Gavin Wood's Podcast

Born Christopher John Cheney in 1975, Chris graduated with a VCE from Wheelers Hill Secondary College. Chris played guitar since age 6 and studied jazz at Box Hill Tafe in 1994-95. However, it was at a barbecue Chris'was introduced by his sister to Scott Owen. In 1992 they formed a cover band called 'The Runaway Boys' taken from a Stray Cats song of the same name which performed covers of the band's songs with the odd original song thrown in.In 1994 he got his first album with The Living End whoformed with a drummer called Joe Piripitzi who was later kicked out for musicaldifferences. In 1995 the EP 'Hellbound' was released and The Living End was made. In 1996 they released another EP called 'It's For Your Own Good' and had success by sending a T-shirt to Green Day for a gig as their supporting act.In 1997 after Joe was replaced with new drummer Trav Demsey, The Living End cut their first single, entitled "Prisoner Of Society/Second Solution". Two songs from their debut album. This followed up with more success of their self-titled album 'The Living End'. In 2000 thisfollowed with the album 'Roll On'.In 2001 Chris was involved in a severe car accident with hisgirlfriend Emma who escaped with minor injuries but left Chris in a wheelchair with a broken leg and 3 pins to replace some of the muscle that was damaged.After 2 years of resting and writing songs for the new album they were back in the studio where Trav quit due to a disliking of heavy touring and to spendmore time with his family. The Living End were stranded. They spent two days auditioning 40 drummers of which the first was Andy Strachan. Their current drummer. The boys hit the studio and recorded a 14 track album entitled 'ModernARTillery' which was released in 2003. In 2004 the boys hit the studio once more to record 2 more tracks, "I Can't Give You What I Haven't Got" and "Bringin' It All Back Home". This was a greatest hits albumcalled 'From Here On In: The Singles (1997-2004)'. The same year he formed tribute super group The Wrights with Nic Cester (Jet) - Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger) - Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon) - Kram (Spiderbait) - Davey Lane(You Am I/The Pictures) and Pat Bourke (Dallas Crane). He performed with the band as the lead and rhythm guitarist for parts 1 and 3 respectively and later released Stevie Wrights hit Evie with all three songs of "Evie: (Let You Hair Hang Down)", "Evie: (Evie)" which Chris was not involvedwith and "Evie: (I'm Losing You)".It wasn't until 2005 the boys hit the studio again to recordthe fifth album entitled "State Of Emergency" released in 2006. After almost a year and a half of touring Chris left the band and took up yoga and painting while his other band mates hit the surf. It wasn't until late 2007 that they hit the studio again to write and rehearse songs which resulted inthe band's sixth studio album 'White Noise' with a single of the same name.Since then the boys have been performing to thegeneral public throughout Australia, Japan, USA and more.

Colin Hay first gained international fame in the 1980s asthe frontman of Men At Work, the band known for crafting Australian anthems such as "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under." Men At Work won a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist and sold over 30 million records worldwide. After the band's breakup in 1985, Colin launched a solo career, releasing thirteen studio albums praised for their witty, hooky pop tunes and his distinctive voice. Colin's music has been featured prominently in the GRAMMY-winning soundtrack for Garden State and the TV series Scrubs. Over his remarkable solo career, he has toured extensively both as a solo artist and with Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band. Colin has also performed on various late-night shows, including those hosted by David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel. In addition to his music career, Colin lent his voice to Disney's The Wild and starred in the award-winning documentary Waiting For My Real Life. He also narrated Aesop's Fables with Colin Hay, 24 audiobookswritten by author Tom Graves. His latest solo album, Now And The Evermore, features lush orchestration, whimsical melodies, and contributions from notable collaborators, including Ringo Starr. The impact of Colin’s work has been felt across generations, with various tributes, covers and revivals contributing to his enduring musical presence. In 2021, ‘Down Under’ returned to the airwaves in the form of a drum’n’bass cover by Luude, topping charts at home and in the UK. A version sung in Yolngu Matha by King Stingray accompanied the Tourism Australia campaign. The following year, 'Down Under' was recognised by APRA for its streaming success, achieving 1 billion streams the acclaimed song. In 2023, Colin received APRA’s Ted Albert Award for utstanding services to Australian music.

Counting Crows is an American rock band from San Francisco,California. Formed in 1991, the band consists of guitarist David Bryson,drummer Jim Bogios, vocalist Adam Duritz, keyboardist Charlie Gillingham,multi-instrumentalist David Immerglück, bass guitarist Millard Powers, andguitarist Dan Vickrey.Counting Crows gained popularity following the release ofits first album, August and Everything After (1993). With the breakthrough hitsingle "Mr. Jones" (1993), the album sold more than 7 million copiesin the United States. The band received two Grammy Awards nominations in 1994,one for "Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" (for"Round Here") and one for "Best New Artist". The follow-upalbum, Recovering the Satellites, reached number one on the US Billboard 200album chart and reached number one in several other countries. All but one oftheir subsequent albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 list.Their hit singles include the aforementioned "Mr.Jones" as well as "Rain King", "A Long December","Hanginaround", and a cover version of Joni Mitchell's "BigYellow Taxi".Counting Crows received a 2004 Academy Award nomination forthe single "Accidentally in Love", which was included in the filmShrek 2. The band has sold more than 20 million albums and is known for itsdynamic live performances. Billboard has also ranked the band as the 8th greatestAdult Alternative Artist of all time.The band's most recent full album, Somewhere UnderWonderland, was released in 2014. They released a four-song EP in 2021 titledButter Miracle:Suite One, which is expected to be expanded to a full album.

Darren Stanley Hayes (born 8 May 1972) is anAustralian singer, songwriter, music producer and composer. He was thefrontman and singer of the pop duo Savage Garden until theirdisbandment. Their 1997 album Savage Garden peaked at number 1 inAustralia, number 2 in the United Kingdom and number 3 in the United States. Itspawned the singles "I Want You", "To the Moon and Back",and Australian and US number 1 "Truly Madly Deeply". The duo followedthe success of their debut album with Affirmation (1999), whichprovided additional hits such as Australian and US number 1 "I Knew ILoved You", and Australian number 3 "The Animal Song". SavageGarden parted ways in 2001.Hayes released his first solo album Spin in 2002.The album sold two million copies worldwide, debuted at Number 2 in the UK andnumber 3 in Australia. It delivered the hit single "Insatiable".Hayes's second album, The Tension and the Spark, preceded by single"Pop!ular", was released in 2004. Hayes parted ways with his recordlabel Columbia Records in 2006 and started his own independent recordlabel, Powdered Sugar, from which he would release his third and fourthsolo albums, 2007's double-album This Delicate Thing We've Made and2011's Secret Codes and Battleships. After a decade-long hiatus, Hayesreturned in 2022 with his fifth studio album; Homosexual, which wasreleased in October 2022, spawned the singles "Let's Try Being in Love","Do You Remember?", "Poison Blood", "All You PrettyThings" and "Feels Like It's Over".Hayes' autobiography is due for publication by PenguinBooks in 2024.

Graham William Nash OBE (born 2 February 1942) is an English-American musician, singer and songwriter. He is known for his light tenor voice and for his contributions as a member of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash.Nash is a photography collector and a published photographer. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1997 and as a member of the Hollies in 2010.He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours List for services to music and to charity. Nash holds four honorary doctorates, including one from the New York Institute of Technology, one in music from the University of Salford in 2011 and one in fine arts from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Gavin Wood’s Podcast returns this year with a slew of stars as we listen back to some of the best episodes of the show to date.In the first episode of 2025, we celebrate the life of Australian media and radio broadcast personality Philip Brady OAM, revisiting Gavin’s chat the late radio legend.Philip Brady OAM was one of the country’s most experienced and familiar radio broadcasters, with a career spanning more than 6 decades.From Kennedy to Vizard, Newton to Hogan, Philip had collaborated with Australia’s most iconic personalities since his career started in tandem with the early beginnings of Australian television transmission in the late 1950s.Like many of Australia’s media greats, he got his start providing voiceovers on Channel 9 and making appearances on Graham Kennedy’s ‘In Melbourne Tonight’.Philip’s most substantial work came from his nearly 30-year position as host of 3AW’s Nightline program.In 2018 Philip was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the broadcast media industryBeyond broadcasting, Philip is a long-time supporter of The Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria and was one of the Australia Day Ambassador Program’s longest-serving members.After receiving a diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer in December, Philip announced his retirement from radio on February 2nd after 67 years behind the microphone.Listen to the podcast now to hear Gavin’s chat with one of Australia’s most beloved media personalities – Philip Brady OAM

Jane Gazzo is an Australian radio and television presenter, performance and club DJ, television personality, voice artist, author, and music journalist. It was in her mature teenage years that she joined 3RRR Radio in Melbourne, presenting a Sunday afternoon (4pm-7pm) new music show called Calamity. She also began contributing stories to the UK's Q magazine and Dolly Australia under the name Calamity Jane.[citation needed] She later became well known as a result of her national radio and TV shows, including Triple J radio's Super Request and ABC Television's live three-hour Saturday morning program, Recovery. It was on this TV show that she interviewed some of the world's biggest international bands as they toured Australia.[citation needed] In 1992, Gazzo formed a punk band, "Rubher", as lead singer. They released 2 EPs through Mushroom Records before disbanding in 1996. In May 2018, Jane reformed the group for a one-off show with The Mavis's. In 1998, she recorded with Australian band Underground Lovers, under the Japanese pseudonym "Mitsuame"; covering Can's 1976 song "I Want More" (from their album,  Gazzo relocated to London, England in 1999, sharing a flat with The Prodigy founding member and former dancer Sharky. In London, she first worked at numerous jobs, including a summer at the Rough Trade record shop, promotions at Virgin Records and DJ'ing at Alan McGee's Death Disco.[citation needed] In 2000 she became a presenter on the London radio station XFM (Weekend Breakfast). Her time there included a three-week stint producing Russell Brand on-air before he was sacked by the station for bringing in a homeless man.[9] She later joined its parent station Capital FM, presenting the Capital Top 30 Album Chart Show and The Rock Show. Gazzo made her UK Television debut in 2001 presenting an eight-part music series called "Play Loud" on BBC TV channel Play UK.[10][11] In 2001 she also briefly worked for Courtney Love, sharing a London house with the former Hole lead singer. Her presenting work has also led to involvement with charities. In February 2006 she hosted the first ever Cancer Research UK "Rock Memorabilia" auction at Abbey Road Studios, helping to raise £130,000.[13] She joined BBC Radio 6 Music in 2002, and presented Jane Gazzo's Dream Ticket[14] from June 2004 to September 2005, as well as other BBC Radio 6 Music shows and specials. In 2006 Gazzo presented pre-recorded music shows on VH-2 TV in the UK as well as the "Download" in-flight radio show on Emirates Airlines (described as "the best modern rock and alternative from some of today's top bands"[16]).In January 2007 she joined Rockworld TV, presenting and interviewing various artists.[citation needed] She also DJ'd at various festivals and venues around the UK including All Tomorrow's Parties music festival in Camber Sands as well as Death Disco, Camden Lock, Keston Lodge, Latitude Festival and Defectors Weld venues in London.[citation needed] In May 2007 Jane returned to Australia to join Foxtel music Channel V as daily presenter and VJ. She co-hosted the whatUwant daily request show, as well as artist and festival specials. Her first major broadcast for Channel [V] was presenting the network's Live Earth coverage from Sydney Football Stadium on 7 July 2007. She has also presented from the Homebake festival, Splendour in the Grass, the ARIA Awards red carpet, Sound Relief and the Big Day Out.[citation needed] From late 2010, Jane became a co-host on Channel [V]'s The Riff. She shared the presentation job with Danny Clayton, Billy Russell and Kyle Linahan (later replaced by Carrissa Walford.) The programme was broadcast weekly on Saturday mornings.She also hosted the daily music news programme "WTF" three times a week. In June 2012, Gazzo moved to Max, a 24-hour music platform on Foxtel as a full-time host and VJ, presenting countdowns and interviews. In February 2015, Jane became morning presenter on Triple M in Melbourne.She also hosted the national Australian music show "Homegrown" and the syndicated celebrity show "My Generation". After 3 years, Gazzo left the station to concentrate on freelancing media work. In August 2019, Jane was chosen as the opening DJ for Hugh Jackman, on the Melbourne leg of his Australian concerts at Rod Laver Arena, playing six shows as his main support act. In 2020, Jane hosted weekly music program The Sound on the ABC under the tutelage of the late Michael Gudinski.

On this episode of Gavin Wood’s Countdown podcast, guest host Lee Simon catches up with iconic Australian singer-songwriter, Kasey Chambers.   Kasey Chambers is one of Australia’s most beloved country music artists, with a career spanning over two decades. Her debut solo album, The Captain (1999), catapulted her to fame, earning her widespread acclaim and multiple ARIA Awards.   Known for her raw, emotional song writing and distinctive voice, Kasey has released a string of hits, including Not Pretty Enough, Pony, and True Colours, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the country and roots music scene.   With over 14 studio albums and numerous accolades to her name, including being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Kasey continues to tour and create music that resonates deeply with fans around the world. Her music blends elements of country, folk, and rock, touching on personal experiences, relationships, and social themes.   25 years into her solo career and Kasey is still sharing her story, publishing her second book and releasing a new album, Backbone, which Kasey will take on tour next year.   Listen to the podcast now to hear Lee Simon and Kasey Chambers discuss her incredible career, influences.

On this episode of Gavin Wood’s Countdown podcast, Gavin catches up with Australian record company legend – Bill Duff. With a career spanning decades, Bill Duff is a true icon of the Australian music industry. His contributions to record companies and artist development have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Australian music. Bill worked behind the scenes with major artists, helping to shape the careers of some of the most successful musicians in the country and abroad, including Elton John, Cat Stevens, and Skyhooks. From discovering new talent to managing the intricacies of the recording business, Bill’s influence has been felt far and wide. His passion for music and dedication to nurturing home-grown talent has made him a beloved figure within the industry, and his insights continue to resonate with both artists and executives. Listen to the podcast now to hear Gavin and Bill’s chat about his incredible journey through the highs and lows of the music business:

Boyzlife, the musical supergroup formed by Brian McFadden of Westlife and Keith Duffy of Boyzone, are thrilled to announce their upcoming tour to Australia and New Zealand in 2025. Brian Nicholas McFadden (born 12 April 1980) is an Irish pop singer and television presenter. He rose to fame in 1998 as a member of the Irish boy band Westlife. Following his departure from the group in 2004, McFadden released his debut solo album, Irish Son. He has since released four studio albums: Set in Stone, Wall of Soundz, The Irish Connection, and Otis. Keith Peter Thomas Francis Julian John Duffy (born 1 October 1974) is an Irish singer, actor, radio and television presenter and drummer who began his professional music career as part of Irish boy band Boyzone alongside Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Stephen Gately in 1993. The band decided to focus on solo projects in 2000 since which Duffy has taken acting roles in soap operas such as Coronation Street and Fair City. He has also presented The Box and You're a Star. Duffy has been an autism awareness campaigner since his daughter was diagnosed with the condition at age 18 months, and acts as the patron for Irish Autism Action holding regular fundraising events and informational talks. Duffy was the winner on the British reality series The Door in 2010 and came third in the first series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2001, and in the second series of Splash! in 2014