“We Still Get to Do Something That We Love”: Human Nature on Almost 40 Years Together

Back in high school, Andrew and Mike Tierney, Toby Allen and Phil Burton were the self-described uncool kids who found their people through music. Nearly four decades later, Human Nature have become one of Australia’s most enduring musical acts, with platinum records, international tours and a long-running Las Vegas residency behind them. In this episode of Love Stories, the four friends join Tiffany Dunk to look back on the journey that began in a Sydney school choir. They share how Andrew and Mike’s parents helped keep the dream alive, why they were determined to prove their critics wrong, and how the pressure of fame sometimes made it difficult to celebrate their own success. They also revisit extraordinary career moments, from touring with Celine Dion to performing with John Farnham, and explain how Smokey Robinson helped open the door to Las Vegas. Plus, the band reflects on the impact of their move to the US, balancing their private relationships with life in the public eye, and the everyday work of staying connected after almost 40 years together. Chapters: 02:24 Meet Human Nature 04:31 Finding their people at high school 09:04 The leadership and trust that kept the band together 11:16 The family who helped keep the dream alive 18:00 Hearing their first single on the radio 21:02 Touring with Celine Dion 23:11 The moment John Farnham became part of their story 25:20 How Smokey Robinson helped open the door to Vegas 27:00 The career moments that felt unreal 29:00 Facing criticism and learning to back themselves 35:00 Fame, privacy and their personal relationships 37:32 The impact of moving to Las Vegas 01:02:10 What they want for the future Buy your copy of Only Human: Harmony Through the Hits & Hard Times by Human Nature here - https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/... Check out Human Nature’s tour dates here - https://humannaturelive.com/news/only... Thank you for listening ❤️ Before you leave... 🗣️ Get in touch What did you think? We are a brand-new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at womensweekly.com.au Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au If you share your love story on social media please tag us, we'’re @womensweeklymag, and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories Subscribe to The Australian Women’'s Weekly at www.womensweekly.com.au 👈🏽 Credits Host: Tiffany Dunk Edited by Phoebe Zukowski-Wallace Production by Leah Porges and Helen Smith Our wonderful The Australian Women’'s Weekly team Our Head of Vodcasting is Rachel Fountain Learn More: The Australian Women’'s Weekly website - https://www.womensweekly.com.au