Music was always in Mike Chapman’s blood. As a boy, he collected bottles at the Brisbane showgrounds and traded them for money, which he saved to buy his first guitar. In his career he has penned electrifying numbers for The Sweet, The Knack and Pat Benatar.

In the history of '70s and '80s rock music, he is one of the least known, but most influential people.

As a young man, he moved to the UK, hoping to become a rock and roll star.

In the US, Mike produced Blondie's classic album, Parallel Lines, which sold more than 20 million copies.

Mike continues to write and produce music all over the world.

Further information

2025 update: a documentary about Mike is in production, called ‘Simply the Best: The Mike Chapman Story’.

Originally broadcast July 2011.

Songs edited for podcast.

Sunday Girl performed by Blondie
Hanging on the Telephone performed by Blondie
Ballroom Blitz performed by The Sweet
Stumblin' In performed by Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman
My Sharona performed by The Knack

Standout story – Brenda Blethyn

Hear Richard’s conversation with Brenda Blethyn.

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/stage-and-screen-actor-brenda-blethyn/7823938

We have many people to thank for their work and support over the years, including our colleagues at ABC Local Radio, Radio National, and Radio Australia.

Huge thanks to James O’Loughlin, Steve Cannane, Ann Jones, Ellen Fanning, David Bush, Cathy Van Extel, Scott Stephens, Steve Austin, Hamish Macdonald, Patrick Abboud, Wesley Enoch, Charlie King, Lisa Leong, Sally Sara, Sana Qadar, Rudi Bremer, Tom Hall, Paul Penton, Robert Apolloni, Steve Fieldhouse, David White, Peter Scott, David Le May, Steven Tilley, Timothy Nicastri, Roi Huberman, Ellis Fitzpatrick, Emrys Cronin, Craig Tilmouth, Matt Hiley, Geoff Cavanagh, Michael Mason, Warwick Tiernan, James O’Brien, Judith Whelan, Jen Brennan, Cath Dwyer, Ben Latimer, Jess Radburn, Anthony Frangi, Justine Kelly, Monique Bowley, Eric George, Brigit Berger, Alison Barclay, Mateuse Pingol, Lilly Cooper, Jade Tully, Anna Priestland, Michaela Perske, Rebecca Levingston, Georgia Bateman, Renee Krosch, Joey Watson, Michael Dulaney, Jenna Koda, Cate Carrigan, Rebecca Armstrong, Rosa Ellen, Stef Collett, Nick King, Lisa Pellegrino, Sajarn Stow, Sinead Lee, Kim Lester, Evan Williams, Katie O’Neill, Eliza Kirsch, Tamar Cranswick, Rebecca McLaren, Michael Hartt, Fiona Purcell, Jen Leake, Michelle Ransom-Hughes, Alice Moldovan, Meggie Morris, Nicola Harrison, Kellie Riordan, Pam O’Brien and Carmel Rooney.

You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784

This episode of Conversations touches on music, songwriting, simply the best, rock 'n' roll, albums, music producer, Nambour, Sunshine Coast, recording studios, Debbie Harry and top ten hit songs.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

20th Anniversary Collection: Writing hit songs for Blondie, Tina Turner and Suzi Quatro

Conversations

20th Anniversary Collection: Writing hit songs for Blondie, Tina Turner and Suzi Quatro