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

On this week’s A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy welcomes a man whose songs have woven themselves into the fabric of several generations. Tommy James, the legendary frontman of Tommy James & The Shondells, joins us for a deep, revealing conversation about the highs, the heartbreaks and the astonishing twists behind one of the most successful hit-making careers of the 1960s and beyond.Tommy’s journey is the kind of story Hollywood couldn’t invent — though they’re certainly trying, with his bestselling memoir Me, the Mob and the Music currently being adapted for the big screen. He takes us right back to his childhood in Niles, Michigan, where loving rock ’n’ roll meant picking up a guitar, forming a band and hoping the magic would follow. It did — but not in any way Tommy expected.He talks us through the incredible moment when Hanky Panky, a forgotten B-side recorded years earlier, suddenly blew up in Pittsburgh after a bootlegger pressed tens of thousands of copies. One minute Tommy was playing small clubs; the next he and his band were national chart-toppers. That whirlwind success swept him straight into the arms of Roulette Records — a label run by the charming but notoriously dangerous Morris Levy, a man later revealed to have deep ties to the Genovese crime family. Tommy opens up about the complicated relationship that followed: the protection, the pressure, the creative freedom, and the financial exploitation that kept millions of dollars out of his hands.In this wonderfully open chat, Tommy revisits the creation of the monster hits that still light up dance floors today. He tells Sandy how I Think We’re Alone Now reinvented the band’s sound, how a flashing neon sign inspired the name for Mony Mony, and how Crimson and Clover marked a bold new chapter in studio experimentation — a leap that helped Tommy move from AM pop dominance to the era of FM album rock. He describes the excitement of breaking musical ground, the thrill of hearing his songs explode on radio, and the constant sense of danger swirling around Roulette’s offices.Sandy and Tommy also explore the cultural shifts that shaped his era: the rise of psychedelia, the breakup of The Shondells, and the changing landscape of the record business as artists were suddenly expected to deliver albums with artistic depth, not just hit singles. He recalls touring America in the late ’60s, his surprising involvement in Hubert Humphrey’s presidential campaign, and the little-known story of why he turned down Woodstock — a decision that has fascinated fans for decades.Today, Tommy remains as passionate and creative as ever. With new music, a thriving fan base, and an extraordinary life story headed for film adaptation, he’s enjoying a well-deserved renaissance. His music still pulses through movies, TV, commercials and global radio, connecting across generations and reminding listeners why these songs have never stopped mattering.This episode is a joyful, eye-opening, often jaw-dropping journey through one of the most colourful careers in rock ’n’ roll. If you love the artists who shaped the soundtrack of our lives — the stars of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s — then settle in. Tommy James has stories you’ll be telling your friends for days.

In this deeply personal and wonderfully candid episode, we’re joined by one of rock’s most recognisable and influential drummers: Liberty DeVitto. For three decades, Liberty was the rhythmic engine behind Billy Joel — the man whose explosive, intuitive playing powered classics like “Only the Good Die Young,” “Movin’ Out,” “You May Be Right,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” and so many more. But as you’ll hear, his story is so much bigger than the music that made him famous.Liberty opens up about his Brooklyn upbringing, marked by a tough home life and a school system that didn’t quite know what to do with a kid like him. He talks about the teacher who dismissed his dreams outright, and the moment that changed everything: seeing the Beatles on television and suddenly realising what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.From there, Liberty takes us on a vivid journey through the early days — the basement rehearsals, the bar gigs, the scramble to get noticed — until fate put him in the same room as a young Billy Joel. The chemistry was instant, electric, and undeniable. Liberty reminisces about the early records where the band was still finding its voice, the Stranger sessions where everything clicked, and the whirlwind that followed as Billy Joel became one of the biggest artists on the planet.Of course, success rarely comes without friction. Liberty speaks honestly about life inside the Billy Joel band, the tight-knit camaraderie, the touring madness, the studio magic, and the growing tensions that eventually fractured the group. He doesn’t shy away from the painful parts — the confusion, hurt, and years of silence after he was let go. But he also shares the long path back toward healing, forgiveness, and ultimately reconciliation with Billy after fifteen years apart.Along the way, he talks about fatherhood, sobriety, personal growth, and the rediscovery of joy through new creative partnerships and projects — including his heartfelt work with the band The Slim Kings and his passion for mentoring young musicians.This conversation is full of humour, honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a man who helped shape some of the most iconic songs of the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond. Whether you’re a longtime Billy Joel fan, a drummer, or simply someone who loves a good story of resilience and reinvention, this episode delivers in spades.Settle in — Liberty DeVitto’s journey is one you won’t forget.For more about Liberty head for his website https://libertydevitto.com/I hope you enjoy his story.

In this episode, I finally get to sit down with a man I’ve been chasing for more than four years — the incomparable Ian Gillan of Deep Purple. If you grew up on classic rock the way I did, you already know exactly what a monumental figure he is. Ian’s the powerhouse vocalist who helped define the sound of hard rock, pushed the limits of vocal technique, and gave us some of the most enduring songs in modern music history.But this isn’t your typical rock-star chat. Ian opens up about everything — from hearing Elvis for the first time and singing as a boy soprano to scraping by with half-broken instruments, makeshift drum kits, and a single pair of trousers he rotated with Roger Glover. He talks candidly about those early club days in Germany, the magic of the transistor radio, and how the surf-rock craze swept through London in the mid-60s.We dive right into the evolution of Episode Six, the songwriting partnership with Roger Glover, the birth of Deep Purple’s legendary hard-rock sound, and the incredible creative chemistry that powered albums like In Rock, Fireball, and Machine Head. Ian shares what it was really like inside the whirlwind of fame — the money, the mayhem, the distractions, the growing pains, and the moment he realised the band’s unity was starting to fracture.He also reflects on the pressures of success, the importance of staying true to your artistic identity, and why he ultimately walked away from one of the biggest bands in the world. It’s raw, honest, funny, nostalgic, and full of the kind of stories only Ian Gillan can tell.If you love Deep Purple, classic rock history, behind-the-scenes stories, or simply a great conversation with a remarkably self-aware and entertaining storyteller, this episode is going to be a treat.Tune in and step inside the life, the voice, and the unstoppable spirit of Ian Gillan.To learn more about Ian head to:Ian Gillan (official site) www.gillan.comDeep Purple – official band site deep-purple.com deep-purple.comDeep Purple – Ian Gillan’s page on band site deep-purple.com/band/ian-gillan/ deep-purple.com

Born Patricia Louise Holte in 1944 in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the woman we know as Patti LaBelle was raised in a large family as the second-youngest of five children. Her father worked on the railroad and performed in clubs, while her mother was a domestic worker. From a young age, Patti found solace and purpose in music — she joined her church choir at age 10 and by 12 was singing solo. Her early life wasn’t easy. The marriage of her parents was troubled, and after her parents separated when she was 12, she experienced deep personal trauma. Yet despite hardship, she held onto music — both for comfort and as an outlet — listening to jazz, R&B and gospel as she grew up.In her mid-teens Patti began dreaming of making music beyond the church. By 1960, she formed a girl group called The Ordettes with friends at school. The next year members changed and the group evolved into Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles — soon to become simply Labelle in the '70s. The Bluebelles enjoyed moderate success: in '62 they scored a Top-20 hit. Later, they found acclaim covering classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” In the '70s Labelle’s sound evolved. The group embraced funk, soul, and rock — culminating in the '74 smash hit Lady Marmalade. The song and its style cemented their place in music history.But amidst growing fame, internal tensions and changing musical landscapes led to the group’s split in '77. That difficult moment became the launchpad for Patti’s solo journey. Patti’s debut solo album, simply titled Patti LaBelle, came out in '77. Her true breakthrough came mid-'80s. A string of hits turned Patti into a household name. 1986’s album Winner in You — featuring the duet On My Own with Michael McDonald — topped U.S. charts and solidified her commercial success.In the '90s Patti continued to release albums. She earned a second and sold tens of millions of records worldwide.Patti’s talents reach far beyond singing. Over the decades she’s dabbled in acting and is also a successful author. Her 1996 memoir Don't Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime gives insight into her hardships, faith and perseverance. She later penned cookbooks, launched a food brand with frozen comfort foods, and her signature sweet-potato pies.Today Patti LaBelle shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, she marked her 80th birthday by announcing a brand new album titled 8065 — a tribute to her 80 years alive and 65 years in show business. She’s also hit the road with the “8065 Celebration Tour,” which will take her to audiences around the world — including stops planned for Australia and New Zealand early in 2026.At 81, Patti remains a powerhouse performer. Her message to fans? Age is just a number — and she’s proof. Reflecting on her decades-long career, she recently said she feels blessed to still be “standing” — able to sing, walk, and create. Her fans, across generations, couldn’t agree more.From “The Ordettes” to Stardom, this episode details the rise and rise of the legend we knowas Patti Labelle.Catch her on tour here:Jan 16 Rancho Mirage, CA, United StatesJan 17 Thunder Valley Casino Resort Lincoln, CA, Jan 20 Riverside Theatre Perth, AustraliaJan 22 Palais Theatre St Kilda, Jan 24 Adelaide Entertainment Centre Jan 25 Sydney Event Centre Jan 28 The Star Gold Coast Jan 30 The Civic Auckland, New ZealandFeb 12 Jacksonville, FL, Feb 13 Charlotte, NC, United StatesFeb 15 St Louis, MOFeb 19 New OrleansFeb 20 Houston, TXFeb 22 Fort Worth, TXMar 14 Westbury South, NY

Bob “Bongo” Starkie was one of Australian rock’s most colourful and enduring guitarists — a player whose sharp riffs, cheeky humour, and rhythmic pulse powered Skyhooks from Melbourne cult heroes to national icons. Bongo's journey before, during, and after the band reflects a musician who never lost his spark. Starkie passed away on 29 November 2025, prompting an outpouring of affection from fans and fellow artists who saw him as a vital thread in the fabric of Australian music.Growing up in Melbourne, Bob was drawn to guitar early and spent his young adulthood shaping his craft in pubs, clubs, and rehearsal rooms. He played in a string of local outfits where he built a reputation for clean, punchy rhythm work and an upbeat stage presence. Even before he had a national profile, musicians around the city knew him as reliable, talented, and quietly charismatic — the sort of guitarist other bands wanted to poach.Starkie joined Skyhooks in 1973, stepping into a band that would become one of Australia’s most influential rock acts. Skyhooks arrived like a shockwave: irreverent, glammy, theatrical, and unmistakably Australian.Bob’s guitar style became a pillar of their sound — tight, melodic, rhythmic, and full of playful swagger. His work powered hits from Living in the ’70s and Ego Is Not a Dirty Word, including classics like “Horror Movie,” “You Just Like Me ’Cause I’m Good in Bed,” “Ego Is Not a Dirty Word,” and “Women in Uniform.”Onstage, Bob brought a grounded confidence that balanced the band’s wilder theatrical edges. He wasn’t the loudest personality in Skyhooks, but his presence was essential — the rhythmic engine room that kept the glitter-covered chaos driving forward.After the band’s original era wound down, Starkie remained a working musician through and through. He played in a variety of groups, collaborated widely, and stayed active across Melbourne’s music scene.Eventually, he took on a role that fans adored: fronting Bob Starkie’s Skyhooks Show, a touring act that kept the band’s catalogue alive with humour, heart, and authenticity. Unlike a tribute act, this was the real thing — Starkie playing the music he helped make famous. Audiences loved him for it, and the shows often became celebrations shared across generations.He also contributed frequently to interviews, documentaries, and retrospectives, offering his memories with warmth and clarity. Starkie took pride in the band’s legacy and made sure the stories — and the songs — stayed alive.In his final years, Starkie continued performing and engaging with the music community whenever his health allowed. His death led to a wave of tributes across Australia. Artists, fans, music journalists, and former bandmates remembered him as a generous, grounded musician who gave everything to his craft and never lost his sense of fun.Bob “Bongo” Starkie leaves behind more than riffs and records — he leaves behind decades of memories, laughter, friendship, and the unmistakable sound of Skyhooks, a band that helped Australia find its own voice in rock ’n’ roll. From his early days in Melbourne pubs to his final shows proudly flying the Skyhooks flag, he stayed true to the music and the people who loved it.His legacy will continue to ring out every time a Skyhooks classic blasts through a speaker.In this episode we explore Bongo's musical life, listening to hin tell his own story, in his own words. Whether you're already familar with the band Skyhooks, or just discovering them for the first time, I'm sure you're going to enjoy hearing Bob's story.For more information, comments or feedback, head to ny website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au