140 – Steve Balbi (Solo Musician, Noiseworks, Mi-Sex, Electric…

If you don’t recognise the name Steve Balbi immediately, you will quickly join the dots when the songs Touch, Take Me Back, No Lies, Burning Feeling, Simple Man and even Hot Chilli Woman are recalled. Being a key song writer and the bass player in Australian rock band Noiseworks, Steve saw heightened fame in the late 80s/early 90s with hit after hit which many of us will be able to recite word for word.

With a highly respected career in music even up to the era of Noiseworks, Steve went on to continue to expand his repertoire forming Electric Hippies, launching a solo career, working with David Bowie, fronting Australian music legends Mi-Sex in recent years and many, many other projects.

The list of Steve’s accomplishments in music is long and his work to this day continues to expand and grow. Notably Steve recently teamed up with Jessica Irwin who is an illustrator, author and musician among other talents who lives with Cerebral Palsy and has control of only her eyes and mind. Their collaboration resulted in the release of ‘Whispers (Psykinetic Mix)‘ using new technology called Atmosphere. which is eye controlled music software developed by Dr Jordan Nguyen at Psykinetic.

Steve and Jessica have performed live together at Telstra Vantage Sydney in 2017 and will be at TEDx in Melbourne 13 August 2018.

Steve and I caught up in his studio in Ultimo Sydney and went on a whirlwind of a ride. We took a haphazard approach touching on various moments throughout his career from recent collaborations to his earlier years in Noiseworks and Electric Hippies. We also speak of Steve’s solo work including his upcoming new album as well as his recovery from addiction and how sobriety has helped him progress forward and lead a better life.

There are a stack of great stories and insights in this episode. I believe that Steve is a real role model when it comes to the dedication of your craft and passion. He continues to amaze those who love his work and bridge new worlds together through music and personal connection.

Steve Balbi’s new album ‘Humans’, inspired by the book Humans of New York, will be out early 2019 and the first single ‘Modern Love’ comes out 26 October 2018. I’ll update all of the details below when it’s all released however be sure to follow Steve and his projects to keep up to date via the links below.

Show notes

Follow Steve Balbi and check out his tour dates via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |
Listen to Steve on Spotify | Apple Music |
Learn more about Psykinetic and Atmosphere
Buy/Listen to ‘Winners (Psykinetic Mix)’ HERE
Learn more about Jessica Irwin HERE
Check out Steve on tour with Mi-Sex HERE
See Steve on Tour with Joel McDonald (Episode 64) for the Let There Be Rock Ochestrated (AC/DC songs with a 30 piece symphony orchestra) – Tickets HERE

 

Steve Balbi on stage Jessica Irwin. Photo by Russell Cherry

 

 

Steve and Travis New (Episode 91) performing with Mi-Sex on New Zealand morning television

 

Photo by Tim Bradshaw

 

 

 

139 – Mark Briody (Jag Panzer)

Mark Briody of Jag Panzer. The young Andy would have been stoked.

I remember listening to Thane to the Throne when I was about 16 and being blown away with what I heard. Jag Panzer was one of the small number of bands who broke me out of my mainstream metal knowledge and set me on a path of absorption of the wider metal world. My eyes had been opened!

Mark is someone who I‘ve looked up to and respected for many years. The way he approaches the band and interacts with those who love the music has influenced me greatly on the way that I hold myself, as well as others, with respect and appreciation. It all comes back to why we all got started in the first place. The love of metal.

With Jag Panzer being around since 1981, we naturally cover a bit of the bands early history but we also spend a lot of time talking about the 80s tape trade culture, musicians who have won Mark’s respect over the years (and some who didn’t) as well as cool stories involving Lemmy and Chuck Berry respectively.

Lots of great insights if you’re a musician, fan of Jag Panzer or simply someone who loves a good story.

Check out Jag Panzer’s most recent album The Deviant Chord and be sure to dig into their back catalogue if you haven’t already. One of my favourite classic heavy metal bands.

Show notes

Follow Jag Panzer via Main Website | Facebook | Twitter |

Buy The Deviant Chord HERE

 

Here’s a photo of a derpy 21 year old me at Bang Your Head in 2005 with Mark and the guys.

 

First Jag Panzer song I ever heard!

138 – Peter Maxwell Slattery (E.T. Contact Experiencer, Author,…

Sceptic, sceptic, sceptic. That’s me. Always quick to jump to my BS meter to call out something. With this in mind I thought it might be good to challenge myself a little and speak to someone who has a very different set of beliefs to my own.

Meet Peter Maxwell Slattery. An Author, Rap Artist and an Extraterrestrial Contact Experiencer. Multi-dimensional personality who not only writes books, releases his own music and speaks about his personal E.T. encounters but also runs ECETI Australia with his wife Solreta Antaria who is a Psychic and Hypnotherapist.

Peter was recommended to me by an Andy Social listener. At first I was quite hesitant due to my BS metre overheating, however after a bit of reading up I was quite impressed with the amount of content and hard work Peter puts into his own brand and business (remember, I run the Self Starter podcast as well!).

So guys and gals, strap yourself in for this one. We go on a wild ride and while at times I am wondering what on earth is going to come next, Peter was extremely pleasant, welcoming and soft with the approach of his views. I really enjoyed chatting with Peter and while this episode isn’t necessarily aimed at pushing toward a believer or sceptic view point, I think it’s good to have open conversations and listen to other people’s journeys and experiences. Through other filters, we get learn more about each other as well as ourselves. I might have to challenge myself a bit more!

If you want to learn about Peter, his writings, video content, music and more. Check out the links below.

Show notes

Follow Peter Maxwell Slattery via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | YouTube |
Learn more about P-Max here and listen on Apple | Spotify | Google Play | Amazon Music |
ECETI Australia – Main Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube |

 

Peter and his wife on Japanese television. See more here.

Peter with James Gilliland at his ranch in the USA

137 – Paul Martin (Devilskin, The Axe Attack, World…

If you’re a New Zealand metal fan, there’s a high possibility you’ll know who Paul Martin is. Front New Zealand’s longest standing metal radio shows, The Axe Attack (since 1987) these days on iHeartRadio, Paul is a household name in local metal scene and is an integral part in pushing NZ original music as well as hosting some of the world’s greatest metal heroes through his show.

Adding an additional layer to Paul’s involvement in music is his two bands Devilskin and World War Four. Both bands have seen Paul support bands such as Black Sabbath, Down, Black Label Society, Slash, Alice Cooper and Halestorm earning considerable success. Devilskin specifically has become one of New Zealand’s most popular rock/metal bands hitting gold and platinum record status, playing large clubs across New Zealand and also claiming several European tours and a 2017 appearance at UK’s Download Festival. They are busy!

Through LORD’s tours to New Zealand over the years we have been exposed to Paul and his reputation in the local scene. Paul has helped our band (and countless others) get to the ears of the Kiwi metal fan. It seems that many of us have a lot to thank him for and the number of fans he is bringing music to through his show or onstage continues to grow.

Paul and I briefly caught up to talk about the history of The Axe Attack, his long commutes to Auckland every Sunday to do the show, the incarnation of Devilskin and the work ethic and accolades that the band has celebrated since forming in 2010.

Do yourself a favour and check out The Axe Attack, Devilskin and World War Four via the links below.

Show notes

Follow Paul on Facebook
Check out The Axe Attack via iHeartRadio | Facebook |
Check out Devilskin via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Discover World War Four via Facebook | Reverbnation |

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Jamie Miller, Kasai Photography

 

 

Photo by Bradley Garner Creative

 

136 – Simon Lewis (International Humanitarian Lifeguard)

Simon Lewis is an International Humanitarian Lifeguard who has saved close to 2,000 refugees fleeing parts of Africa and Syria. These refugees are using ill-equipped vessels that are overloaded and travelling across parts of the Mediterranean sea which are seen as some of the most dangerous migration routes in the world. Simon with the aid of Mission Lifeline, is operating in these areas to assist where he can. The job is not easy and is plagued with legalities which add an extra layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.

Heavily influenced by the story of Alan Kurdi that made world news in September 2015, Simon used his years of lifesaving here in Australia to raise money, awareness and begin a series of trips to Europe to do his part in saving the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable.

I discovered Simon indirectly through the ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre) who have played an integral part in supporting refugees seeking asylum here in Australia. Just recently, Simon participated in the ASRC’s yearly telethon which raised over $800,000 for the organisation to continue to help those in dire need.

Simon and I touched on the lead up to his big decision to take his skills abroad, the challenges he faced in the lead up and the many stories of adversity and also tragedy that he’s experienced on the seas of the Mediterranean.

It can be a divided topic which stirs up a lot of opinions. Simon’s work is what I would class as true hero work. Human’s saving humans. Doing the right thing by our fellow man no matter where you were born, the colour of your skin or your beliefs. It can be all too easy to feel disconnected from the adversity of others and I hope this episode brings further awareness and compassion to the many who need it.

Show notes

Follow Simon on Linkedin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | GoFundMe |
Lifesaving Victoria
ASRC – Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Article – ‘If I make a mistake, people die’: The Aussie lifesaver with the hardest job (News.com.au)
Article – Australian lifesaver Simon Lewis helps asylum seekers during ‘harrowing’ Greece volunteer mission (ABC News)

 

Photo by Kevin McElvaney

 

Photo by Kevin McElvaney

 

Photo by Kevin McElvaney

 

 

 

 

 

135 – Peter Hobbs (Hobbs Angel of Death)

Blasphemy is a word that comes to mind when you think of Hobbs Angel of Death. inverted crucifix’s, satanic themes and sacrilegious lyrics often intimidate the uninitiated or those unfamiliar with metal.

Dig beneath the surface and you find a dedicated, genuine and compassionate front man in Peter Hobbs. While it might conflict the image of the band and Peter’s persona for some, Peters true nature is a correct reflection of the achievements, resilience and longevity of Hobbs Angel of Death.

Formerly playing in Tyrus in the early 80s before forming Hobbs Angel of Death in 1987, 30+ years on sees Peter make some big adjustments due to a recent heart diagnosis. The news has resulted in the band announcing their last ever Sydney show (2 Nov 2018 at the Steel Assassins Festival – More info here) and having a number of priorities shifting.

Peter and I jumped between the various moments of the band’s history, the perception of Hobbs and his on stage persona, his own change of perspective over the years and life as it stands now.

I’ve been lucky to know Peter for a few years now and I feel fortune to be able to have him on the podcast to talk about music and just life in general. There’s no doubt a number of great life lessons and learnings that will from this conversation and I hope that you guys get as much out of this as I did.

Follow the links below to check out Hobbs and if you want to see their last ever Sydney show, click here for tickets.

Show notes

Follow Hobbs Angel of Death via Facebook | Store | Hells Headbangers |
Steel Assassins Festival – Nov 2 and 3 (Headlined by Hobbs Angel of Death and LORD) – TICKETS

Screen grab from Metal Down Under Documentary – Watch HERE

 

 

 

 

134 – Philip Nitschke (Exit International, Voluntary Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide…

Philip Nitschke became a household name in the 90s when he became the first doctor in the world to administer a legal, lethal voluntary injection to a patient under the short-lived “Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995”. Within a year the law was overturned and Philip went on to commence his campaigning for assisted dying, not only for the terminally ill but for those of sound mind to make their own decisions of when to end their life.

Exit International (Previously known as the Voluntary Euthanasia Research Foundation) was founded by Philip and their vision states “every adult of sound mind has the right to implement plans for the end of their life so that their death is reliable, peaceful and at the time of their choosing”. Due to the sensitivity of the topic, Philip and the organisation have received heavy criticism over the years often coming face to face with not only government legislative obstacles but also religious organisations and sections of the media.

I remember Philip Nitschke as ‘Dr. Death’ – A name that he was labelled with through the media and while I didn’t know a lot about the topic as a child, I certainly do recall the intensity of the issue and the dark lens that was placed over him and Voluntary Euthanasia. Death is often placed in a negative light and something to be feared of. Of course this meant for me that Dr Death was a bit of a fearful character that was portrayed to me in those earlier years.

More recently I was reintroduced to Philip through Dr David Goodall, the 104 year old Botanist and Ecologist who made the decision to end his life. Unfortunately because of the current laws in Australia, Dr Goodall had to travel to Switzerland to have his wishes granted on 10 May 2018. The story became world news and with Philip helping Dr Goodall fast track his application in Switzerland, he and the topic came back into spotlight once again.

Given the recent media attention and keeping in theme of having a wide variety of guests and discussions on The Andy Social Podcast, I knew that I had to get in touch with Philip. Thankfully he agreed and he is now one of the many fascinating guests who I’ve had the pleasure to speak with candidly.

Philip and I spoke about the recent David Goodall story, we reflected on his time in the Northern Territory when the world had their eyes on Australia’s (at the time) progressive actions. We also spoke about the stigma and challenges surrounding the word ‘suicide’, the battles he has had with the medical board in Australia, stories from some of the individuals who Philip has come into contact with over the years and much more.

The subject is complicated and often blurred by subjective and emotional opinions. While I sometimes think that some of Philip’s approaches and statements over the years have been shocking on the surface, it has challenged the way that I view life and our rights as individuals. Like many of us, we have experienced and had contact with people in our lives who have suffered and lived a quality of life that is unacceptable. Providing people with an option to make a rational decision at a certain stage of their lives gives individuals dignity and control over how they would like their last moments to be.

Wherever your opinions may sit, I hope this sparks some thought and discussion amongst your friends and family. Quite possibly its time to take a different view on how we portray death and the freedoms that people may require in later stages of life.

To learn more about Philip Nitschke’s work and Exit International, please follow the links below.

Show notes

Follow Philip on Facebook | Twitter | Learn more via Exit International Profile and Wiki |
Philip’s Autobiography – Damned if I Do
Discover Exit International via Main Website | Twitter | Facebook |
Learn more about Euthanasia in Australia
Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory – Select Committee on Euthanasia

Discover Andrew Denton‘s Better Off Dead Podcast Series presented by the Wheeler Centre
Article – David Goodall ends his life at 104 with a final powerful statement on euthanasia – ABC News
Article –  The Fight to End a Life – Sydney Morning Herald from 1996
Article – Former chief minister Marshall Perron blasts Northern Territory’s Federal MPs for “shirking their responsibilities” over voluntary euthanasia – NT News
Article – Max Bell – Exit International
Article – Philip Nitschke condoned suicide of Perth murder suspect Nigel Brayley: lawyer – Perth Now
Article – Meet the Elon Musk of Assisted Suicide, Whose Machine Lets You Kill Yourself Anywhere – Newsweek

 

 

Philip with David Goodall at the airport in Basel Switzerland – Photo by ABC News Charlotte Hamlyn

 

 

 

133 – Riley Strong (Desecrator)

Riley Strong is the Max Rockatansky of Australian metal. Patrolling the desolate regions of the globe maintaining heavy metal law and order. Over the past several years alone, Riley and Desecrator have completed extensive touring of Europe, South East Asia, Russia, Mexico and Brazil. The guys are ‘do it yourself’ champions and have taken action while many others have sat back waiting for the perfect opportunity to come their way.

Hard work certainly pays off with the guys getting an invitation from their mates in Airbourne to jump on board their European tour in 2017 which took them from playing smaller clubs to larger halls in front of upwards of a couple thousand people a night. The tour proved to be perfect timing with their release of ‘To The Gallows’ being released a few months prior – Their first ever studio album after close to a decade of being a band.

Riley and I chew the fat about touring around the globe, their 5 year plans as a band, the dedication and focus he has placed on Desecrator including his outlook of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

Bands and musos – Take notes. There is some great band talk in this episode from one of the harder working musicians in Australian metal.

Check out Desecrator and their latest album ‘To the Gallows’ via the links below.

Featured photo by Hughes VanHoucke

Show notes

Follow Riley on Facebook | Instagram
Check out Desecrator via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter |
Buy Desecrator’s ‘To the Gallows’ HERE and merch HERE 

Shout out segment of the podcast – Andrew Hanson – Check out his music production business in Sydney Xela8 It.

 

 

Photo by Hughes VanHoucke

 

 

132 – Simone Dow (Voyager)

Simone Dow is the guitarist and resident pocket rocket for Australian band Voyager.

Since joining the band in 2006, Simone has clocked up thousands and kilometres of touring around the world, notched a number of critically acclaimed albums under her belt and is one of the more popular Australian metal/rock guitarists with fans far and wide.

In this chinwag with Simone we have a gas bag about their 2018 Japan, UK, US, Mexico shows, Simone’s love of food, migrating from Scotland as a child, some of the song writing process in Voyager, her Italian heritage (wait until you hear her middle name!) and heaps more.

If you haven’t checked out Voyager yet, have a gander at some of the music below in the show notes, get your ears around their latest album Ghost Mile and while you’re at it have a listen to my episodes with Alex Canion (episode 71) and Danny Estrin (episode 74) making it now 3 members of Voyager that have been on The Andy Social Podcast. Ash? Scott? Keen? 🙂

Show notes

Follow Simone on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
Purchase the latest Voyager album ‘Ghost Mile’ HERE.
Check out Voyager on Main Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

 

Photo by Rebecca Bourke

Photo by Alchemi Glow Music Photography

Photo by Monika Smith Photography

Photo by Jaz Meadows Imagery

 

131 – Dave ‘Higgo’ Higgins (Radio Personality, Higgos Distortion)

Dave Higgo Higgins. If you’re a rock or metal fan in Australia, chances are you’ll know who Higgo is. Best known for his stints in mainstream radio, in particular Triple M’s distortion. Higgo is deep in the music world and has used his career in radio to celebrate his passion for original and homegrown music.

In fact, Higgo has been a big proponent for Australian music for many years, often giving air time and exposure to countless numbers of bands over the years when many others working in mainstream radio did not. Through this love of music, he’s also got behind live music in Melbourne putting on yearly metal/rock events at the famous Cherry Bar.

Like many of us, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Higgo and he’s been through a lot of tragedy and personal challenges over the years. Using his public platform, Higgo has openly discussed his battles with depression and his thoughts on the topic of suicide, especially those in the public. Life is good these days, but there will always be moments along the way and Higgo hopes that others are encouraged to speak more and seek support.

I spent a fair bit of time talking to Higgo about mental health, in particular depression and some of the challenges we have discussing feelings (especially us ‘blokes’!). I also got into Higgo’s ear about his career in radio, how he got started, life in a bird seed factory, his love of music and heaps more.

I got a hell of a lot out of this chat with Dave and hope you do too. If you ever need support, be sure to utilise Lifeline (phone 13 11 14), Beyond Blue (phone 1300 224 636) , your local equivalent or even drop me a line. Sometimes a simple chat can go a long way.

Show notes

Follow Higgo on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Linkedin |
Article – Dave ‘Higgo’ Higgins: Triple M host reveals battle with depression (News.com.au)
Need some assistance or want to help someone? Lifeline Website or call 13 11 14 | Beyond Blue or call 1300 224 636  |

Photo by Hysteria Mag

Photo by Daily Mail