From Australia to Chicago: Michael Charles’ 40-Year Journey Through the Blues

Watch this inspiring episode of Along the Rock as host Kierstyn Long sits down with internationally acclaimed Australian blues guitarist Michael Charles.Michael shares the incredible story of how a single invitation to perform at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago changed the course of his life, launching a decades-long career across the United States and Canada. From playing alongside blues legends to touring small-town America, Michael reflects on the experiences that have shaped both his music and his outlook on life.In this episode, you'll hear about:Michael's journey from Australia to ChicagoHis unforgettable first performance with Buddy GuyWhy he loves performing in small communities like Sterling, IllinoisThe inspiration he received from his fatherAdvice for aspiring musicians and anyone pursuing their dreamsHis 2026 Where to Next TourIf you're a fan of blues music, inspiring life stories, or great conversations with talented artists, this is an episode you won't want to miss.🎸 Michael Charles performs at Johnny's in Sterling, Illinois, on August 29.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online🎤 Highlights:00:00 – Introduction00:40 – From Australia to Chicago01:17 – Playing With Buddy Guy02:02 – Meeting Blues Legends02:29 – Why He Came Back to America03:35 – A Career Highlight04:28 – The Night He Met Buddy Guy05:40 – A Dream Come True06:34 – The “Where to Next?” 2026 Tour07:54 – Taking Chances & Trusting Your Instincts09:00 – Why He Loves Playing Small Towns10:37 – The Magic of Intimate Venues11:31 – Picking Up the Guitar at Age 512:30 – Music as a Lifelong Passion13:53 – The Father Who Inspired His Music15:01 – “Never Do Anything You Don’t Want to Do”15:40 – Advice for Aspiring Musicians16:45 – No Regrets After a Lifetime of Music16:56 – Michael Charles at Johnny’s in Sterling17:15 – ClosingCheck out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepresshttps://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/https://rumble.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepresshttps://x.com/radarfreepresshttps://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #MichaelCharles #BluesMusic #ChicagoBlues #AustralianBlues #BuddyGuy #BluesGuitar #BluesMusician #LiveMusic #SterlingIllinois #SaukValley #Johnnys #MusicianLife #AspiringMusicians #FollowYourPassion #Blues #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #TheRadarOnline