Who are The Radiators?

The Radiators are an iconic Australian pub-rock band formed in Sydney in 1978, famous for high-energy live shows and multi-platinum record sales. Keyboardist Brendan Callinan played with the band during their peak era, recording five albums and an EP, playing nearly 2,000 shows, and touring alongside international acts like The Police and INXS.

What is Bonza Music (UK)?

Bonza Music (UK) is an audio technology company building a high-fidelity, real-time online collaboration platform for musicians, songwriters, and educators. The technology eliminates latency and audio quality loss, allowing artists to compose and rehearse remotely from anywhere in the world. Brendan Callinan serves as an executive for the company.

Why did Brendan Callinan write his memoir, Life's a Gamble?

Brendan Callinan wrote Life's a Gamble to document the unfiltered reality of Australia's 1970s and '80s pub-rock era from the perspective of an touring musician. The memoir captures a historic cultural movement before detailing his transition into a global music technology CEO.

How did Brendan transition from playing in The Radiators to executive leadership at Roland?

Brendan departed The Radiators in late 1990 and joined Roland Corporation Australia in 1992 as Sales Manager. His practical musician background and commercial expertise drove his progression to Managing Director of Roland Australia and eventually CEO of Seattle-based Roland Cloud.

How can media outlets request a review copy, interview, or media kit for Brendan Callinan’s book?

Digital and print review copies, high-res headshots, and media kits are available for accredited journalists, podcasters, and reviewers. Submit your outlet details, deadline, and coverage type via our contact form for a response within 24–48 hours.

Who handles literary, audiobook, and screen adaptation rights for Brendan Callinan's memoir?

For foreign translation, audiobook distribution, film/TV adaptation rights, or excerpt permissions, submit an inquiry via the contact form with the subject line 'Licensing & Rights Inquiry'. Copyright and subsidiary rights are managed directly by management.

Is Brendan Callinan available for keynote speeches, panel appearances, or live rock history events?

Yes, Brendan regularly delivers keynotes on Australian music history, speaks on panels, and appears at literary festivals. To check availability and rates, submit your event date, location, audience size, and topic focus via the contact form.

How long does Australian dispatch and delivery take for physical orders?

Orders typically dispatch within 24–48 hours, though print-on-demand items or high-volume periods (sales, launch events, holidays) can take 7–10 business days. Transit time is determined by Australia Post once dispatched.

What is the return policy if my book arrives damaged or defective?

Defective or damaged products are replaced free of charge. Change-of-mind returns are eligible for store credit only within 7 days of receipt, provided items are pre-lodged and returned in original, resellable condition. Return postage costs remain the customer's responsibility.

What should I do if I have not received my digital eBook download link?

Download links generate automatically upon purchase. Check your spam folder first if not received. If 24 hours have passed or your link has expired, click the expired link in your original confirmation email to automatically generate a fresh link.

How can I submit a review or leave feedback on Life's A Gamble?

Customers automatically receive a review request email 14 days post-purchase. You can also leave direct feedback via the website Contact page or on our Google Business Profile.

NEW RELEASE

From sold-out stages to life beyond the spotlight, former Radiators keyboardist Brendan Callinan shares the remarkable story behind the music. Life's a Gamble is an honest, entertaining memoir of resilience, reinvention and surviving the Australian music industry.

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THE RADIATORS

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VINTAGE VINYL

Upcoming Gigs
IN THE MIX

Behind the music, beyond the stage, I revisit an electrifying era, the '80s, through personal reflections, untold moments and the people who shaped a lifetime in music.

Explore Blog
CONSULTING PRESENTING HOSTING LEADERSHIP

Let's Connect

NEW RELEASE

Memoir

From sold-out stages to life beyond the spotlight, former Radiators keyboardist Brendan Callinan shares the remarkable story behind the music. Life's a Gamble is an honest, entertaining memoir of resilience, reinvention and surviving the Australian music industry.

A white dice with black dots showing the numbers five and three.

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Brendan Callinan on keyboards with the Radiators in front of a large crowd, Narara 1983.

From the bright lights of Australia's iconic pub rock scene to the boardrooms of international music technology companies, Brendan Callinan's career has been anything but ordinary. As the former keyboardist of The Radiators, he performed close to 2,000 live shows, earned multiple gold and platinum records, and shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Australian and international rock.

Today, Brendan brings those experiences together as a bestselling author, musician, business leader and keynote speaker. His debut memoir, Life's a Gamble, offers an honest, humorous and nostalgic look behind the scenes of one of Australia's most unforgettable eras in music, the electrifying 80s, sharing the stories that could only come from someone who lived them.

BC on Keys, Narara 1983, for 40,000 fans.

bRENDAN CALLINAN

ABOUT

"What an interesting ride to have experienced. This is an honest account that feels authentic to what it was like navigating the highs and lows of the ’80s Aussie pub rock era. A Fantastic read for the RAD fans and those who are intrigued to take a dip back into the '80s."

— Leesa Brock
"Excellent writing - some very funny bits and some very sad bits. You have a real talent here. The stories were riveting, and in the right order!"

Anita, editor of Life’s A Gamble
"It's brought me to tears several times and I've only read the first few chapters."

—Kirin J Callinan, son

In the Mix

From dressing rooms to boardrooms, my journey has taken many unexpected turns. Today, I write with the same passion I have for music, sharing stories, reflections, and life lessons with humour, humility and heart.

Black and white photograph of The Radiators original line up, framed in a record vinyl, with the phrase 'Life's a gamble' repeated in a red border.

The Story Behind Life's A Gamble: Why I Finally Put… Pen to Paper (or finger to keyboard)

Former Radiators keyboardist and Roland executive Brendan Callinan shares what inspired his debut memoir, Life’s A Gamble, offering an unfiltered look into the heartbeat of Australian rock history. From a music-loving country kid chasing his dream to play, write, and record for anyone who would listen, Brendan delivers an authentic, behind-the-scenes account for fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Read Now

A large crowd in front of the stage and Jupiter-6 sound gear on stage.

Livin' in the '80s: Why the 1980s Was Australia's Golden Era for Music

It was an electric time to be performing live music in Australia. Pub rock was bustling, gig opportunities were endless, and with well-funded record labels, international success was suddenly within reach.
The result was an era that forged some of the most enduring and iconic Australian artists of all time.

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Four images of musicians playing drums on stage, with varied lighting and styles.

What is it with Drummers: The Radiators’ Revolving Drum stool

Former Radiators keyboardist Brendan Callinan takes a light-hearted look back at the band's changing lineup of drummers over the years. A candid snapshot of Australian rock history.

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My memoir, Life’s A Gamble, has been accredited as ‘Human Authored’ by Proudly Human, an agency that certify books, music and art as human created. This helps all of us to identify those works which have not been primarily AI generated, and support human creativity and endeavour. Click on their logo to learn more.

NEW RELEASE

THE RADIATORS

VINTAGE VINYL

IN THE MIX

CONSULTING PRESENTING HOSTING LEADERSHIP

NEW RELEASE

Memoir

bRENDAN CALLINAN

"What an interesting ride to have experienced. This is an honest account that feels authentic to what it was like navigating the highs and lows of the ’80s Aussie pub rock era. A Fantastic read for the RAD fans and those who are intrigued to take a dip back into the '80s."

"Excellent writing - some very funny bits and some very sad bits. You have a real talent here. The stories were riveting, and in the right order!"

"It's brought me to tears several times and I've only read the first few chapters."

In the Mix

The Story Behind Life's A Gamble: Why I Finally Put… Pen to Paper (or finger to keyboard)

Livin' in the '80s: Why the 1980s Was Australia's Golden Era for Music

What is it with Drummers: The Radiators’ Revolving Drum stool

Brendan Callinan

Brendan Callinan

BC