Radio has never quite been the same without Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare and Mark Hine in it. Their decades together on Brisbane’s airwaves fashioned a local institution sharper than the city landmark that is Stefan’s Skyneedle.
Since departing their last radio gig on 4BC Breakfast, they’ve travelled. They’ve pottered. They’ve missed their loyal listeners like mad.
But now – a year after they went their separate ways – Laurel, Gary and Mark are reuniting to host a new podcast called Classic Conversations.
It draws on the hundreds of interviews which Laurel, Gary and Mark amassed during their golden days at the now-defunct music station 4KQ – featuring some of music’s biggest names.
Each episode sees them revisit their most memorable chats. The first one features Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston and Brian Cadd.
Guests in later eps include Mark Evans from AC/DC, Gene Simmons and Barry Gibb.
Listening to the podcast feels like a homecoming. A longed-for reconnection with a beloved trio who laughingly acknowledge they’ve had more comebacks than Wickety Wak – Brisbane’s answer to Dame Nellie Melba.
A year apart has not affected their chemistry. Their easy banter is akin to catching up with family.
As Mark says, getting back in the studio together felt like slipping on a pair of comfy shoes:
“We hadn’t seen each other for a while, but then we got together and tossed around the idea of doing a podcast and it just felt really nice to be back together again.”
“We miss talking about the number one passion of ours, which is music,” Laurel adds.
“It was great getting back with the team. We slipped into gear so easily,” Gary says.
A self-described ‘podcast virgin,’ Gary’s still getting acquainted with the medium. And he’s finding it rather different to radio:
“The two things I found difficult were not being live and no music,” he says.
“Hopefully people like it so we can all get together again. One great thing about the podcast: no management to deal with.”
Sometimes the conversations will stray into other areas like sport, but for the most part, it’s all about the music.
Laurel, Gary & Mark’s Classic Conversations podcast explores legendary stories from a time when Auto-Tune was merely the name of a robot mechanic in a Hanna Barbera cartoon.
The first episode will available later today on Spotify, LiSTNR, iHeart and all major streaming services.