Chris Stein’s story starts in Brooklyn, where he was born in 1950 into a free-thinking, politically leftist household.

He wasn’t exactly a model student—he got expelled from high school and bounced around for a bit before enrolling at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. That’s where two of his lifelong passions really started to take shape: music and photography.

Chris was already playing guitar in garage bands, soaking up the British Invasion and psychedelic rock, but art school helped him discover an eye for capturing moments on film.

In the early '70s, Chris joined a band called the Stilettos. It was through that group that he met Debbie Harry.

The connection was immediate. Romantic, creative, everything.

When the Stilettos fell apart, Chris and Debbie stuck together and started what would become Blondie. They quickly became fixtures on the New York downtown scene where punk, art, and fashion were all bleeding into each other.

Chris began co-writing songs, shaping the band’s sound, and supporting Debbie’s electric presence as frontwoman. He was all about texture, mood, and space and could be sharp and punky but also knew when to strip things back.

Chris co-wrote some of Blondie’s biggest songs—“Heart of Glass,” “Dreaming,” “Rip Her to Shreds,” and “In the Flesh.” Chris was always ahead of the curve.

At the same time, he was constantly documenting everything with his camera. Chris was rarely without it, snapping candid photos of Debbie backstage and artists like Andy Warhol.

Chris and Debbie’s relationship was central to the whole Blondie story. They were partners in every sense—romantic, creative, and emotional. Chris has often called her his muse, and their chemistry fueled a lot of what made the band so compelling. But their life together wasn’t always easy.

In the early '80s, just as Blondie was hitting a commercial peak, Chris was diagnosed with a rare and serious autoimmune disease. It was debilitating and required years of treatment. Debbie dropped everything to care for him. The band fell apart. Fame took a back seat. And though they eventually ended their romantic relationship, their connection never really broke. They’ve stayed close ever since, continuing to collaborate and support each other through everything that followed.

After Blondie disbanded in '82, Chris stepped away from the spotlight for a while. He worked behind the scenes, producing music. He collaborated with artists like Iggy Pop and while Debbie launched a solo career, Chris helped to shape projects.

In the late '90s, Blondie got back together, and to everyone's surprise, they scored a huge hit with “Maria,” which went to number one in the UK. It was a real comeback moment, showing that the band still had something to say and an audience ready to hear it.

Since then, they’ve released several albums—No Exit, The Curse of Blondie, Panic of Girls, and Pollinator—and have toured the world to multiple generations of fans. Chris kept writing and producing, still the quiet engine driving things forward.

Health issues forced him to step away from touring in 2022, particularly heart-related problems that made life on the road difficult. But that didn’t stop him from continuing to contribute creatively. He’s still very much involved in the band’s work and continues to explore photography, with his images being shown in galleries and books. His visual work is finally getting the recognition it deserves, not just as Blondie ephemera, but as important cultural documentation.

Throughout it all, Chris Stein was never the loudest voice in the room, but always one of the most interesting. Whether with a guitar or a camera, he's been quietly shaping how we see and hear a pivotal moment in music and art history. His life has been messy and brilliant and uniquely his own.

In this episode Chris Stein shares stories from his life and points us to his latest book - his autobiography - 'Under A Rock'

His is a fascinating tale. I hope you enjoy it.

Former singer and actor Bobby Sherman has passed away at 81 years old.

In March, it was revealed Sherman was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

Born in Santa Monica and raised in Van Nuys, Sherman was a teen idol in the late ’60s and early ’70s. From 1968 to 1970, he starred in the ABC series “Here Come the Brides.”

He later appeared on episodes of “Honey West,” “The Partridge Family,” “The Mod Squad,” “Murder She Wrote,” “The Monkees,” and more.Sherman then left show business and became a paramedic.

He volunteered with the Los Angeles Police Department and instructed CPR and first aid classes. In the 1990s, he became a technical reserve officer with the LAPD, serving until 2017.

In 1999, he was honored as the LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year. He also served as a deputy sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and retired in 2010.

In 2011, Sherman and Brigitte founded the Brigitte & Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation, which is a “Ghana-based center that provides local children with quality education and programs, along with meals for the entire community,” the foundation’s website explains.

RIP Bobby Sherman. You meant so much to so many.

Norman Greenbaum may be forever linked to the unforgettable guitar riff and gospel-tinged chorus of “Spirit in the Sky,” but there’s so much more to his story than one legendary song.

Born in Massachusetts, Norman grew up in a Jewish household. Even though religion wasn’t a big part of his life, music definitely was.

He studied briefly at university, but the pull of music was too strong. Like many young artists chasing creative dreams in the '60s, Norman packed up and moved west to LA — the epicenter of folk revival, psychedelic rock, and counterculture energy.

Before launching a solo career, Norman played with a psychedelic folk group called Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. Their minor hit, The Eggplant That Ate Chicago, gave him a taste of the music business and a foot in the door, but it wasn’t exactly where he saw his future. He wanted to explore songwriting with a bit more edge, a bit more soul.

In 69, Norman wrote the song that would catapult him into music history — “Spirit in the Sky.”

A gritty, fuzzed-out electric guitar line, handclaps, and gospel harmonies sung by the Stovall Sisters gave the track its signature sound. The lyrics, which talk about meeting Jesus and being ready to die, struck an odd chord coming from a secular Jewish guy. But it worked. In fact, it worked better than anyone expected.

Norman wrote the song in about 15 minutes and it hit like lightning.

“Spirit in the Sky” soared to #3 - topped charts around the world, and sold over two million copies. It became an instant classic.

Norman followed it up with an album of the same name which included tracks like “Canned Ham” and “Milk Cow.”

As the '70s unfolded, Norman continued to record and release music but the commercial magic of “Spirit in the Sky” proved tough to recreate.

He eventually left the pressures of the music industry and settled into a quieter life. In the 70s, he moved to Petaluma, California, where he ran a dairy farm, produced goat cheese, and lived off the royalties from his big hit.

Through the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, “Spirit in the Sky” found new life in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

While he wasn’t releasing new albums regularly, Norman stayed connected to fans. In the 2000s, he began performing again on a limited basis. He never lost his dry wit or his humility.

In 2015, Norman made headlines again — this time due to a tragic car accident. He was a passenger in a car that collided with a motorcycle in Santa Rosa, California. The motorcyclist died in the crash, and Norman was critically injured, spending weeks in the hospital. The accident deeply affected him, not only physically but emotionally. He’s spoken about the lasting impact it had on him, especially considering the spiritual nature of his most famous song.

After a long recovery, Norman slowly returned to public appearances, embracing a quieter life but still keeping the door open to music.

He continues to live in Santa Rosa, where he maintains an official website, spiritinthesky.com, which features music, photos, and ways for fans to reach out.

Norman has received renewed attention as younger generations discover the song through streaming platforms and soundtracks. The song’s fusion of rock, gospel, and spiritual themes has helped it transcend its era, sounding just as powerful today as it did in 1969.

“Spirit in the Sky” is more than just a classic rock anthem — it’s become a cultural touchstone.

And Norman Greenbaum, the man behind it, remains one of rock’s most fascinating figures: a thoughtful, funny, unassuming songwriter who struck gold by following his instincts and trusting in the power of a good hook.

In this episode we meet and chat with Norman Greenbaum and pick that incredile brain of his.

I hope you enjoy it!

Paul Jones is one of British music’s true originals—a singer, songwriter, harmonica player, actor, broadcaster, and blues pioneer whose career has spanned over six decades.

Best known as the original frontman of Manfred Mann, Paul helped define the sound of the '60s British Invasion. But there’s so much more to his story than pop success.

Born Paul Pond in Portsmouth in 1942, Paul had a bright academic future—earning a place at Oxford. But it was the blues, not the books, that really captured his heart.

Drawn to the raw emotion of American R&B and blues, he immersed himself in music, gigging in London clubs and building ties with future legends like Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, and Brian Jones.

In fact, Paul was briefly approached to front a little band called The Rolling Stones. He turned them down.

Instead, he chose a different path. Rebranded as Paul Jones , he joined a jazz-influenced band led by South African keyboardist Manfred Mann. The group took on the name and quickly became one of the sharpest acts on the British scene. The band scored their first big hit with “5-4-3-2-1,” then came “Do Wah Diddy Diddy.”

It was an instant smash—hitting number one in both the UK and the US and cementing the band’s place in pop history. Paul Jones became a household name, fronting a string of hits including “Sha La La,” “Come Tomorrow,” and “Pretty Flamingo.”

But just as things were peaking, Paul shocked fans by stepping away from Manfred Mann in '66. He didn’t want to be boxed into pop stardom. His first solo release, “I’ve Been a Bad, Bad Boy,” was a top 10 hit, and not long after, he starred in the film Privilege.

From there, Paul split his time between stage and studio. He released a number of solo albums and never chased the pop charts, choosing instead to focus on artistry and authenticity.

In the late ’70s, Jones experienced a major musical rebirth. Alongside former bandmate Tom McGuinness, he co-founded The Blues Band—a group that would lead a new wave of British blues. Their first record, The Official Blues Band Bootleg Album, was self-released when no label wanted it. But it quickly found a fanbase and helped kick-start a blues revival in the UK. Over the years, The Blues Band became a cult favourite, recording over 20 albums and touring consistently for decades. Jones, with his fiery harmonica and soulful voice, became a beloved figure in the blues world.

As if that weren’t enough, Jones also became a prominent broadcaster. In 1986, he began hosting The Blues Show with Paul Jones on BBC Radio 2—a program that would run for 32 years. His warm, knowledgeable voice introduced listeners to everyone from blues giants like B.B. King and Muddy Waters to new acts keeping the genre alive. His influence on the blues scene through radio is as significant as his work on stage.

In the 2000s, Jones released the critically acclaimed album Starting All Over Again, featuring collaborations with soul legends like Percy Sledge and Eric Bibb. It was a masterclass in classic songwriting, vocal nuance, and heartfelt delivery—proof that Paul Jones had lost none of his fire.

Throughout his career, Jones worked with a who’s who of music royalty: Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Jack Bruce, Jeff Beck, Mick Abrahams, and more. Whether singing, playing harmonica, or narrating the story of the blues, he brought depth, grace, and passion to every project.

Later in life, Paul experienced a personal transformation. He became a born-again Christian and began to incorporate gospel into his musical world. His faith added a new layer to his performances, blending spirit and soul with honesty and humility.

From Oxford scholar to ’60s heartthrob, from blues crusader to BBC staple, Paul Jones has never stood still. He turned down the Rolling Stones, left a hit band at its height, helped revive the blues, and became a trusted voice for generations of listeners. Always evolving, always authentic—Paul Jones is one of the great unsung heroes of British music.

If rock 'n' roll ever had a true outlaw—equal parts velvet-voiced crooner and headline-grabbing hellraiser—it was P.J. Proby.

Born James Marcus Smith in 1938 in Houston, Texas, P.J. Proby has lived a life that most musicians could only dream of—or wouldn’t dare to.

With a vocal range that soared across genres and a personal life that veered toward the chaotic, PJ became a rock 'n' roll legend not just for his music, but for his sheer unpredictability.

Raised in a religious Southern family, PJ grew up listening to gospel choirs and traditional country music. His talent was apparent early on—he could mimic voices, pick up melodies by ear, and possessed a stage presence that drew attention.

He attended a military college where his rebellious streak began to bloom.

By the late '50s, PJ had made his way to LA where he worked as a songwriter and demo singer. It was here that his persona was born.

The name had been suggested by his songwriter friend, Sharon Sheeley—P.J. Proby was the name of her old boyfriend.

In the early '60s, PJ found success writing songs for artists like Elvis. He sounded so like Elvis that some of his demos were mistaken for The King.

PJ’s big break came in the UK when he was brought over by a television producer. It was a move that would change the trajectory of his career. With his jet-black hair, tight trousers, and smouldering charisma, PJ became an instant sensation.

His haunting, dramatic cover of "Hold Me" climbed the UK charts and established him as a vocal powerhouse.

But it wasn’t just his voice that got people talking—it was the way he wore his pants. In early performances, PJ’s skin-tight trousers famously split on stage. It sent the British press into a frenzy. The BBC banned him. Venues grew wary. But the controversy only fuelled his fame.

He was dubbed a bad boy, a provocateur, a rock rebel with no regard for propriety—and audiences loved him for it.

P.J. Proby was never one to stick in one lane. He jumped from rock and roll to pop, country, and even Broadway-style musical theatre.

One of his albums featured a little-known band called Led Zeppelin backing him in the studio.

Despite his raw talent and unique voice—PJ’s career was never a straight line. His fiery temper, love affairs, and on-and-off battles with alcohol and self-destruction kept him at the fringes of mainstream success.

He clashed with record labels. He alienated promoters. He became infamous for being difficult to work with—and yet utterly magnetic on stage.

Through the '70s and '80s, PJ dipped in and out of the public eye. He starred in Elvis: The Musical. He worked with producer Marc Almond, and toured Europe with rock revival shows.

All the while, the myth of P.J. Proby continued to grow. Was he a genius? A madman? A misunderstood star? Depending on who you asked, he was all three.

In the '90s and 2000s, PJ leaned into his status as a cult figure. He released new music, reissued his classic tracks, and embraced the adoration of die-hard fans.

Always the controversial figure, he didn’t shy away from the spotlight—even if it cast shadows. He was never the type to play by society’s rules.

Today, P.J. Proby remains a living legend, albeit a polarizing one. He’s part of that rare breed of musicians who lived the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle to its wildest extremes and survived to tell the tale.

With a career spanning over six decades, Proby has worked with the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Cilla Black, Marc Almond, and even Led Zeppelin. He’s played both packed stadiums and dingy pubs, belted ballads and growled blues. He’s been idolized, criticized, banned, adored, and everything in between.

From his humble roots in Houston to the swinging stages of London, from chart-topping hits to tabloid trainwrecks, P.J. Proby is a survivor. A rock ‘n’ roll original. A voice like velvet and a life like a tornado. He’s the embodiment of that old saying: never boring, always Proby.

If you’ve ever tuned into a classic rock radio station and felt the electric hum of Southern rock filling your soul, chances are you’ve brushed shoulders—musically speaking—with Rodney Justo.

Best known as the original lead singer of the legendary Atlanta Rhythm Section, Rodney’s voice is more than just a sonic signature of the American South—it’s the soundtrack to a generation.

But to understand the full breadth of his musical journey, you’ve got to go back to Tampa, Florida, where the boy who would become a Southern rock icon first discovered his voice.

Rodney Justo was born with rhythm in his veins. His father was a musician, and Tampa in the '50s and early '60s had a burgeoning music scene.

By the time he was a teenager, Rodney was performing professionally, fronting bands and making a name for himself as a gifted rock and soul singer.

In the mid-60s, Rodney’s voice caught the ear of Roy Orbison’s backing band, The Candymen. Rodney joined as lead vocalist, and it wasn’t long before they began carving out their own identity.

Touring constantly, performing alongside major acts, The Candymen were crucial in shaping Rodney's future.

In the early '70s, he and his bandmates decided it was time to forge their own path. The Atlanta Rhythm Section was born.

More than just a band, ARS was a musical collective, fusing rock, jazz, R&B, and pop into a smooth, sophisticated Southern sound that defied categorization.

Rodney Justo was the voice on their self-titled 72 debut album. His vocals were powerful and expressive helping to define the Atlanta Rhythm Section's unique tone.

Rodney left the band shortly after that first album—citing creative differences and a desire to focus on family.

He became an in-demand session vocalist and performer, lending his golden pipes to countless recording projects throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s. His ability to shift between genres—from blue-eyed soul to polished pop to hard-edged rock—made him a go-to voice in studios from Florida to L.A.

In the mid-90s, Rodney Justo returned to the Atlanta Rhythm Section. He stepped back into the spotlight once again performing hits like "So Into You," "Imaginary Lover," and "Spooky" live on stage.

Rodney Justo brought new energy to the ARS catalogue—even if he hadn’t originally recorded those songs. He made them his own, connecting with audiences across generations.

Rodney Justo is more than t a great rock vocalist. He’s a storyteller. He's filled with anecdotes, punchlines, and the kind of behind-the-scenes music lore that makes you lean in and listen. He’s got tales from the road with Roy Orbison, recording sessions with legends, and enough stories about Southern rock’s golden era to fill a memoir.

He brings humour, humility, and a deep love of the craft to every conversation. Today he tours with Atlanta Rhythm Section and his voice hasn’t lost any of its magic. There’s still that same smooth phrasing, that soul-deep delivery, and that sly smile you can hear even when he’s singing through the speakers. He continues to be a beloved figure in Southern rock circles, a revered elder statesman of American music, and a performer who gives his all every single night.

Rodney Justo may not be a household name in the same way as some of his peers, but among musicians, he’s a legend.

His influence runs deep—not just through Atlanta Rhythm Section, but through decades of rock, soul, and Southern music.

Rodney's journey is one of persistence, evolution, and soulful resilience. From teenage gigs in Tampa dive bars to singing for thousands on tour with ARS, from the slick sessions of Studio One to today’s digital world, Rodney Justo has remained a voice worth listening to—a true original in the ever-changing world of American rock music.

You're going to LOVE his story.

To find out more head to https://www.atlantarhythmsection.com/

and contact me with any feedback, comments or queries.

https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Before the name Angry Anderson was etched into the annals of Australian rock music history, before the explosive energy of Rose Tattoo dominated stages, and before the emotional hit single “Suddenly” melted hearts across the world, there was just a working-class kid from Melbourne with a lot of grit and one hell of a voice.

Born Gary Stephen Anderson in 1947, in Melbourne, Angry’s early years were shaped by a rough-and-tumble environment that would later fuel his gritty, growling vocal style and hard-edged lyrics.

Growing up in a tough household and navigating the chaos of suburban Australia during the 50s and 60s, Angry developed a rebellious spirit early on. He wasn’t just angry in name—it was an energy, a rawness, a defiance that became his brand.

Angry's first brush with the music world came in the late 60s when he joined the psychedelic band Peace Power and Purity, but it wasn’t long before he migrated toward something heavier, something louder, something that matched the fury he carried inside.

He soon found himself fronting the Buster Brown band—a raw, blues-rock outfit that blended searing guitar riffs with Angry’s sandpaper vocals.

Buster Brown became known in the Australian pub rock circuit, with Anderson's stage presence quickly earning him a reputation as a firecracker performer who gave everything on stage.

In 76, Angry joined a new band called Rose Tattoo. It was ferocious and unapologetically Aussie.

Rose Tattoo wasn’t just a rock band. They were a statement. With their bald heads, tattooed bodies, and denim-stained bravado, they embodied working-class rebellion, pub rock pride, and that dangerous edge of Aussie outlaw culture.

Their debut self-titled album in 78, featuring hits like “Bad Boy for Love” and “Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw,” exploded onto the Australian charts and gained attention in Europe.

Rose Tattoo were frequent support acts for AC/DC, and they earned massive respect from international bands like Guns N’ Roses, who cited them as a major influence.

But just when everyone thought they had Angry figured out—tattooed tough guy, snarling rock dog—he flipped the script. In 87, Angry released “Suddenly”, an emotional power ballad that no one saw coming. The song became a global phenomenon when it was used in Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s wedding episode on the soap Neighbours, watched by millions.

As the 90s rolled around, Angry became more than just a rock singer. He emerged as a tv personality. His charisma, honesty, and at times fiery opinions made him a household name in Australian media.

In 92, he showed off his acting chops in the post-apocalyptic classic Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, starring alongside Mel Gibson and Tina Turner.

But Angry also channeled his influence into causes he cared about. He became a passionate youth advocate, speaking out against domestic violence and drug abuse, drawing on his own difficult upbringing to connect with vulnerable communities. He even flirted with politics—running as a Senate candidate in later years.

Despite countless lineup changes, personal tragedies—including the loss of many original Rose Tattoo members to cancer—and the ever-changing music landscape, Angry has kept the Rose Tattoo flame burning. He’s the longest-tenured member and has fronted the band through decades of Australian and international tours.

In recent years, Rose Tattoo have toured extensively across Australia and Europe, proving the band’s enduring legacy. Angry, now in his 70s, continues to perform with the same raw energy that made him a legend in the first place.

Angry Anderson isn’t just an Australian rock icon—he’s a survivor, a storyteller, and a symbol of the grit and soul that defines Australian hard rock.

Discover all that makes Angry Anderson tick in this compelling episode.

Reach out to me with comments or requests for future guests: https//:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Welcome to this in-depth exploration of the life and career of Dave Mason, the legendary British guitarist and singer-songwriter. From his early days in Worcester, England, to co-founding the iconic band Traffic, and his extensive solo career, Dave's influence on rock music is undeniable.

🎶 Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born in Worcester, England, Dave Mason's passion for music ignited at a young age. As a self-taught guitarist, he began his musical journey in local bands like The Jaguars and The Hellions, where he crossed paths with drummer Jim Capaldi. These early collaborations laid the foundation for what would become a storied career in rock music.

🚦 Founding Traffic and Psychedelic Success

In 1967, Dave co-founded the rock band Traffic alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. The band's debut album, Mr. Fantasy, featured Mason's composition "Hole in My Shoe," which became a psychedelic anthem of the era. Despite the success, Mason's tenure with Traffic was marked by brief stints; he left the band after the first album, rejoined for their self-titled second album in 1968, and departed again shortly thereafter. His songwriting style, often distinct from the collaborative approach of his bandmates, contributed to these intermittent departures.

🎸 Session Work and Collaborations

Beyond Traffic, Dave's guitar prowess led him to collaborate with some of the most iconic artists of the time. Notably, he played 12-string acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "All Along the Watchtower" and contributed to the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man." His session work extended to projects with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, and Fleetwood Mac, showcasing his versatility across genres.

🎤 Solo Career and Chart Success

Embarking on a solo career in 1970, Mason released his debut album Alone Together, featuring the hit "Only You Know and I Know." The album's unique marble vinyl pressing became a collector's item. In 1977, he achieved significant success with the single "We Just Disagree," which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Dave continued to release albums and tour extensively, solidifying his status as a solo artist.

🌟 Later Years and Continued Influence

In the 1990s, Dave briefly joined Fleetwood Mac, contributing to their 1995 album Time and participating in the subsequent tour. His enduring influence was recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of Traffic. Mason remained active in the music scene, releasing albums like 26 Letters 12 Notes in 2008 and Future's Past in 2014.

🩺 Recent Activities and Health

In recent years, Dave continued to perform, including his "Traffic Jam" tour, which revisited classic Traffic material. However, in 2024, he announced the cancellation of his tour due to a serious heart condition requiring immediate medical attention. Dave has expressed optimism about his recovery and plans to return to touring as soon as possible.

💖 Philanthropy and Legacy

Beyond his musical achievements, Dave is known for his philanthropic efforts. He supports music education for children through organizations like Little Kids Rock and co-founded Rock Our Vets, a charity aiding military veterans and families of fallen law enforcement officers.

🔗 Connect with Dave Mason:

• Official Website: davemasonmusic.com

• Rock Our Vets: rockourvets.org

• Little Kids Rock: littlekidsrock.org

📌 Don't Forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe!

If you enjoyed this deep dive into Dave Mason's life and career, please share it with fellow music enthusiasts, and subscribe to my channel for more in-depth explorations of legendary artists.