Show Notes
They’ve spat fire, bled on stage, conquered the world and turned rock ’n’ roll into a global phenomenon. Now, after more than five decades of mayhem, Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric are gearing up to bring the KISS experience to Las Vegas for the KISS Kruise. Gene and Paul are no strangers to Australia and catch up with Becko on The Rider to talk about their history, the parties in Sydney and how they gave AC/DC their start. These are two men who have never done anything by half measures and with a legion of fans still ready to rock, the KISS story is far from over. "You wanted the best, you got the best" This is Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley from Kiss on The Rider with Becko.
More from The Rider, with Becko
Thirty years ago, four mates from Melbourne burst onto the Australian music scene with a sound that was loud, fast and impossible to ignore. Now, three decades, countless gigs and a stack of unforgettable songs later, 28 Days are hitting the road again, celebrating 30 years of the band with a national anniversary tour. From Rip It Up and Say What? to the songs that became the soundtrack for a generation, 28 Days have carved out a place in Australian music history and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. We’re talking 30 years of music, memories, mayhem, the stories behind the songs and what it feels like to get back on the road and celebrate three decades of 28 Days. This is Jay and Dan from 28 Days, on The Rider with Becko.
The Dandy Warhols prove rock ’n’ roll can be glamorous, strange, funny, psychedelic — and occasionally very, very loud. Courtney Taylor-Taylor has shared stages, stories and good times with everyone from David Bowie to The Strokes — and if you’ve heard the stories about the legendary Dandy Warhols parties, you’ll know that the guest list could get pretty interesting. Now the Dandy Warhols are heading back to Australia for a massive run of shows this November and December, including Sydney’s Enmore Theatre, and some time in Tassie with the Symphony Orchestra. We'll chat about what is better in Australiam the food or the wine - or both and why they keep coming back. This is The Rider with Becko, and Courtney Taylor-Taylor from the Dandy Warhols.
The Human League return to Australia in 2027 - the first since their sellout a few years ago. This is a greatest hits tour and it will be something special to see Phil, Joanne and Susan back playing some iconic venues. In this chat, Phil explains how they somehow made it through the 90s and the 'grunge' era - the most difficult time for any 80s synth indy band to be once again going through a sweet spot! This is Phil Oakey from The Human League, on The Rider with Becko.
20 years ago one of the great Aussie albums was released, "Suburban Songbook" by Bob Evans. Suburban Songbook remains a critical and commercial success story two decades beyond its release. Fittingly in 2026, Bob Evans will head out on the road for the 20th Anniversary of Suburban Songbook, set to perform the record in its entirety with full band this September and October, along with a special 20th Anniversary Edition of Suburban Songbook available digitally and on vinyl on September 4. It's always great to catch up with Kevin and have conversations on Perth's music scene and how did he ask the rest of Jebediah how they felt if he worked on something else for a bit. This is The Rider with Becko and Bob Evans.
Alexander Gow has released a brilliant new album, 'Bodyline'. Best known as the frontman of Oh Mercy, Gow reflects on the evolution of his craft—from ARIA-winning records to striking out on his own—and unpacks the stories behind an album that embraces intimacy, restraint and lyrical precision. Along the way, we talk about creativity beyond commercial success, balancing music with journalism, and what keeps him writing after nearly two decades of Australian music. A natural progression from 2023’s Dizzy Spell, Bodyline tradeslo-fi minimalism for something richer and more playful. Still grounded in Gow’s unmistakable songwriting voice, the album expands its palette through layered arrangements and analogue warmth, recorded to quarter-inch tape with an openness to experimentation. “Bodyline is the latest effort in my ongoing pursuit of enduring, horny songwriting - full of pathos and personal exploration,” Gow says. “Writing songs is the thing I am best at; it brings me joy, meaning, and context in a life that is largely fulfilling, yet often chaotic and confusing.” Stream it now... it's brilliant. This is The Rider with Becko and Alexander Gow.