In this episodem we explore the remarkable journey of Bernie Leadon, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose artistry helped define The Eagles’ early sound.

Often called the unsung hero of The Eagles, Bernie’s contributions — from intricate guitar and banjo work to his soaring harmonies — helped shape a sound that has resonated for decades.

From his early exposure to bluegrass and folk music in Minneapolis to his groundbreaking work in the West Coast country-rock scene, Bernie Leadon has remained a quiet but powerful force in American music.

In this episode, we follow Bernie’s path before, during, and after The Eagles, all the way to his most recent solo album, where he revisits the roots that first inspired him.

Bernard Leadon III was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, into a family that encouraged both creativity and education. While his father worked as an aeronautical engineer and his mother was a teacher, it was the sounds of bluegrass, folk, and country that truly captured young Bernie’s imagination.

By his teenage years, Bernie had mastered guitar, banjo, mandolin, and dobro, instruments that would become central to his career. After moving to San Diego, he immersed himself in the local music scene, connecting with influential figures like Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons, who would later become pivotal in the country-rock movement.

Before joining The Eagles, Bernie Leadon played in several key bands that helped define the emerging country-rock genre.

He worked with Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and most famously, The Flying Burrito Brothers.

During this period, Bernie became known as a musician who could add texture and authenticity to any song. His instrumental versatility and collaborative spirit made him highly sought after, setting the stage for his next big move.

In 1971, Bernie Leadon joined Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Randy Meisner to form The Eagles.

His influence was immediate. On the band’s debut album, Eagles (1972), Bernie’s mastery of the banjo, guitar, and mandolin was showcased on hits like Take It Easy and Peaceful Easy Feeling. His harmonies and songwriting contributions, including Train Leaves Here This Morning and Bitter Creek, helped define the band’s distinctive country-rock sound.

Bernie continued to shape The Eagles’ music on Desperado (1973), On the Border (1974), and One of These Nights (1975). However, as the band gravitated toward a rock-oriented direction with the addition of Don Felder and later Joe Walsh, Bernie felt increasingly disconnected from the evolving sound.

In 1975, after years of touring and creative differences, Bernie famously left the band, marking the end of an era for both him and The Eagles.

Following his departure, Bernie Leadon remained highly active in the music industry. He became a respected session musician, contributing to recordings by Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills, Randy Newman, and many others. In 1977, he released his first solo album, Natural Progressions, blending his bluegrass roots with rock and folk influences.

Over the decades, Bernie continued to perform, collaborate, and record — he returned to The Eagles’ “History of the Eagles” tour in 2013.

Today, Bernie Leadon has returned with a reflective new solo album called "Too Late to be Cool" showcasing the depth and authenticity that have characterised his entire career.

In this episode, we talk about Bernie’s journey, his thoughts on music, and what it means to create art on his own terms. Bernie’s story is a testament to creativity, versatility, and staying true to one’s musical voice.

Whether you’re a lifelong Eagles fan, a lover of country-rock, or someone curious about the musicians behind the music, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and reflections. Bernie Leadon may not always have sought the spotlight, but his impact on American music is undeniable.

Few artists in Australian rock can rival the mystique and creative longevity of Steve Kilbey, the visionary frontman, bassist, and chief songwriter for The Church.

In this captivating and wide-ranging episode of A Breath of Fresh Air with Sandy Kaye, Steve joins Sandy for an honest, funny, and deeply revealing conversation about his extraordinary life in music — before, during, and long after The Church became global icons.

Born in Welwyn Garden City, England, and raised in Canberra, Australia, Steve’s story begins long before his name became synonymous with the band that gave us Under the Milky Way.

He talks about his early fascination with sound — from his parents’ record collection to the spark that led him to pick up a guitar. Before fame, there were years of small gigs, knock-backs, and sheer determination to make his art heard.

In 1980, that persistence paid off. Steve co-founded The Church, alongside guitarist Peter Koppes, drummer Nick Ward, and later Marty Willson-Piper. Their unique blend of shimmering guitars, surreal lyrics, and atmospheric soundscapes quickly set them apart.

Their debut single, The Unguarded Moment, catapulted them to prominence, and soon The Church became one of Australia’s most distinctive exports — a band equally loved for its mystery as for its music.

But it was 1988’s Starfish that turned The Church into international stars. The haunting single Under the Milky Way became a global anthem, securing their place in rock history. In this episode, Steve tells the story behind that song — the serendipity of its creation, his initial doubts, and how it continues to define the band’s legacy decades later.

Steve also shares candid insights into the creative tensions and triumphs within The Church — what it’s like to lead a band for more than forty years, to evolve through changing line-ups, and to stay inspired through it all.

He discusses how albums like Priest=Aura and Hologram of Baal marked turning points in their sound, and how the band’s most recent work, including The Hypnogogue, proves they’re still pushing boundaries today.

Beyond the band, Steve’s story is one of relentless creativity. He’s released more than 20 solo albums, collaborated with artists like Grant McLennan and Martin Kennedy, and built a reputation as a painter, poet, and author. His life is art in motion — a never-ending exploration of sound, colour, and language.

Throughout the conversation, Sandy and Steve explore everything from fame and spirituality to songwriting, success, and the wisdom that comes with time. He reflects on how his creative process has evolved, the lessons he’s learned from the highs and lows, and what keeps him making music with such passion after all these years.

As always, Steve’s dry humour, self-awareness, and poetic way of thinking shine through. This episode is more than an interview — it’s an invitation into the inner world of a true artist, still searching, still experimenting, and still mesmerising audiences worldwide.

If you’ve ever been moved by Under the Milky Way, fascinated by the evolution of Australian rock, or curious about what drives a lifelong creative soul, this is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now for a journey through sound, story, and the mind of Steve Kilbey — the heart and soul of The Church.

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Few names shine as brightly in the story of American rock and roll as Dion DiMucci.

Known to fans worldwide simply as Dion, this Bronx-born legend isn’t just another voice from the golden age of doo-wop—he’s one of the few artists who managed to bridge the gap between early rock, blues, folk, and contemporary roots music. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dion has gone from street-corner harmony to global acclaim, influencing generations along the way.

Born in 1939, in the Bronx, Dion grew up surrounded by rhythm, radio, and raw emotion. Those bustling city streets were alive with music—doo-wop groups harmonizing on stoops, gospel voices in local churches, and the pulse of rhythm and blues drifting from open windows. That mix became Dion’s musical DNA.

As a teenager, Dion formed Dion and the Belmonts, named after a Bronx street. Their blend of silky harmonies and streetwise swagger set them apart from other vocal groups of the era. Songs like “I Wonder Why,” “A Teenager in Love,” and “Where or When” became instant classics—defining the sound of late 1950s rock and roll and turning Dion into a household name.Breaking Out Solo with “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer”

When Dion went solo in 1960, he didn’t miss a beat. His breakout single “Runaround Sue” soared to number one, followed closely by “The Wanderer.” With its unforgettable swagger and sing-along chorus, “The Wanderer” captured Dion’s street-smart confidence and has since become one of the most covered songs in rock history.

These weren’t just catchy pop tunes—they were the soundtrack of youth in postwar America. Dion’s voice carried a blend of toughness and tenderness that spoke to millions. He was the rebel with heart, the Bronx kid who brought soul and honesty to early rock ’n’ roll.

Like many stars of his generation, Dion faced personal struggles as fame took its toll. The pressures of the road and the darker side of the music industry led to battles with addiction. But in classic Dion fashion, he turned those hardships into growth. After finding sobriety and rediscovering his faith in the late 1960s, Dion re-emerged with a deeper, more introspective sound.

His 1968 hit “Abraham, Martin and John” marked a turning point. A moving tribute to Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Kennedy brothers, the song revealed a new side of Dion—soulful, reflective, and socially aware. It became one of the defining tracks of its era, reminding fans that Dion wasn’t just a rock singer—he was a storyteller with something meaningful to say.

Rediscovering the Blues

Through the '70s and beyond, Dion continued to evolve, diving deep into his earliest musical love—the blues. Albums like “Bronx in Blue” (2006) and “Son of Skip James” (2007) showed a raw, authentic artist at work. His 2020 release “Blues with Friends” brought together an all-star lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Gibbons, Paul Simon, and Jeff Beck. The record earned rave reviews, proving that Dion’s voice and songwriting remain as powerful and relevant as ever.

Dion’s influence stretches across generations. From Bob Dylan and Lou Reed to Bruce Springsteen, countless artists have cited him as a major inspiration. His ability to blend doo-wop sweetness, rock grit, and blues soul has kept his music timeless—and his storytelling authentic.

In '89, Dion was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the genre’s founding fathers. But more than awards or accolades, Dion’s true legacy lies in his unwavering authenticity. He’s never chased trends; he’s chased truth.

In an age where musical fads come and go, Dion’s story reminds us what staying power really looks like. His career is a masterclass in reinvention. Whether he’s singing about heartbreak, hope, or redemption, Dion remains one of rock’s most honest voices.

Six decades on, the Bronx-born rock legend is still doing what he’s always done best—telling stories that sound like they were written just for you.