'60s '70s '80s - Warm, Candid, Classic Rock Interviews with Music Legends - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Few voices are as instantly recognisable as Colin Blunstone's.
As the lead singer of The Zombies, he helped define the sound of the British Invasion with timeless classics including She's Not There, Tell Her No, Time of the Season and the landmark album Odessey and Oracle.
More than six decades later, Colin continues to tour the world, record new music and perform with the same unmistakable voice that first captivated audiences in the 1960s.
In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Colin shares the extraordinary story behind one of rock's most influential bands.
He explains how The Zombies came together through little more than chance, why Rod Argent almost remained the band's lead singer, and how She's Not There became a worldwide hit despite a chaotic recording session.
Colin reflects on the realities of life during the British Invasion, revealing why hit records didn't necessarily mean financial success and how the original band ultimately dissolved while still enjoying international acclaim.
The conversation also explores Colin's remarkable solo career, including his brief period recording as Neil MacArthur, the success of Say You Don't Mind, his years with Elton John's Rocket Records, working alongside Alan Parsons and Dave Stewart, and the unexpected legal battle that temporarily stalled his career.
Colin opens up about returning to live performance after more than twenty years away, the reunion with Rod Argent that led to the rebirth of The Zombies, and the band's emotional induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Along the way, Colin discusses maintaining his voice into his eighties, the discipline required to continue performing at the highest level, overcoming self-doubt despite decades of success, and why he still believes nobody in the music industry truly knows what tomorrow will bring.
If you love classic rock, the British Invasion, timeless songwriting and honest conversations with legendary artists, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear the remarkable story behind one of music's most distinctive voices.
And ... if you're in any of these cities make sure you go see The Zombies live!
Sep 2 Somerville TheatreSomerville (Boston), MA The Fixx, Colin Blunstone, and Peter Asher
Sep 4 Count Basie Center for the ArtsRed Bank, NJ
Sep 5The ParamountHuntington (Long Island), NY
Sep 6 United TheatreWesterly, RI
Sep 8 Tupelo Music Hall Derry, NHT
Sep 10 Adler Hall New York Society for Ethical Culture New York
Sep 11 Keswick Theatre Glenside (Philadelphia), PA
Sep 12 Warner TheatreWashington, DC
Sep 13 he Kent StageKent, OH
Sep 15 Uptown TheaterMinneapolis, MN
Sep 17 Genesee Theatre Waukegan (Chicago), IL
Sep 18 The Ludlow GarageCincinnati, OH
Sep 19 Barrymore Theatre Madison, WI
Sep 21 DeVos Performance HallGrand Rapids, MI
Sep 23 Brown County Music Center Nashville
Sep 26 College Street Music Hall New Haven, CT
Sep 27 Santander Performing Arts Center Reading, PA
Sep 29 RIT Performing Arts CenterRochester, NYT
Sep 30 Troy Savings Bank Music HallTroy, NY

Australian Rock legend Angry Anderson has been hospitalised after suffering a cardiac arrest in Brussels.
Rose Tattoo released a statement some three weeks after their frontman, legally Gary Anderson, 79, was hospitalised, forcing the band to cancel the European leg of what was to be their final tour.
Anderson is currently receiving treatment and care in ICU, though his condition is unknown.
Rose Tattoo were scheduled to return to Australia this month to perform several farewell gigs across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.
Angry Anderson rose to fame as a rock star in the late 1970s and 1980s, moving from the Australian-pub scene to mainstream success.
Rose Tattoo’s debut album and hit single Bad Boy for Love received widespread national recognition. Their next album, Assault and Battery, topped the UK heavy metal charts, catapulting them to international stardom.
Outside his music career, Anderson received a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for his work in youth advocacy.
As we all pray that Angry recovers, I thought you may like to revisit our chat here.

Before stadium tours, platinum albums and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition, John Kay was simply a young refugee searching for a better life. Music became his escape, his identity and ultimately the vehicle that carried him from the hardships of post-war Europe to the front of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
In this episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, host Sandy Kaye welcomes the legendary singer, songwriter and founding member of Steppenwolf for a deeply personal conversation about the remarkable life behind one of rock's most recognisable voices.
Born in East Prussia during the closing months of World War II, John spent his earliest years amid conflict and uncertainty. His family fled advancing Soviet forces before eventually escaping communist East Germany and building a new life in Canada. Those formative experiences shaped his resilience, independence and determination long before music entered the picture.
John recalls discovering rock and roll as a teenager and finding inspiration in the blues, folk and early rock artists who would influence his own distinctive style. He shares how those early musical ambitions led to the formation of Steppenwolf in Los Angeles, where the band quickly became one of the defining acts of the late 1960s with its raw sound, powerful songwriting and unforgettable performances.
The conversation explores the creation of timeless classics including "Born to Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me," "The Pusher" and "Monster," songs that helped shape the soundtrack of a generation. John reflects on how "Born to Be Wild" became forever linked with the landmark film Easy Rider, transforming it into a global anthem of freedom, adventure and rebellion. He also explains how the famous lyric "heavy metal thunder" unexpectedly became part of rock music history, helping to popularise a phrase that would define an entire genre.
Beyond the music, John offers thoughtful insights into songwriting, creativity and the realities of life in one of the world's biggest rock bands. He discusses the pressures of fame, the changing music industry and why staying true to his artistic principles has always been more important than chasing commercial success.
John also speaks passionately about his lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental causes, revealing another side of the man behind the music. His dedication to protecting the natural world has remained just as important as his musical legacy, demonstrating that his influence extends well beyond the recording studio and concert stage.
This conversation is more than a look back at Steppenwolf's extraordinary career. It's the story of perseverance, reinvention and the enduring power of music to transcend borders, generations and cultures. Whether you've been a fan since the 1960s or you're discovering Steppenwolf for the first time, John's remarkable journey is every bit as compelling as the songs that made him famous.
If you enjoy hearing the stories behind the artists who created the soundtrack of our lives, subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air for more in-depth conversations with the legendary musicians who continue to inspire audiences around the world.

Few Australian bands have enjoyed the extraordinary international success of Little River Band, and few people are better placed to tell that story than original drummer Derek Pellicci.
In this warm, candid and deeply insightful conversation, Derek looks back on an incredible career that began with a young boy standing in a crowd watching The Beatles during their unforgettable '64 visit to Melbourne. That single moment changed the course of his life forever, inspiring him to become a drummer and setting him on a path that would eventually take him to stages all over the world.
Derek shares his fascinating journey through Melbourne's thriving music scene of the late 60s and early 70s, performing with bands likeThe Music Express, The Plum and The Ash before receiving the phone call that would change everything.
When Beeb Birtles invited him to audition for Mississippi, Derek found himself joining a group whose remarkable vocal harmonies would soon evolve into one of Australia's greatest recording acts.
He recalls the transformation of Mississippi into Little River Band, the arrival of Glenn Shorrock, the vision of legendary manager Glenn Wheatley and the chance roadside moment that inspired the band's iconic name.
The conversation explores LRB's groundbreaking assault on America, where they became the first Australian band to achieve sustained commercial success across the US.
Derek explains how the band built its audience one city at a time long before MTV existed, touring relentlessly and opening for some of the biggest names in rock including Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Heart, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Miller Band and The Doobie Brothers.
Those years of constant travel, endless overnight bus rides and unforgettable performances eventually led to thirteen US Top 40 hits and established Little River Band as Australia's biggest musical export of the era.
Derek also offers remarkable behind-the-scenes stories about the making of some of the band's best-loved songs, including Reminiscing, Cool Change, Lonesome Loser and It's A Long Way There.
One of the highlights of this episode is Derek's vivid recollection of working with legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin.
For a musician whose career began because of The Beatles, collaborating with Martin was a full-circle moment. Derek explains the invaluable lessons Martin taught the band about simplicity, arrangement, discipline and always serving the song before serving the musician.
The conversation then turns to Derek's life after Little River Band. Moving to Los Angeles opened the door to songwriting, and he reflects honestly on why he wishes he had begun writing much earlier in his career.
His lifelong love of literature eventually found its way into his lyrics, leading to a new creative chapter that has become every bit as fulfilling as performing on stage.
Today Derek is once again breaking new ground with his album Welcome to the Human Race. He speaks openly about using artificial intelligence as part of his songwriting and production process, why he believes creativity still belongs to the artist rather than the technology, and why audiences should judge music by what they hear rather than how it was created.
His thoughtful perspective on AI provides one of the most fascinating discussions you'll hear about where music may be heading in the years ahead.
Derek also reflects on friendship, success, the realities of life on the road, the tensions that inevitably arise inside successful bands, and why he has no desire to chase the past through endless reunion tours.
Whether you've loved Little River Band since the '70s or you're discovering their music for the very first time, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear one of Australia's most respected musicians tell his story with warmth, humour and remarkable honesty.
It's an inspiring conversation about following your passion embracing change and proving that creativity never has an expiry date.

Long before blues rock became a global phenomenon, Savoy Brown was helping define the genre.
Founded in London in 1965 by legendary guitarist Kim Simmonds, the band became one of the most respected names to emerge from the British blues explosion, earning a devoted following through relentless touring, exceptional musicianship and an unwavering commitment to authentic blues music.
In this episode, Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm share the remarkable story behind Savoy Brown's rise from the vibrant London club scene to becoming one of America's favourite live blues rock bands. The two reflect on the early influences that shaped his playing, the explosion of British blues alongside bands including Fleetwood Mac, Cream and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, and the determination that kept Savoy Brown recording and touring for almost six decades.
Pat explains why the blues has remained timeless, discusses the band's ever-changing lineup, and reveals how Savoy Brown became a proving ground for musicians who would later enjoy success with other iconic bands, including Foghat. He also talks about songwriting, life on the road, recording classic albums such as Blue Matter, Looking In, Street Corner Talking and Hellbound Train, and why authenticity has always mattered more than commercial success.
More than a history lesson, this is an intimate conversation with two of the true pioneers of British blues. Pat and Garnett reflect on the highs and challenges of an extraordinary career, the friendships forged through music, and the enduring appeal of the blues in an ever-changing musical landscape.
Whether you've followed Savoy Brown since the '60s or are discovering the band for the very first time, this episode offers a fascinating insight into one of the most influential yet often underappreciated groups in blues rock history.
If you enjoy interviews with classic rock legends, blues musicians and the artists behind the soundtrack of our lives, be sure to subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air with Sandy Kaye for more exclusive conversations with the musicians who changed popular music forever.
Topics covered in this episode include:
The formation of Savoy Brown in London in 1965
Kim Simmonds' early musical influences
The British blues boom and its lasting impact
Touring America and building an international audience
Classic Savoy Brown albums and defining songs
The musicians who passed through Savoy Brown, including future members of Foghat
Why the blues continues to inspire audiences worldwide
Songwriting, recording and life on the road
Kim Simmonds' lasting legacy in blues and classic rock

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