Warm Classic Rock Interviews with Famous Music Legends of the '60s '70s '80s - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Sandy Kaye
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Iva Davies was born and raised in regional Australia, where his early exposure to music set the stage for his remarkable career. Trained as a classical musician, he excelled as an oboist. However, the allure of rock music and the emerging punk and new wave scenes in the 70s inspired him to shift gears.
Influenced by artists like David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Brian Eno, Iva began exploring electronic and experimental sounds, which would later define Icehouse’s unique style.
In 1977, Davies formed Flowers with bassist Keith Welsh, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in Australian music. Originally a covers band, Flowers soon began incorporating original material. Their raw energy and Iva’s charismatic stage presence quickly made them a favourite in Sydney’s pub rock circuit.
The release of their debut album, Icehouse, in 1980, was a game-changer. Featuring tracks like "We Can Get Together" and "Can't Help Myself," the album showcased a blend of new wave, punk, and synth-driven rock. Its success led to an international record deal but a legal conflict over the name Flowers prompted the band to rebrand as Icehouse.
As Icehouse, the group became a vehicle for Iva’s creative vision. Their 1982 album, Primitive Man, marked a major turning point. The album included the upbeat "Great Southern Land," a song that became an unofficial Australian anthem.
The next album, Sidewalk (1984), showcased Davies’ maturing songwriting and reflected his growing interest in themes of isolation and urban life. Though less commercially successful than its predecessor, it set the stage for the band’s magnum opus, Man of Colours (1987).
Man of Colours was Icehouse's most commercially successful album, cementing their place as global stars. Tracks like "Electric Blue," co-written with John Oates of Hall & Oates dominated international charts. The album resonated with fans worldwide. In Australia, Man of Colours became the highest-selling album of 1987 and earned multiple ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year.
Iva's passion for technology and experimentation was evident throughout Icehouse's career. He embraced cutting-edge digital synthesizers and recording techniques, creating a sound that was both innovative and timeless. In addition to his work with Icehouse, Iva composed scores for films like Razorback (1984) and collaborated with the Sydney Dance Company on Boxes (1985) and Berlin (1995), blending classical and modern musical elements.
Despite lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, Icehouse remained a beloved act. In the 1990s, the band released Code Blue (1990) and Big Wheel (1993), which explored deeper and more personal themes. Although these albums didn’t match the commercial heights of earlier works, they reinforced Davies’ reputation as a versatile and introspective artist.
By the 2000s, Icehouse focused on live performances, reconnecting with fans through nostalgia-fueled tours. Davies also reworked classic tracks for the 2011 album Icehouse: White Heat 30 Hits, which celebrated the band’s enduring legacy.
Iva Davies and Icehouse have left an indelible mark on Australian music and beyond. Great Southern Land is regularly cited as one of Australia’s greatest songs, and Icehouse’s albums continue to influence generations of musicians. Davies’ fusion of classical training, electronic innovation, and rock sensibility has made him one of Australia’s most iconic and enduring musical talents.
Today Icehouse remains active, with Iva at the helm, performing to loyal audiences and to new fans. The band are celebrated as pioneers of Australian music and continue to bridge the gap between the past and the future of rock and electronic sounds.
Catch Icehouse when they headline the RED HOT SUMMER TOUR starting January 2025. Supported by several other notable Australian bands in Noiseworks, Wolfmother, Eskimo Joe, Baby Aniamls, Killing Heidi and Bachelor Girl - this is sure to be an incredible outdoor music festival.
Liberty DeVitto has long been recognised as one of the most influential drummers in rock history, renowned for his explosive energy, innovative rhythms, and deep connection to the music.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was captivated by drumming at an early age, inspired by legends like Ringo Starr, Dino Danelli, and Keith Moon.
Raised in a vibrant, music-loving family, DeVitto honed his craft by playing along to records and developing his signature style—a mix of finesse, power, and an uncanny ability to elevate a song's emotional impact.
DeVitto's career reached new heights when he joined Billy Joel's band in 1974, a partnership that spanned over three decades.
As Joel’s drummer, DeVitto was the driving force behind countless hits, including "Piano Man," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," and "My Life." His intuitive understanding of Joel’s songwriting allowed him to craft drum parts that became as iconic as the melodies themselves.
Albums like The Stranger, 52nd Street, and Glass Houses showcased his ability to balance technical brilliance with raw emotion, solidifying his place in music history.
Beyond Billy Joel, DeVitto has collaborated with a wide range of iconic artists, including Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Carly Simon, and Karen Carpenter, displaying his versatility and adaptability across genres. He has also performed on numerous studio sessions, further contributing to his impressive discography.
In addition to his illustrious career as a sideman, DeVitto formed The Slim Kings, a band that combines classic rock influences with a fresh, modern sound. The Slim Kings have released several critically acclaimed tracks, earning a loyal following for their authentic and energetic performances. He also has The Lords of 52nd St which is the original band behind Billy Joel - a band that has sold more than 150 million records and helped establish Billy Joel’s formidable sound.
In recent years, DeVitto has shared his incredible journey through his memoir, Liberty: Life, Billy, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The book provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at his life on and off the stage, detailing his childhood in Brooklyn, his experiences with Billy Joel, and his personal struggles and triumphs. It’s a testament to his resilience and passion for music.
DeVitto continues to be an active presence in the music industry, performing live, recording new music, and mentoring aspiring musicians.
His latest project is recording with Studio D’Lux - a supergroup led by keyboardist-vocalist Doug Kistner (Trans-Siberian Orchestra/Blood Sweat & Tears/John Waite). Liberty Devitto is joined by guitarist Jon Herington (Steely Dan), New Brunswick singer Glen Burtnik (Styx), Asbury Park singer Reagan Richards (Williams Honor), bassist Malcolm Gold (Sheryl Crow) and saxophonist Tom Timko (Gloria Estefan).
Liberty remains a vocal advocate for drummers, regularly appearing at drum clinics and industry events to inspire the next generation of percussionists.
With a career that spans decades and a legacy that continues to grow, Liberty DeVitto is more than a drummer—he is a cornerstone of modern music, whose beats will echo for generations to come.
Liberty joins us this week to share what continues to be an amazing ride through the music industry. A ride he has dedicated his entire life to.
Wondering what ever happened to Don Walker and Cold Chisel? Or maybe what songs Don wrote for the band and what his solo stuff is like?
Check this out ...
Don Walker, hailed as one of Australia's finest songwriters, has built an enduring legacy through his work with Cold Chisel, his solo career, and his literary pursuits.
Born in Ayr, Queensland, in 1951, Don spent his formative years on a sugarcane farm, an environment that shaped his deep appreciation for storytelling and the Australian landscape.
Despite excelling academically and earning a physics degree from the University of Queensland, music remained his true calling. He began writing songs in his teenage years, influenced by country, blues, and the emerging rock 'n' roll sounds of the 1960s.
In 1973, while living in Adelaide, Don co-founded Cold Chisel with Ian Moss, Phil Small, Steve Prestwich, and Jimmy Barnes. As the band's principal songwriter and keyboardist, Don crafted songs that resonated with the Australian experience, blending gritty realism with poetic lyricism.
Cold Chisel's music, powered by Don's writing, captured the struggles, triumphs, and heartbreaks of ordinary lives. Tracks like Khe Sanh, a tale of a Vietnam veteran's post-war alienation, and Flame Trees, a nostalgic reflection on love and small-town life, became Australian anthems.
Cold Chisel rose to prominence in the late '70s and early '80s, releasing landmark albums such as East and Circus Animals. Don's songwriting was praised for its depth and sophistication, setting the band apart in the Australian rock scene.
Despite their massive success, internal tensions led to the band's breakup in 1983. Their farewell concert, The Last Stand, cemented their place in Australian music history.
After Cold Chisel's breakup, Don turned his focus to solo projects. He formed the Catfish, releasing the album Unlimited Address in 89, which showcased his ability to blend rock, blues, and jazz influences.
He later pursued a solo career under his own name, releasing We're All Gunna Die (1995), Cutting Back (2006), and Hully Gully (2013). These albums highlighted his distinctive narrative voice and ability to explore the darker corners of human experience with wit and insight.
Beyond music, Don ventured into literature, publishing Shots in 2009, a memoir that offered a vivid and unflinching look at his life and career. The book was praised for its raw honesty and lyrical prose, further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.
Cold Chisel reunited several times, releasing new music and touring to the delight of their loyal fan base. Don's role in the band remained central, as he continued to pen songs that connected with audiences across generations.
His collaborations with other artists, including Slim Dusty, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Tex Perkins, underscored his influence on Australian music.
Don Walker's career spans decades of creative output, from iconic anthems to introspective solo works and literary achievements. His ability to capture the essence of Australian life through his art has made him a cultural icon and a revered figure in the nation's musical and storytelling traditions.
Don joins us this week to share his incredible story.
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I hope you enjoy this episode!
Do you remember Cream? Of course you do.
They were the first supergroup of the '60s.
Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce made some amazing music in just under three years.
Today, musician Malcolm Bruce, the son of Jack has dedicated himself to preserving the musical legacy of his father who was one of rock’s most influential figures.
Jack Bruce was a trailblazing bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of Cream, alongside guitar legend Eric Clapton and the fiercely innovative drummer Ginger Baker.
Cream, formed in 1966. They were at the forefront of a musical revolution that defined the '60s. Blending blues, rock, and psychedelic styles, Cream pioneered a sound that would shape the future of rock music. With hits like "Sunshine of Your Love," "White Room," and "Badge," their music was groundbreaking, pushing the boundaries of improvisation and power trio dynamics.
The mid-1960s marked a fertile period for music, with the British Invasion introducing bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who to global audiences. Cream carved a unique niche, fusing blues roots with virtuoso instrumental prowess and delivering intense live performances.
Jack Bruce was at the heart of the band’s success, contributing intricate basslines, soulful vocals, and timeless compositions. His collaborative work with lyricist Pete Brown produced some of Cream's most enduring songs.
Though the band’s lifespan was brief—they disbanded in 1968 due to creative tensions—their impact was monumental, cementing them as one of the first supergroups and one of the greatest bands in rock history.
A young Malcolm Bruce grew up surrounded by music, deeply influenced by his father’s genius and the rich legacy of Cream. A multi-instrumentalist proficient in guitar, piano, and bass, Malcolm has since forged his own path as a solo artist while honouring his father's contributions.
Malcolm is also a key figure in the "Music of Cream" project, a touring tribute band featuring Kofi Baker (son of Ginger Baker) and Will Johns (Eric Clapton’s nephew). Together, they celebrate Cream's groundbreaking music with live performances that recreate the band’s electrifying energy, introducing its legacy to new generations.
Beyond his work with the "Music of Cream," Malcolm Bruce is deeply committed to preserving Jack Bruce’s catalogue and sharing his father’s artistry with the world. He has worked on remastering projects, archival releases, and curated performances to highlight the depth of Jack Bruce’s solo career, which extended far beyond Cream.
Through his dedication, Malcolm ensures that the innovations of his father—and the era-defining work of Cream—continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.
Today, Malcolm joins us to share his experiences and tell us why it's so important to advocate for his father’s legacy.
If you know Cream's music - or if you're wanting to discover it - you're going to love this episode.
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