The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 40 Mark Holden from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Jul 26, 2026
Mark Holden has done it all (and then some) during his decades in the entertainment business. Be it as a singer, songwriter, actor, producer, barrister, heartthrob or unofficial ambassador for carnations, Mark left no stone unturned from day one. As he releases a new album of songs - 'Now and Then and Shirley MacLaine' - with a newly crafted singing voice, Mark reflects on some of his most memorable moments and the passion and joy that keeps his creative juices flowing. From lining up to appear on the Ernie Sigley Adelaide Tonight Show to writing hits for The Temptations or with Vanessa Amorosi, Mark has always been totally committed. Bringing his new music and some of his old material back via the streaming platforms is his latest venture. You can check out what Mark is up to here: Facebook facebook.com/theholdenbrotherstravellingcircus Instagram instagram.com/holdenbrotherstc Twitter twitter.com/holdenbrostc www.youtube.com/@Dreamcarnation2 Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 39 Andrew Farriss & Captain Sensible from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Jul 6, 2026
Andrew Farriss is back with his second solo album The Prospector and his new country style is putting a smile on his face, as he tells Kevin in this chat about the new songs, his second live appearance at the hallowed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and some fond memories of his time in INXS. Andrew talks about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame voting for INXS and the Michael Hutchence he misses. The Prospector, some tour dates and more at www.andrewfarriss.com The other guest on this episode is Captain Sensible from The Damned as they are about to hit our shores for their Final Damnation 50th Anniversary Tour. The Captain shares his thoughts on many and varied topics including the tour, the setlist, the Sex Pistols, Taylor Swift, cover versions, his solo career and his name. THE DAMNED AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND SEPTEMBER 2026 TOUR DATES Tuesday 8th September AUCKLAND, Powerstation Thursday 10th September SYDNEY, The Opera House Friday 11th September BRISBANE, The Tivoli Sunday 13th September MELBOURNE, The Forum Tickets: From: https://thephoenix.au/the-damned-2026/ Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 38 Eric McCusker from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Jun 16, 2026
Eric McCusker's imprint on Australian pop music is awesome. Think songs like 'Come Said the Boy', 'Summer of '81', 'Chemistry' and a little ditty called 'State of the Heart', just part of his songwriting contribution to Mondo Rock, plus being a bloody good guitar player. In this expansive chat with Kevin, Eric fills in the days before Mondo Rock - a musical adventure and apprenticship that crossed the globe - and his experiences as part of one of this country's most prolific pop bands. From meeting Elvis in Hawaii to choosing music over medicine, Eric has had a most entertaining and interesting life journey. Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 37 Vika & Linda Bull and Beach Boy Al Jardine from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Jun 1, 2026
As they prepare for their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Vika and Linda Bull take time out to chat about 'Where Do You Come From" their brilliant new album. The sisters share the stories behind the very personal songs that make up this new record and the preparation for a national tour which is is about to begin. Tour and album info here vikaandlinda.com.au Also on the touring agenda is Beach Boy Al Jardine bringing the Pet Sounds Band to Australia to relive the musical magic of The Beach Boys. Al has been around since the beginnings of the Brian Wilson inspired supergroup, but still finds joy in performing timeless classics like God Only Knows, Help Me Rhonda and Surfer Girl. Tour info here https://davidroywilliams.com/tours/al-jardine/ Coming soon Episode 38 with Eric McCusker of Mondo Rock fame. No really, this time I mean it. Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 36 Mike Scott of The Waterboys & Bill Evans from The H Files with Kevin Hillier May 10, 2026
The Waterboys are currently touring Australia and their founder and frontman Mike Scott joined me to talk about the tour, playng live, their album dedicated to actor Dennis Hopper and of course that monster hit they had that still sounds epic - The Whole of the Moon. The Waterboys – Australian and New Zealand Tour | Destroy All Lines Saxophonist Bill Evans is bringing his latest VansBand All Stars tour to Australia in October. A one time Miles Davis alumni, Bill is a master and his body of work covers every musical genre, all of which will be part of his first tour here in 25 years. Tickets are on sale now! www.gaevents.au Coming soon Episode 37 with Eric McCusker of Mondo Rock fame. Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 35 Don McLean and Reg & Pete from Mental As Anything. from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Apr 24, 2026
Long, long time ago Don McLean had a hit with American Pie. Fifty five years later, we still love the song and Don will be playing it live during his October Australian tour to celebrate that 55th anninversary. Don chats about his life and times, including American Pie and why he is still performing at the age of 80. The ongoing musical autopsy on the song American Pie is not a concern to Don, as he tells me "It is the hand I have been dealt. And it is a winning hand." I also ask Don: Is American Pie his greatest work? How did it feel to have a classic song written about him? Who are the three men he admires most ? Don McLean's American Pie 55th Anniversary Tour begins October 10 at Mareeba. Tickets at Ticketmaster and more at https://donmclean.com/ By comparison, the relatively youthful Mental As Anything are only celebrating their 50th anniversary. Reg Mombassa and Peter O'Doherty, musical and real life brothers, join me to discuss the new tour, the documentary that chronicles the band's history and some of their favourite moments from those heady days. Described as an ambitionless band, the Mentals had a string of top 40 hits spanning three decades, sold out shows across Australia and international success when they least expected it. The Mental As Anything 50th Anniversary Tour starts June 12 at The Gov in Adelaide tickets at Ticketmaster. More at www.mentalasanything.com Coming soon Episode 36 with Eric McCusker of Mondo Rock fame. Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 34 Francis Rossi, David Briggs and Kevin Borich. from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Apr 5, 2026
What a star-studded episode 34 turns out to be. Guest One: Francis Rossi OBE. Founder, leader, lead singer, lead guitarist and sole continuous member of Status Quo - a mighty feat on its own, but he also has a new solo album The Accidental to chat about. Francis - who loves a chat but doesn't like looking in the mirror - is happy to share some memories from the Quo days and his very colourful life. Guest Two: David Briggs AM. When we left David Briggs in episode 33, he was enjoying the success of his song Lonesome Loser with Little River Band, but all that was about to change. In part 2 of my chat with David, he discusses leaving LRB and moving more into producing, including the first Australian Crawl album. Guest Three: Kevin Borich KEV. I check in with Kev, who is about to hit the road for some shows in New South Wales and Melbourne in the next few weeks. Kev's touring dates: Friday 10th April Wallsend Diggers & Mezz Bar - Newcastle Saturday 11th April 2026 - Camelot Lounge - Marrickville Thursday 16th April Memo Music Hall St. - St.Kilda Saturday 18th Archies Creek Hotel - Archies Creek Sunday 19th Musicland Fawkner - Fawkner You can check out The Accidental on all the usual music platforms as well as Francis' website www.francisrossi.com Coming soon Episode 35: Reg & Pete from Mental as Anything and Don McLean. Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 33 Ralph McTell & David Briggs from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Mar 21, 2026
On the eve of his farewell tour of Australia, Ralph McTell joins me to chat about his many Australian experiences, his enormous catalogue of songs, his love affair with his guitar and the ups and downs of having such an iconic hit as Streets of London. My other guest is David Briggs, another man known for his prowess with the guitar. It was that skill which brought him to our attention as a long time member of the Little River Band in their halcyon days. Not only a guitarist, David wrote one of the band's biggest worldwide hits, Lonesome Loser. The story behind that song, his days on the road and in the studio with LRB plus life before all that are discussed in part one of this interview. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 33 with Ralph McTell and David Briggs. Ralph is touring across Australia from May 7th tickets https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=RALPHMC26 Coming soon Episode 34 with Francis Rossi of Status Quo fame and David Briggs Part Two. Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 32 Derek Smalls Ex Spinal Tap. from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Mar 1, 2026
Their musical footprint is undeniable and the mere mention of the name brings gasps to a generation. Spinal Tap blazed a trail through the music business, ignoring the rule book, rewriting the etiquette of rock, blowing up many sound systems worldwide and causing pandemonium at airport security. And in one final act of anarchy, they blew themeselves up. Bass player Derek Small walked out. The shockwaves are still being felt as Derek tells Kevin in this illuminating chat about the demise of the band that brought the world classics like Big Bottom, Sex Farm and Bitch School. Derek is now carving out a solo career sans the influence of David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tuffnel and the shackles are off, as he launches into his post-Spinal Tap life with new original songs Rear View Mirror and Balls. Derek has much to get off his rockstar hairy chest and does so. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 31 Skyhooks Part 5 Ross Wilson, Mark Irvine and Peter Green from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Jan 24, 2026
Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed, and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation. In Part 5 you'll hear Ross Wilson, who saw the band in the very early days, signed Greg to a music publishing deal and then became the producer of the first three Skyhooks albums. Ross' memories take you inside the studio, on the road in the USA and more. 3XY disc jockey Mark Irvine got teamed with Shirl in 1984 for a short term Rocktober on-air promotion that became a permanent pairing. They became a very successful radio team and a professional and personal partnership was formed. Peter Green was a 70s Wollongong teenager who loved the music and that passion led him to Melbourne, where he is now official historian and the man behind the Official Skyhooks Facebook page and YouTube channel, plus curator of Skyhooks memorabilia. Musical excerpts in this episode Hey What's the Matter featuring Steve Hill live Benefit Concert Living in the 70's Shirl solo Live soundcheck Melbourne Music Festival 1988 Love's Not Good Enough From Ego is Not a Dirty Word Blue Jeans from Straight in a Gay Gay World Women in Uniform from Guilty Until Proven Insane Jukebox in Siberia The Latest and Greatest Ego is Not a Dirty Word Ross Wilson featuring Bongo Starkie Five Decades of Cool Palais Theatre 2009 Every Litte Bit Hurts Shirley Strachan solo single Crazy Heart from Straight in a Gay Gay World 3XY Shirl & Irvine Show 1988 courtesy of Ken Francis Love on the Radio live from the In the Heat of the Night concert Myer Music Bowl Melbourne 1975 Let it Rock Hits and Riffs Meglomania, Life in ther Modern World and Don't Take Your Lurex to the Laundromat from ABC TV Special Guilty Until Proven Insane The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 30 Skyhooks Part 4 Bob Spencer and Tony Williams from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Jan 11, 2026
Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed, and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation. In Part 4, the men chosen to replace two of the country's biggest pop stars in one of the country's most popular bands. Bob Spencer - a cocky guitar slinger from the pop group Finch - was enlisted to fill Red Symons' role and singer Tony Williams - an alumni of most of the group - was selected to front the band after Shirley Strachan departed for a media career. Bob and Tony take us through the early days fitting into the band and finding their place, plus the highs and lows of being a Skyhook. Musical excerpts in this episode Meglomania from Guilty Until Proven Insane BBB Boogie from Guilty Until Proven Insane Women in Uniform recorded live at Festival Hall Melbourne 1983 ’ Point in the Distance from Guilty Until Proven Insane Why Don’t You All Get F....D live Sydney Opera House 1978 Carlton Lygon Street Limbo from the Pint on Pub live show Over the Border recorded live at Bombay Rock February 1980 The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 29 Skyhooks Part 3 Bob 'Bongo' Starkie from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Dec 26, 2025
Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed, and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation. In Part Three, guitarist Bob Starkie - universally known and loved as 'Bongo' - shares his memories in one of his final interviews before his passing in November 2025. We retrace the early days, pre replacing his brother Peter in Skyhooks, meeting Greg for the first time, being in studio with Ross Wilson, the American tour and life after Skyhooks, including his Rio adventure with Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs. Recorded only weeks before his death, Bob also talks about his health battle and his positivity is testament to the man. Ross Wilson also pays tribute to Bob in a small excerpt from his full Skyhooks chat, which will be in Part 4. Music in this episode ‘Hey What’s the Matter’ Sydney Opera House 15th of September 1974. ‘Ego is not a Dirty Word’ Bridgeway Hotel, Pooraka South Australia Sunday 24th September 2023 Vocals Laura Davidson ‘Mercedes Ladies’ from Ego is not a Dirty Word ‘Every Chase a Steeple’ from Ego is Not a Dirty Word ‘Is this America’ from Straight in a Gay Gay World ‘Carlton Lygon Street Limbo’ 'Bongo' Starkie performing with fellow Skyhooks members Greg Macainsh and Bob Spencer 'Rockin' for the legendary Doc Neeson - The Voice of The Angels' in 2013 at Cherry Bar. ‘Horror Movie’ Bongo Starkie's Skyhooks Show performing 'Horror Movie' at the Harley Davidson National Hog Rally Saturday - 23rd September 2023 ‘Party to end all Parties’ from The Skyhooks Tapes ‘Balwyn Calling’ Skyhooks featuring Ross Wilson Rockwiz October 2015 ‘All My Friends are getting Married’ Bongo Starlie’s Skyhooks Show Adelaide October 2024 featuring Sasha Theunissen on vocals The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 28 Skyhooks Part 2 Red Symons from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Dec 16, 2025
Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation. In Part Two, guitarist Red Symons shares his recollections of joining the band, recording those groundbreaking first albums, his stage look, leaving the band and his life after Skyhooks, including his very successful media career. Find out which one of the Hooks' biggest hits Red refers to as 'a prick of a song to play' and his memories of Shirl, including visiting the site of his death. Song excerpts included in this episode in order: Whatever Happened to the Revolution Smut Million Dollar Riff You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good in Bed Balwyn Calling Somewhere in Sydney I'm Normal Ego Is Not a Dirty Word The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 27 Skyhooks Part 1 Greg Macainsh from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Dec 8, 2025
Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed and they were. In the first of a four-part series, The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation. Part One features Greg Macainsh, the man who wote the songs, and what game changing songs they were - Living in the Seventies, Balwyn Calling, You Just Like Me Coz I'm Good in Bed, Toorak Cowboy, Women in Uniform and Ego is Not a Dirty Word. Greg created the sound of Skyhooks and lyrically shattered the stereotypical rock song. Greg shares some of his thoughts on the band, the music, fame and much more. You will also hear from David Briggs, the former Little River Band guitarist and songwriter given the task of remastering some Skyhooks material over the years. Songs excerpts included in this episode in order Toorak Cowboy (demo with Steve Hill on lead vocals) Living in the Seventies Horror Movie All My Friends are getting Married Women in Uniform Balwyn Calling Love's not Good Enough (3XY Rocktober Concert 1984 Hey hey It's Saturday) Powdertown Carlton ( Lygon Street Limbo) The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 26 Peter Asher. from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Dec 1, 2025
Peter Asher has had a career like a Russian doll. It started as an 8 year old actor working with the likes of Boris Karloff. While Peter's sister Jane became a leading actress, Peter was drawn to music and with Gordon Waller became the worldwide hit making duo Peter & Gordon. They did get some help from Peter's sister's boyfriend and Asher house lodger Paul McCartney, who wrote a few songs the duo recorded. As Peter tells Kevin, being in a recording studio for the first time with Peter & Gordon was where he discovered his next calling - record producer. This led to running Apple Records' A&R Department for The Beatles, discovering James Taylor and relocating to America for the next phase of his incredible career. Peter brilliantly combined being an artist manager and record producer, working with Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Barbara Streisand, Robin Williams, Steve Martin and Diana Ross to name but a few. It is an incredible career that is still going, both on and off stage, and it is a great privilege to have Peter Asher CBE on The H Files. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 25 Andy Kim from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Nov 18, 2025
Andy Kim has been a star for a very long time and his musical footprint started in the legendary Brill Building in New York, the mecca for budding songwriters from all over the world. When a young, wide-eyed Canadian walked in for a meeting with Jeff Barry, it was a life changing experience, and the start of a Hall of Fame musical career. Andy talks about writing Sugar Sugar, a worldwide number one song for The Archies, and his solo hits like the classic Rock Me Gently. Success opened many doors, including backstage with Elvis and having a Beatle present him with his Gold Album. Andy Kim has enjoyed a long and colourful musical journey and he shares much of it here. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 24 Mike McClellan. from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Oct 27, 2025
Mike McClellan has carved a very successful career across many decades because he is a craftsman, a showman, a man with a curious mind and a passion for singing and songwriting that he still works at today at the ripe old age of 80. As he prepares for his latest tour, Mike reflects on what drives him, what makes him happy, what has influenced him and what has touched him over the year. As you will discover in this chat, Mike is a master storyteller, whether he is singing those words or recounting stories of his life and times. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 23 Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Oct 13, 2025
Buzz Bidstrup is a jack of all trades and master of plenty - including storytelling - and does he have a story or two to tell. The man behind the drum kit for The Angels is also a founding member of Gangajang, record producer and sound engineer for many of this country's best artists, manager, promoter, songwriter (No Secrets - no less) and now author of the book No Secrets (Harper Collins) that tells the behind-the-scenes story of all those shenanigans and more. From being booted off the Kinks tour of the USA and booting himself out of The Angels to forming Gangajang and meeting and working with Jimmy Little, Buzz has great stories and tells them beautifully in both print and voice. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 22 David Surkamp, Michael Timmins and Buzz Bidstrup from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Sep 29, 2025
It has been 50 years since we first heard David Surkamp's unique voice as frontman of Pavlov's Dog and on the eve of the band's first Australian tour, David shares his thoughts on his amazing musical career. From writing the iconic Julia to meeting Vanda and Young on his only visit to Australia, David tells a great story. Cowboy Junkies are also on their way to Australia for their 40th anniversary tour and founding member Michael Timmins talks about their longevity, their musical path and what Aussie audiences can expect in November. Finishing this episode, a sneak preview of the next H Files with Buzz Bidstrup, a man of many and varied talents including being the drummer with the Angels. Buzz has written a brilliant memoir 'No Secrets' and in this snippet Buzz tells the story of that Angels crowd classic 'Am I ever gonna see your face again' and sharing a stage with I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 21 Paul Carrack & Phil Campbell. from The H Files with Kevin Hillier Sep 5, 2025
Paul Carrack is a great singer. That is a fact, not an opinion, and he is a genuinely nice bloke to chat to, as I found out when we caught up to discuss his latest musical offering “The Country Side of Paul Carrack”. Paul's voice lends itself to any style of music as he has shown across his career from the early days with Ace (How Long), UK Squeeze (Tempted) and Mike & the Mechanics (Silent Running) to his many successful solo projects, the man can sing anything brilliantly, even a telephone directory as Phil Collins once jokingly suggested. Paul chats about all his work as a singer and as a much sought after songwriter. On the eve of his Australian tour, former Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell pops in to tell fans what they can expect when Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons land in a few days' time. Suffice to say they won't be disappointed with what Phil has to say. The H Files with Kevin Hillier Post-production by Chris Gates For Howdy Partners Media www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts © 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
