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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup doesn't just tell stories—he's lived them. As the drumming powerhouse behind iconic Australian bands The Angels, Gang Gajang, and The Party Boys, Buzz takes us on an unforgettable journey through the electrifying pub rock scene of the 70s and 80s where the air was "thick with the unmistakable scent of beer, sweat, and pot."

Born into a musical Adelaide family in 1952, Buzz's path to rock stardom began with a father who could have been a concert pianist (before WWII trauma silenced his playing) and a mother who sang with gusto in church. This foundation, combined with exposure to seminal artists through his older brother, set the stage for his remarkable career. With characteristic humility and humor, Buzz reveals how he transformed The Angels by suggesting Doc Neeson move from bass to frontman—a decision that created magic. "You couldn't take your eyes off him on stage," Buzz explains about the charismatic Neeson, whom he considers the greatest frontman he's ever worked with.

Beyond the music that defined a generation, Buzz's story takes unexpected turns. His unique upside-down guitar playing created GangGajang's distinctive sound. His work with the Jimmy Little Foundation, promoting healthy eating among indigenous children for 25 years, reveals the depth of his character. "That's what I get up in the morning for," he shares, demonstrating how music can be a vehicle for meaningful change. Still active at 73, Buzz continues mentoring young artists as an APRA ambassador while passing his musical genes to his producer son Maxwell.

Whether you're a die-hard Angels fan or simply appreciate authentic Australian stories, Buzz's memoir "No Secrets" delivers raw insights into a musical life fully lived. The book is available now at Woolworths for $24—grab your copy and discover the stories behind the soundtrack of Australian rock.

What Buzz Bidstrup been up to lately? Let's find out!

Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!

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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

Sarah Buckley's effervescent energy radiates through every moment of our conversation about The Buckleys, the dynamic sibling band that's breathing fresh life into Australian country music. Growing up in the Byron hinterland with a father who drummed for The Radiators before exploring big band, rockabilly, and boogie-woogie piano, music was always destined to be their path.

"Dad was always playing," Sarah reminisces, explaining how their father deliberately steered them toward country music as a more wholesome alternative to the rock world he knew. This musical upbringing included learning guitar from James T of Canned Heat fame and performing at local festivals from a young age. The journey from competing in the BluesFest busking competition as children to returning as official performers years later represents a full-circle moment that clearly still resonates with Sarah.

The conversation takes an exciting turn when Sarah details her songwriting collaboration with Alexander Lasker from Kingswood. Unlike the structured Nashville writing sessions she was accustomed to, their creative process flowed organically into the early morning hours after breaks for dinner and drinks. This rock and roll approach yielded their previous single "See You Folks Again" and their new release "What Were Your Dreams Made Of" during one particularly inspired night. The latter track showcases Sarah's powerful vocals alongside a fierce mandolin solo in what she describes as "a high energy anthem built for dance floors, festival stages, and country playlists alike."

The family dynamic adds another fascinating layer to The Buckleys' story. Recently, youngest brother Dylan has joined the band after earning his stripes and completing his "band probation," as Sarah jokingly puts it. When asked about playing with siblings, she candidly admits it's "a mixed bag" with moments that are "explosive and very short" before everyone moves on professionally.

This authenticity extends to their annual "Buckleys and Friends" jam session at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, where they strip back to the spontaneous energy of their musical upbringing.

Discover the infectious blend of honky-tonk heart and rockabilly rebellion that's made The Buckleys one of Australia's most exciting young bands. From their #1 debut single to festival stages across two continents, they're proving country music's resurgence is in capable hands. Give their new single a listen and experience pure Buckley magic for yourself!

What have The Buckleys been up to lately? Let's find out!

Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!

Visit: ThatRadioChick.com.au

Send us a text

Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians

What happens when childhood musical bonds evolve into full-blown rock stardom? Alex Laska, founding member and guitarist of Kingswood, takes us behind the scenes of one of Australia's most versatile bands in this captivating conversation.

From surprising beginnings as a classically trained pianist who didn't touch a guitar until after completing his piano degree, to performing alongside Fergus Linacre in primary school covering Aerosmith, Alex reveals the unexpected path that led to Kingswood's formation and success. The band's journey includes supporting rock legends AC/DC and Aerosmith, a full-circle moment that saw Steven Tyler bursting into their dressing room years after they covered his song as children.

With over 90 million streams and six entries in Triple J's Hottest 100, Kingswood has established themselves as genre-defying musical chameleons. Alex discusses their new single "Lovin a Girl" and forthcoming album with ABC Music, offering insights into the storytelling behind their songwriting and the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with the modern streaming landscape. "When you're a musician, the thing you really crave is a journey and experience," he explains, lamenting the shift away from album-oriented listening experiences.

Currently touring with an expanded seven-piece lineup featuring pedal steel and additional vocalists, Kingswood continues pushing boundaries while maintaining the creative spark that's defined them from the beginning.

Between tales of their record-breaking tour (112 shows in six months) aboard their tour bus "Peggy" and glimpses into Alex's passion for vintage motorcycles and cars, this episode captures the spirit of a band that refuses to be confined by expectations.

Don't miss this intimate look at Australian rock royalty in the making. Check out Kingswood's tour dates at kingswoodband.com and stream their new single "Lovin a Girl" on all platforms now.

What has Kingswood's Alex Laska been up to lately? Let's find out!

Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!

Visit: ThatRadioChick.com.au