BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

Brian Wilshire was born at Strathfield, in Sydney in 1944.

Fifth-generation Australian (Second Fleet), he is a descendant of the brother of James Wilshire, the second Lord Mayor of Sydney.

He is 5′ 9″ in height, about 76kg, with black hair (some grey) and blue eyes. Uncompleted studies in the 1960s: Medicine, Arts, Law and Science.

RADIO CAREER

Brian’s radio career commenced in November, 1969.

Stations: 2NZ Inverell, 2TM Tamworth, 2CA Canberra, 2UE Sydney and 2GB Sydney. Since 1979, his 2GB Open-Line program has averaged twice the audience share of the station as a whole. In the past 31 years, no-one else in Sydney radio has achieved this feat.

The Open-Line Show reached an all-time record share of 28.8 per cent in 1986, and is currently the longest-running radio program in Sydney, plus the highest-rating at night (25.9% audience share, Survey 2, 2011)  having clocked up 74 consecutive survey wins.

Brian has been happily married to Ruth since 1978. They live on acreage on the outskirts of Sydney with their two dogs and five cats. Children Pam and Matthew now live in the country.

SPORTING INTERESTS

Sporting interests: snow skiing (snowblades) and motor racing. A little known fact is that Brian worked on the outdoor staff at Perisher Valley throughout the fantastic season of ’68.

In addition to this, Brian has a passion for motor racing. He’s raced in the following categories: Junior Modified (VW-based self-built car, the Quantum Sports), Formula Vee, HQ Holdens, Sports Sedans, Trucks, Production Cars, Clubman Karts and Superkarts.

His major motorsport achievements include winning the Junior Modified Championship, ACT & Southern Region, 1972 and winning the under-2.5 litre class, James Hardie 12-hour production car race (in a Pulsar SSS) at Mount Panorama, Bathurst in 1993.

BOOKS

Brian is also the author of four self-published books: The Fine Print, which topped the bestseller list in 1992, The Fine Print 2, One Man Banned (co-written with Peter Sawyer) and Monday School. All are now out-of-print (though you can always try eBay).

Brian’s other interests include drumming, photography, philosophy, psychology, parapsychology, travel, hi-fi speaker and car design and blues music. You can hear his new band, “Koala Soup”, at this site: http://www.reverbnation.com/koalasoup. Every track here was ad-libbed and recorded live at the Gasworks Nightclub, Albion Hotel, Parramatta in 2008.

FAVOURITE MUSICIANS/GROUPS

Traffic, Mr Blotto, The String Cheese Incident, Max Creek, Jerry Garcia Band, Albert King, Holly Cole, Ten Wheel Drive, Ray Schloeffel, Eric Clapton, Chet Atkins, Joe Camilleri, Floyd Cramer, Dr John, Roy Buchanan, Buddy Guy, Bruce Mathiske, Ronnie Earl, Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack, Joe Morello, Leonard Cohen, Jesse Cook, Grobschnitt, Allman Bros Band, Robben Ford, Mal Eastick, John Lee Hooker, Amazing Rhythm Aces, Billy Joe Shaver, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Johnny Rivers, Luther Allison, John Martyn, Emmylou Harris, Pink Floyd, Eva Cassidy, Dory Previn, Elkie Brooks, Albert Collins, Fats Domino, Sandy Nelson, Mofro, Dire Straits, Boots Randolph, Ry Cooder, David Lindley, Tony Martin, Osibisa, Widespread Panic, Derek Trucks, Eileen Ivers, Koala Soup and Stringybark.

PROJECTS/AMBITIONS

Writing book number 5, playing more blues/rock with Koala Soup and getting back into motor racing. Any offers?