The Rider is a series of podcast and video interviews that get the gritty details from some of rock and roll’s greatest. From the process of bringing an album to life, to the gigs, the parties and everything in between. Fans want to know the hard work that goes into bringing entertainment to the masses and how the rock stars manage it all. Most of all, The Rider gives true fans access to the raw, unfiltered experience of loving rock and roll. Listeners will feel like they’re knocking one back at the Rainbow Bar and Grill on Sunset Strip.
20 years ago one of the great Aussie albums was released, "Suburban Songbook" by Bob Evans. Suburban Songbook remains a critical and commercial success story two decades beyond its release. Fittingly in 2026, Bob Evans will head out on the road for the 20th Anniversary of Suburban Songbook , set to perform the record in its entirety with full band this September and October, along with a special 20th Anniversary Edition of Suburban Songbook available digitally and on vinyl on September 4. It's always great to catch up with Kevin and have conversations on Perth's music scene and how did he ask the rest of Jebediah how they felt if he worked on something else for a bit. This is The Rider with Becko and Bob Evans.
Alexander Gow has released a brilliant new album, 'Bodyline'. Best known as the frontman of Oh Mercy, Gow reflects on the evolution of his craft—from ARIA-winning records to striking out on his own—and unpacks the stories behind an album that embraces intimacy, restraint and lyrical precision. Along the way, we talk about creativity beyond commercial success, balancing music with journalism, and what keeps him writing after nearly two decades of Australian music. A natural progression from 2023’s Dizzy Spell , Bodyline tradeslo-fi minimalism for something richer and more playful. Still grounded in Gow’s unmistakable songwriting voice, the album expands its palette through layered arrangements and analogue warmth, recorded to quarter-inch tape with an openness to experimentation. “ Bodyline is the latest effort in my ongoing pursuit of enduring, horny songwriting - full of pathos and personal exploration, ” Gow says. “ Writing songs is the thing I am best at; it brings me joy, meaning, and context in a life that is largely fulfilling, yet often chaotic and confusing. ” Stream it now... it's brilliant. This is The Rider with Becko and Alexander Gow.
Music has a unique way of transcending time, and for Mark Holden, this has been a defining theme throughout his illustrious career. From his rise to fame in the 1970s to his recent resurgence in the music scene, Holden's journey is both inspiring and enlightening. Mark Holden’s career took off in the 1970s, a decade that shaped his identity as an entertainer. He reflects on how he became a household name during this era, particularly due to his appearances on television shows. Then there was the Idol era - numerous stars were discovered and can owe their careers to Holden and Australian Idol. Mark has a busy 2026 with a number of albums released and will continue to create new music despite the setbacks. This is Mark Holden, on The Rider with Becko.
Meg Mac burst onto the scene as a Triple J Unearthed feature artist and a debut EP that got her airplay across the country. "Never Be" and "Low Blows" are now aussie classics and she then made a name for herself as part of numerous festival tours on Falls and Spilt Milk and the USA circuit. Her Triple J 'Like a Version' appearances have all been highlights but her cover of Tame Impala's "Let it Happen" has been widely credited as one of the best moments of the JJJ segment. Her 4th album is about to arrive, "It's My Party" on 20th Feb and we have already heard a taste with 4 singles released. Her theatre tour is also about to begin, so check her out this Feb and March! This is Meg Mac on The Rider with Becko.
The legendary Tea Party are coming back to once again play some huge venues around Australia. This time around, the tour will also include two amazing symphony shows - one in Melbourne and one at the Sydney Opera House. It's always a pleasure to catch up with Tea Party frontman, Jeff Martin. This episode we'll also catch up with Nick Mulvey who is about to kick off his second Australian tour - he has a lot of talent and some great stories. His new album is "Dark Harvest Pt II" This is The Rider with Becko with the Tea Party and Nick Mulvey.
Paul Kelly is an Australian music icon. His 30th album is out now, "Seventy" which feels like part 2 of "Fever Longing Still." (Because it is) His songwriting feels effortless, but it's a natural skill that many of us would dream of. Paul has had a massive year, sold-out arena shows, back to back albums and the Red Hot Summer Tour in 2026. ‘Seventy' traces its inspiration to Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales and Boccaccio's Decameron, where disparate souls come together to swap yarns and keep the darkness away. “Telling stories is deeply human and has been since we started to become humans,” says Kelly. 'Seventy' comes with the song 'Rita Wrote a Letter' - Part 2 of 'How to Make Gravy'. In this interview, Paul reflects how this song has been on the shelf for a little while - but for one big reason. The release of 'Seventy' comes as Kelly rides a wave of unprecedented demand, having recently sold out his extensive arena tour across the country. The tour reinforced his position as Australia's unofficial poet laureate, with Rolling Stone declaring: "He is one of the grand masters of songwriting and our unofficial poet laureate. This year he turned 70, and long may he run." The Age reflected on his enduring cultural impact: "He's forever connecting us back to memory, to place, to home. Kelly's set got me thinking about how he's baked into our national consciousness and perhaps played a part in forming it.” This is The Rider with Becko, and Paul Kelly.
You might remember where you were when the Hottest 100 of 2006 was announced, and for the first time in ages it was a winner you couldn't argue against. "One Crowded Hour" was the standout song of the year, a masterpiece. Augie March were on a slow build, up until then. They had setbacks and tragedy that we'll tackle in this episode. 2006 was a year they will never forget. Catch Augie March on tour in April as they celebrate 20 years of "Moo, You Bloody Choir," This is The Rider with Becko, and Glenn from Augie March.
The story of Murray Cook's 'sliding doors' moment is one for the ages - if he didn't go to uni and meet Anthony and Greg, there would be no Wiggles and no amazing music as part of the Soul Movers. Over time the Soul Movers have changed and broadened their style with Lizzie Mac on vocals - so the name change to 'Murray and The Movers' opens the door to a more rocky edge. Check out Murray and The Movers on tour this Summer and the new song "If I'm With You". This is The Rider with Becko and Murray Cook.
Youth Group are a gifted band that have always deserved more focus. They have just wrapped up their tour off the back of their 6th album, "Big Whoop." You might remember when they burst onto the scene with one of the greatest covers of all time, "Forever Young" which made it onto the O.C. and all of a sudden, they were hot property - and won an ARIA in 2006. Over the years, Toby has released three solo albums and toured, but when Youth Group get together (which is rare), it feels special. Check out the new album and new song "When I was" - one of the best hooks we've heard all year. This is Toby Martin from Youth Group, on The Rider with Becko.
"Shotgun Karaoke" began as a backstage challenge while Something for Kate were on tour. Paul was thrown impossible songs to cover from artists like Iron Maiden and You Am I. Strangely the challenge started to get a following on Youtube and it sparked something - a covers album! "Shotgun Karaoke" came out and then Paul toured the country, but he didn't necessarly want to be known as the 'covers guy'. (But we all loved his "Wrecking Ball" version all the same!) In 2025, "Shotgun Karaoke II" was released with covers from Cher, Max Q, REM and Patti Smith. The tour also continues in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. This is The Rider with Becko, and Paul Dempsey.
Ione Skye, has written one of the greatest books of the year - "Say Everything". Ione, Hollywood it girl as many refer to her is now an adopted Aussie: married to the iconic Ben Lee and living in Sydney. Their podcast "Weirder Together" has some hilarious takes and worth checking out. In 1986 fifteen-year-old Ione Skye landed the breakout role in 'River's Edge' and then she inspired John Cusack’s iconic boombox serenade in the hit Cameron Crowe film, ' Say Anything . ' Her experiences around music and musicians is what makes this memoir so special. Growing up in the Hollywood Hills and living in Laurel Canyon, surrounded by so many gifted people from the Fleetwoods to the Zappas - Ione saw it all. This is The Rider with Becko and Ione Skye.
Franz Ferdinand are set to return to Australia for another massive tour, Perth to Sydney this November and December. The timing is appropriate, after releasing their 6th album - coming back to the country that elevated Franz Ferdinand onto the main stage at The Big Day Out. The rise of Franz Ferdinand blew everyone away when 'Take Me Out' charted across the world and earned the band a Grammy nom and Mercury Prize. There is a winning formula behind the sound of the band, and it made them stand out compared to other guitar based artists. Make sure you catch them in November and December - tickets through Frontier Touring. This is The Rider with Becko, and Bob from Franz Ferdinand
Davey Lane is one of the hardest-working musicians I know. Guitarist for You Am I , he's on various touring projects including the album celebrations of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, and now his fourth album is released: " Finally, A Party Record." Finally, A Party Record. is an eclectic mix, chock full of late-‘70s LA party vibes. Singles released so far are God, I’m Fucked Up Over You and Over, Over & Out. Lending vocals up front on lead is Nitida Atkinson (An Absent Lover), with backing vox on other tracks from the likes of Phil Jamieson (Flippant Words), Angus Leslie (Not Expecting To Fly), Loretta Miller (Not Expecting To Fly, Flippant Words, Remedies), Gem Choir (If It Can Rain, It’ll Rain) and a scream from Kram on Remedies. Go and check out the new album and sit back and enjoy the stories. This is The Rider with Becko and Davey Lane.
It's hard to believe 30 years have passed since one of the most important albums of the indy scene was released: Dave Graney & The Coral Snakes "The Soft N Sexy Sound". Dave Graney & The Coral Snakes were part of a huge movement, long before most of us discovered the band in the mid-90s. Whether it was Melbourne, Sydney or London, we all have a story of stumbling into a smokey bar and seeing the 'loung lizard' in action... and it was something. Fast track 30 years, the upcoming Anniversary shows promise to bring the cool and collective sounds of DG & The Coral Snakes’ acclaimed album to life in full on the stage. The setlist will dive deep into The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound , with standout tracks such as “ Rock'n'Roll is Where I Hide ", " I'm Not Afraid to Be Heavy” , and " I'm Gonna Live in My Own Big World ”, along with a second set of classics and fan favourites. Dave says: The Soft ‘n’ Sexy Sound . 1995. Gold status. ARIA award for Best Male Artist (I called it “king of pop” as that sounded less pretentious). Rock’n’Roll Is Where I Hide, I’m Not Afraid To Be Heavy, Apollo 69, Morrison Floorshow. This is The Rider with Becko and Dave Graney & Clare Moore
Alice Cooper has reunited with his original Alice Cooper group for the first time in over 50 years - the new album is out now, "The Revenge of Alice Cooper." Dennis Dunaway, Michael Bruce, Neal Smith and Glen Buxton are back with Alice, and they sound as brutal as ever. A lot has happened since Alice went solo, the 80s 'Trash' era was epic and it's been endless touring. But this is a big deal, the original Alice Cooper Band going into a studio in Connecticut and bringing back the magic of the 70s. You'll hear some brilliant stories from Alice including the impact of Wayne's World and the secret lair of the 'Hollywood Vampires.' This is The Rider with Becko, and Alice Cooper
Sometimes you know you're onto something good. The day I met INXS Manager Chris Murphy, he had a skill of finding great people with an even greater attitude. They wanted to work harder than anyone else, but have fun doing it. That's how it was meeting the Buckleys. Consisting of siblings Sarah Grace (lead vocalist/bass guitar), Molly (vocals, keyboard and mandolin) and Lachlan (electric and slide guitar), the band have taken their electrifying live show to stages across Australia and the United States from Bluesfest Byron Bay to CMC Rocks, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Meatstock, Gympie Music Muster, Savannah In The Round, Mundi Mundi Bash as well as appearances at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe, Music City Roots, LA, New York and more. In a recent review, Sunburnt Country say’s “The Buckleys are one of the greatest live acts you could ever hope to see”. Meet the family, and you will just love them. You might also know their Dad! This is The Rider with Becko, and The Buckleys
AC/DC are without doubt, the greatest band to come out of Australia. Over 200 million albums sold and famously, 'Back in Black' the highest selling rock album of all time. The band formed in 1973 and toured heavily across Australia and then the world. The lineup has changed over the years, but the foundation was the Young brothers, Malcolm and Angus. Since Malcolm's passing, the future has been uncertain but we all know how special it is to have the band back on the road for the 'Power Up' World Tour. They return to Australia in November, and this will be a tour not to miss. This is The Rider with Becko, and Angus Young.
The Coronas formed over 20 years ago in Ireland. 8 albums later, they haven't lost that hunger and the love of touring the world. It seems they like Australia too, after four visits in four years we welcome them again this November. After meeting in college, forming a band and then a quick name change to avoid confusion with 90s dance artist 'Corona' - The Coronas gave us their debut album in 2007 'Heroes or Ghosts'. Each album has been a step ahead musically and a success in the Irish charts. This is The Rider with Becko and Danny from The Coronas.
After 14 years touring the world with 5 Seconds of Summer, Calum Hood has released his debut album 'ORDER chaos ORDER'. This has not been a rushed effort, the 10-track collection is a masterpiece and has been in the works for over two years. The album was written and recorded with 'Day Wave' (Jackson Phillips) and brings together emotions and fragility from life experiences. On this episode of The Rider, Calum talks about the circumstances behind this album, growing up in Sydney and plans for 5 Seconds of Summer. This is The Rider with Becko, and Calum Hood.
