Lyrics Of Their Life - The Music Biography Podcast
Lyrics Of Their Life is a Music Biography and Documentary style podcast that explores the extraordinary lives, lived by those that wrote or performed the songs we know & love. Come on a journey with your host Adam Hampton as we take an in depth look through these musicians lives from their birth to the current day, or in some cases their death. Here you'll find complete biographies on legendary musicians such as Freddie Mercury, Stevie Nicks, Meatloaf, Kurt Cobain, AC/DC, Prince, Tracy Chapman & Slash. Modern day stars like Ed Sheeran, Eminem, P!nk and Robbie Williams. To those currently r...
The Mews - October 2026
On this episode of "The Mews" we delve into....
The continued fallout from the Ed Sheeran and Macklemore fiasco which has divided the music industry as Metallica's James Hetfield and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters clash over their differing stances. Doobie Brothers frontman Michael McDonald discovers and reconnects with his long lost son. Stevie Wonder's ongoing eviction troubles with his ex who refuses to leave his property. Tones and I's clash with the NRL. An update on Lady Gaga and her daughter. 2pac's killer sentenced to 40 years in prison. Is the Kurt Cobain case about to be reopened? Ella L...The 1975 (Part 1) - Origins to Drive Like I Do
Before the sold-out arenas, the controversy and the chart-topping albums, they were just four teenagers blasting punk covers in a garage in Cheshire.
In Part 1 of our multi-part series we uncover the raw and chaotic origin story of The 1975 and their controversial frontman Matty Healy.
As we discuss what it was like for Matty growing up around rock royalty and his iconic British TV parents, we delve into his childhood obsession with Michael Jackson, his musical influences, Matty's cheeky scams he ran during his teen years which saw him expelled, his struggles with his sexuality...
The Mews - September 2026
The Mews returns with a bang as I'm joined by my wife and co-host Amanda to discuss all the latest music related news, charts and releases as we delve into....
The fallout from the Ed Sheeran and Macklemore fiasco involving Macklemore's dumping from the Loop Tour Jessie's Girl singer Rick Springfield reveals that he was responsible for taking the life of a Viet Cong soldier Miley Cyrus changes her stage name Lady Gaga becomes a mother 2pac's killer is finally charged Snoop Dogg goes on the hunt for an ice cream taste tester Dolly Parton is set to...The Story Behind: Jolene by Dolly Parton
On this episode of Lyrics of Their Life, we pay tribute to the "Queen of Country", Dolly Parton and delve into the story behind her hit song "Jolene" uncovering its origins, what led to her writing it, and her relationship with her beloved husband Carl Dean. Join us as we reflect on her recent passing and discuss the incredible legacy she leaves behind. All that and more as we honour a true music icon.
This episode was written, researched, narrated, edited and produced by Adam Hampton, artwork illustrated by Jayden Hampton. If you enjoyed this episode feel...
Behind The Scenes - Q&A Special
Celebrate our 100th episode in this special raw and unedited behind the scenes Q&A as I answer all your questions with my guest host and wife Amanda.
This episode was written, researched, narrated, edited and produced by Adam Hampton. If you enjoyed this episode feel free to click the free subscribe or follow button and leave the podcast a positive 5 star review on Itunes. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram and our website at www.lyricsoftheirlife.com. To support the podcast further and myself as an independent podcast creator you can...
Lil Bow Wow - Where Are They Now?
Before he was a reality TV star or actor, Shad Moss was "Lil Bow Wow", a six-year-old child prodigy discovered by Snoop Dogg and mentored by Jermaine Dupri who took the early 2000s hip-hop world by storm.
In this episode, we trace Bow Wow's incredible rise of one of the youngest platinum-selling artists in rap history. From his discovery amongst the audience at a Dr Dre. Chronic tour show, to his cameo as a talented youngster on Arsenio Hall, his time at Death Row Records surrounded by rival labels and gang violence that saw the deaths of 2...
The "Billie Jean" Stalker: The Daughter's Story
In this bonus mini episode we delve into the latest ground breaking information revealed just days ago by La Nej Garrison, the daughter of the "Billie Jean" stalker, Lavon Powlis who recently revealed in an interview with podcast host Sean McDowell what it was like growing up believing the king of pop was her real biological father, the devastating reality of her mother's mental health struggles, if Lavon is still alive today and what it must of been like from the other side of the Hayvenhurst gates for young La Nej and her family.
Enjoying the show...
The Story Behind: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
On this episode of Lyrics of Their Life, we delve deep into the story behind one of the darkest but greatest pop tracks of all time: Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean."
Come with me behind the scenes of a grueling recording process that saw Quincy Jones and Michael clash over creative differences. We'll revisit the literal trial by fire when Michael's car almost went up in flames as he was entirely obsessed with the infectious beat of Billie Jean running through his head and the schoolyard fashion trend that Michael sparked with his iconic Billie Jean outfit.
...Ella Langley - On The Rise
In this episode of On The Rise, we explore the meteoric rise of Alabama’s own Ella Langley. From her humble beginnings in the small town of Hope Hull, where she once used her family’s herd of cattle as her adoring audience, to the massive arenas she commands today, Ella’s story is one of grit, determination, and raw talent.
Together, we’ll trace her path from singing "Amazing Grace" in a Southern Baptist church to her early career in Nashville as she grinds her way to the top against all odds, eventually landing a life-changing Sony pub...
The Story Behind: In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Did Phil Collins really watch on as a drowning man was refused help by a bystander and did Phil confront this bystander when inviting him to the front row of his show? For over 40 years, one of rock music’s darkest urban legends has surrounded the hit "In The Air Tonight.". However the misunderstood lyrics actually tell the true story of Phil's marriage breakdown and the bitterness, betrayal and anger he felt when he discovered his wife had been unfaithful.
In this episode of the Story Behind we dive deep into the collapse of Phil’s first marr...
Ed Sheeran (Part 3) - The Loop Era Begins
In this episode we take an in depth look into the albums Subtract, Autumn Variations & Ed's brand new album Play as the Loop Era begins.
Following a period of loss, reflection and time away from the spotlight, this chapter explores how Ed Sheeran rebuilds his life and career both personally and creatively and what this new era says about the artist he’s become and the music he plans to create moving forward.
You’ll find all of that and more in this brand new episode, Enjoy!
This episode was written, researched, narrated, edited and prod...
The Story Behind: The Killing Of Georgie by Rod Stewart
In this episode of Lyrics Of Their Life – The Story Behind, we delve into the powerful and deeply moving story behind The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II) by Rod Stewart.
Released in 1976, the song was inspired by the real-life murder of a friend of Rod's and the band "Faces" — a young gay man who was killed by a New Jersey gang of youths during a time when homosexuality was still criminalised in many parts of the world and violence against the gay community was tragically common.
In this episode, we unpack the rise of R...
Ed Sheeran (Part 2) - Love, Loss & Letting Go
Over five years ago, I told the story of Ed Sheeran’s rise from small town boy to global superstar. Since then, his life has been completely transformed as we return to his story.
In this episode we explore everything that’s happened since from Ed’s time away from the music scene to focus on starting his family, his return with the Equals album and Mathematics Tour, the plagiarism court cases involving Shape Of You and Thinking Out Loud, Cherry’s cancer diagnosis and the personal losses which led Ed down a dark path after losing his good...
Ed Sheeran (Part 1 – Re-release) - Humble Beginnings to Stadium Heights
We take a trip down memory lane in this episode from 2020 as we gear up to bring you 2 brand new episodes following Ed Sheeran's rollercoaster journey over the past 5 and a half years.
In this episode we explore the life and music of the very talented singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran. From his childhood through to his days busking and attempting to make it in the music industry as he battles and overcomes a number of obstacles to reach his dreams performing with his childhood idols in Eminem, Eric Clapton, 50 Cent and Elton John to playing in front...
The Story Behind: Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple
In this episode of Lyrics Of Their Life – The Story Behind, we delve into the story behind the classic rock anthem "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple and the 1971 Montreux casino fire that inspired the song. We also take a look at the challenging recording process for the track as well as the Machine Head album and the impact the song has had to this day.
This episode was written, researched, narrated, edited and produced by Adam Hampton. If you enjoyed this episode feel free to click the free subscribe or follow button and leave the po...
Meat Loaf (Part 4) - The Final Years
In the final part of the Meat Loaf story we journey through his last 25 years before his passing in 2022. As we take a look at Meat's struggle to stay relevant in an ever changing industry as the hit albums appear to dry up. We also touch on the infamous AFL grand final performance, Meat's health scares including multiple on stage collapses, the passing of friend and collaborator Jim Steinman and what the legends final years looked like and his legacy which lives on today. All that and more in this episode. Enjoy!
This episode was written, researched, narrated...
The Story Behind: Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton
In this episode of Lyrics Of Their Life – The Story Behind, we delve into the devastating tragedy that inspired one of the most moving ballads ever written, “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton.
As we examine how the deeply flawed Eric Clapton confronted unimaginable grief after the tragic death of his four and a half year old son Conor, who tragically fell 53 storeys from a New York apartment building in 1991. As we discover how such tragedy and heartbreak could inspire a song that would resonate with millions around the world providing many with the hope for an eventual reunion in the a...
Meat Loaf (Part 3) - The Comeback
In Part 3 of the Meat Loaf story, we explore the turbulent years and meteoric comeback between Dead Ringer and Bat Out of Hell II. As Meat Loaf’s partnership with Jim Steinman collapses once again after Dead Ringer fails to live up to expectation and Steinman is released from his recording contract. As Steinman finds new found success penning massive hits for other artists like Bonnie Tyler with Total Eclipse of the Heart and Air Supply with Making Love Out of Nothing at All.
While Steinman thrived, Meat Loaf was left to go it alone, as he struggled to...
The Story Behind: I Don't Like Mondays by The Boomtown Rats
In this episode, we delve into the tragic and controversial story that inspired the Boomtown Rats’ haunting hit, "I Don't Like Mondays." We trace the origins of the song and how lead singer Bob Geldof and keyboardist Johnny Fingers came up with the idea, before taking listeners back to 1979 when 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer opened fire at a school in San Diego, California, killing two people and injuring nine.
We also explore the events leading up to the shooting, Brenda’s background, possible motives, and what ultimately happened to her. We also examine the public's reaction to the song...
Interview with Billy Gudgeon
In this special episode, I catch up with an old mate and one of Australia's rising country music artists, Billy Gudgeon. We dive into everything from growing up in a small country town to the musical influences that shaped his sound. Billy shares some wild on-stage stories, opens up about the meaning behind songs like Back To Country, Husband & Wife, and Kiss My Glass, and even reveals which legendary artist he'd bring back from the dead if he could.
Plus, we get a sneak peek at what's next for Billy – including details on his upcoming live gigs and th...
Meat Loaf (Part 2) - Price Of Fame
Bat Out Of Hell would cement Meat Loaf as a household name and rising star of the music industry but fame hit hard. In this episode, we trace the whirlwind rise that led to physical collapse, creative clashes, and personal turning points. From losing his voice to butting heads with his creative partner Jim Steinman, the pressure would become all too much for Meat as cracks began to show on and off the stage before he eventually walked away from the limelight. But amid all of the chaos, he found love, became a father, and watched on from the side-lines...
The Story Behind: Dancing In The Moonlight by King Harvest
In this brand new series, we dig deep into the story behind some of the most memorable hits that we all know and love. In this episode of The Story Behind we uncover the unexpected and harrowing origin of the feel-good anthem “Dancing in the Moonlight.”
What sounds like a carefree celebration of joy and unity under moonlit skies was, in fact, born out of a traumatic and violent experience. Songwriter Sherman Kelly and his girlfriend were brutally attacked by a notorious gang—a moment that would forever shape the song’s deeper meaning. Discover how a terrifying night sparked...
Interview with Lil/Nova Wolf
In this special episode I sit down for an interview with an up-and-coming indie artist out of Canada named Nova Wolf formerly known as Lil Wolf. Currently based in LA, Nova Wolf blends the genres of electronica, afro house and ambient soul creating warm melodic tracks with lyrics straight from the heart. During the interview we discover Nova Wolf’s musical influences, his struggles growing up including the loss of his mother at just the age of 10, his rebellious teenage years, his incredible experiences travelling the world including his fascinating spiritual experience during an Ayahuasca ceremony, we discuss Nova Wolf’s la...
Meat Loaf (Part 1) - From Texas To Hell
In this first instalment of the Meat Loaf story we explore Marvin Lee Aday's childhood as he struggled with being raised in a strict Christian household alongside his abusive alcoholic father Orvis and his "angel" of a mother Wilma. As we discover the origin of the name Meat Loaf, the severe bullying Meat endured while attending school due to his weight, his incredible interaction with President JFK on the day he was assassinated, Meat's dramatic journey to LA after a violent interaction with his father which drove him out of the family home and we discover how Meatloaf first entered t...
Sabrina Carpenter - On The Rise
In this episode of "On The Rise" we delve into the story of rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter as we follow her rise to stardom from her early days raised in small town Pennsylvania in the USA as she graced the stage at her elementary school talent shows to touring with the likes of Taylor Swift, selling out her own headline shows, bagging chart topping singles and albums worldwide and taking home 2 Grammy awards. In this episode we learn about Sabrina's greatest musical inspirations, her journey through both the acting and music scene, her troubled relationships and her most controversial...
Skyhooks - The Shirley Strachan Story
In this episode we delve into the story of Graeme "Shirley" Strachan and the Skyhooks members as we assess their rise to the top of the Australian music industry during the 1970's with hits like Horror Movie, Living In The 70's, Jukebox In Siberia, Ego Is Not A Dirty Word and All My Friends Are Getting Married. We also learn about all 5 members upbringings, how the Skyhooks formed, their attempt to make it in the USA, Bongo Starkie's crazy infamous axe story and the many break up's and reunion's the band experienced over the years. As we discover where all...
The Japanese House - On The Rise
In this episode of "On The Rise" we explore the music and journey so far of Amber Bain aka The Japanese House as we discover how Amber came up with her stage name, the meaning behind some of her songs including Something Has To Change, Saw You In A Dream, Lilo and more. We also delve into Amber's struggle with her sexuality, her musical influences, her biggest achievements so far and her interesting relationships with singer/songwriter Marika Hackman and as part of a throuple. All that and more in this episode. Enjoy!!!
This episode was written, researched...
Tiny Tim (Part 4) - Final Years, Death & Legacy
In the final chapter of the Tiny Tim story we delve into his final living years as Tiny battles with being tagged with the dreaded "has been" tag while he also battles serious health issues that threaten to end his career and his life. In this episode Tiny joins the circus, stars in a horror film, marries twice and attempts to launch his own children's tv show while he also makes appearances on the Howard Stern show revealing his deepest darkest secrets on the controversial radio program while also swallowing his pride in tv commercials and tv show segments like...
Tiny Tim (Part 3) - The Downfall
In Part 3 of the Tiny Tim story, we delve into Tiny's tumultuous relationship with Miss Vicky riddled with cheating scandals, emotional abuse and some physical. As the couple also suffer the devastating loss of a child that Tiny controversially named "IT" and celebrate the birth of their daughter Tulip. However as their marriage comes to an end, so to does Tiny's relationship with his daughter as Miss Vicky runs off to England taking up a job as a go go dancer and as a pornographic model leaving Tiny to attempt to salvage what's left of his dying career as Tiny...
Tiny Tim (Part 2) - Rise to Stardom
In Part 2 of the Tiny Tim story, we jump right back in as Tiny begins his climb to fame, performing in the gay bars of Greenwich village, New York, before landing his first record deal with Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records. We analyse Tiny's struggles with money, fame and women as Tiny becomes involved in a number of scandals that almost cost him his shot at the big time. We also take an in depth look into Tiny's first 3 studio albums including the classic, God Bless Tiny Tim, his iconic rendition of Tiptoe Through the Tulips, as well as his strange...
Tiny Tim (Part 1) - The Origin Of A Troubled Soul
In Part 1 of this Halloween special, we delve into the real life horror story of Tiny Tim known best for his eerie rendition of Tiptoe Through The Tulips, accompanied by his ukulele and high falsetto vocal style as we explore the twisted origins of Herbert Butros Khaury and the trauma that he endured growing up, battling with his strict Marxist parents and his faith in god, to which Herbert claims was often tested by none other than Satan himself. Together we learn of Tiny's strange ways such as bathing after every bowel movement, his inexcusable and strange relationship with...
Cody Simpson - Chasing Dreams
With the 2024 Paris Olympics in full swing, we take an inside look into the life and career so far of Cody Simpson as we get a closer look into his career both in the pool and on the stage as he chases his childhood dreams and makes them a reality. As we take you on a journey beginning with Cody's upbringing on the sunny Gold Coast of Australia where he first learnt to surf and swim before a cover version of a Jason Mraz classic that Cody uploaded to YouTube would catapult him to stardom sending him to the USA...
Terence Trent D'Arby- Where Are They Now?
In this episode of Where Are They Now? we delve into the life and career of 80's star Terence Trent D'Arby or as he is known today as Sananda Maitreya as we journey from his strict upbringing as a child in the church under the thumb of his step father who restricted what music he was aloud to listen to. We also discuss Terence's experience with bullying and racial abuse during school. We then detail his experience at university and as a aspiring pro boxer before taking up a role in the US Army where he would eventually desert his...
Luke Combs (Part 3) - Growin' Up & Gettin' Old
In the final part of the Luke Combs story we journey through Luke's life and career from mid 2019 to now as we take an in depth look at the albums What You See Is What You Get, Growin' Up and Gettin' Old. While Luke and Nicole tie the knot and welcome their 2 sons into the world all while juggling the touring life of being the hottest country star in the world and what Luke has in store for his fans in the future as he cements himself as a household name not only in the country music arena but in...
Luke Combs (Part 2) - From Bar Stools To Stadium Lights
We're back with Part 2/3 of the Luke Combs story as Luke begins his rise to fame on the Nashville country music scene as his debut single Hurricane and the album This One's For You help take Luke from wannabe country star to the top as he breaks countless records along the way, scores number 1 hit records and cements his place as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. As we delve into Luke's relationship with Nicole Hocking, as we learn about the couples early days together, how they met and their interesting engagement. While we also highlight all the big...
Luke Combs (Part 1) - Childhood to Nashville
In the first instalment of the Luke Combs story, we delve into Luke's upbringing raised in the beautiful, picturesque mountains of Ashville, North Carolina as we learn about his hobby's growing up and his musical influences before he ventured off to University in Boone to study both Business and Criminal Justice only to find his true passion to be music, with the late bloomer teaching himself how to play the guitar at the age of 21 before setting off on his journey to becoming a country music superstar.
This episode was written, researched, narrated, edited and produced by Adam...
Aqua - Where Are They Now?
Known for their mega hit Barbie Girl, in this episode of Where Are They Now? we take an in depth look into the band Aqua who became one of the hottest acts out of Scandinavia during the 90's taking the world by storm with their debut hit album Aquarium and their chart topping hit Barbie Girl which remains a classic pop song to this day. In this episode we learn about the bands origins, where Rene, Lene, Claus and Soren grew up, their musical influences and the question on everyone's mind, Where Are Aqua Now?
Enjoy!
This...
Jeff Buckley (Part 3) - The Tragic Ending
In the 3rd and final part of the Jeff Buckley story we take a close look at the last year of Jeff's life as he relocates to Memphis for a fresh start away from the hustle and bustle of New York City as he battles with fame and his demanding record labels, who are hoping to squeeze Grace 2.0 out of him. We then learn of the lead up and details surrounding Jeff's tragic death at the hands of the Mississippi River, we analyse the posthumous album "Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk" and the legacy he left behind, led by...
Jeff Buckley (Part 2) - The "Grace" Era
In part 2 of the Jeff Buckley story we take an in depth look at the classic album "Grace" as we analyse the story's told by Jeff and the meaning behind the songs Last Goodbye, Dream Brother, Grace, So Real, Eternal Life and more as Jeff tours the world and comes to terms with being a usually reserved and private person, dealing with his sudden rise in popularity and becoming the centre of attention for paparazzi and his adoring fans. All that and more in this episode as we build towards Jeff's final year of his life.
This episode...
Jeff Buckley (Part 1) - The Origin Story
In this episode we explore Jeff Buckley's challenging upbringing, raised by his hard working mother and estranged from his professional musician father Tim Buckley, who sadly chose his passion for music over his unborn son. We also delve into Jeff's influences, relationships and how he came to be signed by Columbia Records after wooing patrons of the Sin-e Café and impressing at a Tim Buckley tribute concert. All that and more in this intriguing episode.
This episode was written, researched, narrated, edited and produced by Adam Hampton. If you enjoyed this episode feel free to click the free s...