and full tour information are available through Face to Face Touring. https://facetofacetouring.com.au/current-tours/suzi-quatro-down-under-2026   FOLLOW LONG WAY TO THE TOP Love the stories behind the songs and the long road travelled by the artists who made them? Hit plus or follow to subscribe to Long Way to the Top and never miss an episode. Join us on Facebook for new interviews, classic rock stories, upcoming guests and more: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast And if you enjoyed this episode with Suzi Quatro , share it with another classic rock fan and help us keep these incredible stories alive. Keep on Rocking!   #SuziQuatro #AliceCooper #Freedom #KickOutTheJams #LongWayToTheTop #ClassicRock #RockNRoll #SuziQuatro2026 #AustralianTour #BabyAnimals #RedHotSummerTour #CanTheCan #DevilGateDrive #StumblinIn #70sRock #DetroitRock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Episode #17

  S4E17 - Go West's Peter Cox: The Story Behind The King of Wishful Thinking & 40 Years of Hit Songs

  Aug 5, 202619 minS4

  Go West became one of the defining pop acts of the 1980s with timeless hits including We Close Our Eyes , Call Me , Don't Look Down and the global favourite The King of Wishful Thinking . In this episode of Long Way to the Top , Shayne Brian sits down with Peter Cox , the unmistakable voice of Go West, to discuss the band's incredible 40-year journey, the stories behind their biggest songs, and why their music continues to connect with audiences around the world. Peter reflects on Go West's rise during the golden age of MTV, the success of The King of Wishful Thinking after its appearance in Pretty Woman , and the band's enduring popularity. He also talks about returning to Australia after touring here with Nik Kershaw in 2024, and what fans can expect from the new Australian tour alongside Debbie Gibson . If you love classic 1980s music, behind-the-scenes stories, songwriting, and the artists who created the soundtrack to a generation, this is an episode you won't want to miss. In this episode: The origins of Go West The story behind We Close Our Eyes How The King of Wishful Thinking became a worldwide classic The impact of Pretty Woman Touring Australia with Nik Kershaw and now Debbie Gibson Life on the road after four decades Peter Cox's thoughts on legacy and longevity Shayne's Fast Five AUSTRALIAN TOUR AND TICKET INFORMATION Tour dates, venues, VIP packages and tickets: https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/go-west Official Ticketek ticket page: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=GOWEST26 Debbie Gibson official website: https://debbiegibsonofficial.com/ Subscribe to Long Way to the Top for more in-depth conversations with the artists who created the songs, albums and unforgettable moments that shaped popular music. Visit: https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast   #GoWest #PeterCox #TheKingOfWishfulThinking #DebbieGibson #LongWayToTheTop #80sMusic #ClassicPop #WeCloseOurEyes #PrettyWoman #MusicPodcast #ShayneBrian #AustralianTour #RetroMusic #NewWave #PopMusic See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Episode #16

  S4E16 - Debbie Gibson: Foolish Beat, Electric Youth and an Eternally Electric Career

  Jul 29, 202634 minS4

  Debbie Gibson joins Shayne Brian on Long Way to the Top ahead of her long-awaited return to Australia as special guest on Go West’s 40th Anniversary Tour . Debbie became one of the defining pop artists of the late 1980s with an extraordinary run of hits including “Only in My Dreams,” “Shake Your Love,” “Out of the Blue,” “Foolish Beat,” “Electric Youth” and “Lost in Your Eyes.” At just 17, “Foolish Beat” made Debbie the youngest female artist to write, produce and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, a record she continues to hold. Every one of her US Top 20 singles was written solely by Debbie, establishing her as much more than a teenage pop star. She was a songwriter, musician and producer determined to maintain control of her own music. In this revealing conversation, Debbie takes us inside the writing and production of her biggest songs. She discusses the heartbreak behind “Foolish Beat,” the enduring emotional connection fans have with “Lost in Your Eyes,” and why the message of “Electric Youth” remains relevant decades later. Debbie also reflects on the pressures of achieving international fame as a teenager, fighting to be recognised as a serious songwriter, and the important role her mother played in protecting her creativity and career. The conversation explores her remarkable life beyond the original hits, including her extensive musical theatre career, starring roles in productions such as Les Misérables , Grease , Beauty and the Beast , Chicago and Cabaret , her return to the charts with “Girls Night Out,” and the release of her album The Body Remembers . Debbie also discusses her bestselling memoir, Eternally Electric , the meaning behind its title, and what she has learned from more than four decades of reinvention, resilience and making music on her own terms. Debbie Gibson returns to Australian stages for the first time since 1989, joining Go West for shows in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and Brisbane from 25 August to 4 September 2026. Audiences can expect a celebration of classic pop featuring Debbie’s greatest hits alongside Go West favourites including “We Close Our Eyes,” “Call Me” and “King of Wishful Thinking.” AUSTRALIAN TOUR AND TICKET INFORMATION Tour dates, venues, VIP packages and tickets: https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/go-west Official Ticketek ticket page: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=GOWEST26 Debbie Gibson official website: https://debbiegibsonofficial.com/ Subscribe to Long Way to the Top for more in-depth conversations with the artists who created the songs, albums and unforgettable moments that shaped popular music. Visit: https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast #DebbieGibson #GoWest #ElectricYouth #FoolishBeat #LostInYourEyes #OnlyInMyDreams #EternallyElectric #GoWestTour #AustralianTour #80sMusic #80sPop #PopMusic #Songwriting #MusicInterview #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Episode #20

  S4E15 - Angry Anderson Announces Rose Tattoo’s Final Shows Ever

  Jul 22, 202614 minS4

  Angry Anderson has made a massive announcement exclusively on Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian , confirming the final Rose Tattoo shows ever. After more than five decades of blood, sweat, beers and uncompromising rock ’n’ roll, one of Australia’s most influential bands is preparing to take its final bow. In this special episode, Angry Anderson reflects on the extraordinary Rose Tattoo journey, from the pubs of Sydney to international tours with ZZ Top and Aerosmith, and reveals why 2026 will mark the band’s final year on the road. Angry discusses the fans who have carried Rose Tattoo through every decade, the enduring power of songs including Bad Boy for Love, Rock ’n’ Roll Outlaw, Nice Boys, Scarred for Life and We Can’t Be Beaten , and the emotions behind saying goodbye to a band that has become part of the fabric of Australian rock music. The farewell concerts will also feature the return of legendary guitarist Rockin’ Rob Riley , joining Angry Anderson, Mick Arnold, Steve “Kingy” King and Paul DeMarco. Rob Riley will perform the landmark Scarred for Life album in its entirety with Rose Tattoo, along with more classics from the band’s celebrated catalogue. For one final time, Rose Tattoo are turning it up loud and celebrating more than 50 years of music, mateship, resilience and authentic Australian rock ’n’ roll. Rose Tattoo Final Australian Shows 2026 Friday, 18 September Prince Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC Final Victorian show With Willie J’s 6V6’s and Hot Machine Sunday, 20 September The Gov, Adelaide, SA Final South Australian show and early Sunday performance No support Friday, 25 September Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW With Willie J’s 6V6’s and Hot Machine Saturday, 26 September The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD Final Brisbane show With Willie J’s 6V6’s and Hot Machine The September dates and venues have been confirmed, with tickets now available through the official Rose Tattoo website. Tickets: https://www.rosetattoo.com.au/ Listen to the full conversation as Angry Anderson joins Shayne Brian on Long Way to the Top to announce the final Rose Tattoo shows and look back on the legacy of a true Australian rock ’n’ roll institution. Visit: https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast #RoseTattoo #AngryAnderson #LongWayToTheTop #AustralianRock #AussieRock #RockNRollOutlaw #ScarredForLife #WeCantBeBeaten #BadBoyForLove #NiceBoys #RoseTattooFarewellTour #FinalShows #FarewellTour #RockinRobRiley #AustralianMusic #ClassicRock #PubRock #HardRock #RockLegends #MusicPodcast #ShayneBrian #LiveMusicAustralia #AustralianRockHistory #RockInterview #RockMusicPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Episode #14

  S4E14 - Richard Burgman - Sunnyboys Reunion, 45th Anniversary Box Set & The Story Behind an Australian Rock Classic

  Jul 14, 202654 minS4

  Forty-five years after changing the sound of Australian rock,  Sunnyboys are back to celebrate one of the greatest debut albums in Australian music history. In this special episode of Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian , guitarist Richard Burgman reflects on the band's remarkable journey, the enduring legacy of Sunnyboys, and the release of the stunning 45th Anniversary 4LP vinyl box set . Packed with rare demos, live recordings, the original Phantom Records EP, exclusive interviews and previously unreleased material on vinyl, this collection tells the complete story of the band's unforgettable first year. Richard shares behind-the-scenes memories of recording classic songs including Happy Man , Alone With You , I Can't Talk To You and Tunnel of Love , while discussing the brilliance of songwriter Jeremy Oxley , the explosive Sydney music scene of the early 1980s, and why Sunnyboys continue to inspire generations of Australian musicians. The conversation also explores the band's highly anticipated one-off reunion performance in Brisbane , what fans can expect from the show, and why the music still resonates more than four decades later. Whether you've loved Sunnyboys since 1981 or you're discovering one of Australia's most influential guitar bands for the first time, this is a fascinating look inside the making of an Australian rock masterpiece. In this episode: The story behind the Sunnyboys 45th Anniversary 4LP vinyl box set Rare demos, live recordings and never-before-released material Richard Burgman's memories of Sunnyboys' rise to fame Jeremy Oxley's songwriting and lasting influence The making of Australian classics including Happy Man and Alone With You Behind the scenes of the upcoming Sunnyboys reunion show The band's legacy in Australian rock history Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians and music legends who created, and continue to create, the soundtrack of our lives. Visit: https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast #Sunnyboys #RichardBurgman #JeremyOxley #AustralianRock #AustralianMusic #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #Vinyl #ClassicRock #MusicPodcast #HappyMan #AloneWithYou #WarnerMusic #RockHistory #AussieMusic See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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