Mott the Hoople's Verden Allen, 1910 FruitGum Company's Frank Jeckell and Aussie icon John Williamson

Welshman, VERDEN ALLEN founded the British hard rock band, MOTT THE HOOPLE in the early 70's. The band was a mix of glam, metal and attitude that was bolstered by Ian Hunter's clever and thoughtful songwriting. Mott The Hoople had a tough, muscular sound but their lack of mainstream success meant its members inevitably splintered apart. Most famous for a song given to them by David Bowie, this week Verden recounts those early days and previews his latest solo album. The 1910 FRUIT GUM COMPANY has been credited with launching the craze known as bubblegum music and they certainly found an enthusiastic audience with fans looking for something sweeter than the edgy rock music of the late 60’s. History has it that the group consisted of session musicians but 1910’s band leader, FRANK JECKELL says they were railroaded into playing bubblegum music and this is totally untrue. I caught up with Frank in New Jersey this week to discover that 1910 is still alive, well and playing to crowds today. He’s one of Australia’s most iconic singer songwriters who’s helped give the country a voice and made millions of Aussies proud to be just that. JOHN WILLIAMSON boasts fans of all ages but I learned this week that his biggest support base is actually young Aussie males. Guys like Ned who asked me to bring John onto the show. Even if you dislike the rather quirky music, meeting John will give you a sense of his passion and an understanding of the influence he still exerts today. Join me? And don't forget it you'd like to 'request a guest' simply send me a message through the website www.abreathoffreshair.com.au I'll track down and find anyone you'd like to hear from - as long as they were making music in the 60's, 70's or 80's! https://linktr.ee/abreathoffreshair