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