The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

In this podcast, we'll explore the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony". The song's origins can be traced back to the early days of the band, when a young Richard Ashcroft formed The Verve with his high school friends in Wigan, in the north of England.

Through interviews with experts and insiders, we'll learn about the band's early struggles and creative process, and how they eventually found their unique sound and style. We'll also explore the personal and artistic struggles that Ashcroft and...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the captivating story behind the iconic song "Golden Brown" by The Stranglers, released in 1982. This track, a shining gem of 80s rock production, holds a fascinating narrative that revolves around the life of Jean-Jacques Burnel, the band's bassist.

Born to French restaurateurs who later settled in England, Burnel pursued a university degree in economics. However, his true passion lay in Karate, a martial art he practiced as an amateur. Dreaming of traveling to Japan to learn from the great masters, Burnel embarked on a journey to make his...

The story of "It's My Life" is that of Mark Hollis, a complex character, genius perfectionist, and rebel, who refused to fit into the mold of the music industry. Hollis was born in 1955 in Tottenham and grew up in London. After studying child psychology, he turned to punk music, and by the early 1980s, he had become the frontman of the band Talk Talk. 

"It's My Life" was released in 1984 as the title track of the band's third album, and it marked a turning point in their sound. The song's driving synth riff and c...

It's the mid-90s, and Robbie Williams has just left Take That. His career is at a standstill, and he's in need of a break. So he heads to Dublin, one of the coolest cities in the world, for some much-needed R&R.

One night, Robbie finds himself alone in a pub on George's Street. It's there that he has a chance encounter with a stranger who gives him a new perspective on life.

But that's just the beginning of the story. 

Join us as we explore the story behind "Angels," a song t...

Join us for an intriguing episode of our podcast as we delve into the captivating story behind one of the most beloved songs in music history: "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon. Released in 1971, this timeless track has left its mark on generations of listeners, and its origins hold an air of mystery and personal revelation.

While countless tales surround the creation of "Jealous Guy," we bring you OUR version of the narrative. In this episode, we explore the profound emotions that drove Lennon to compose this poignant masterpiece. Discover the inner workings of a...

In 1986, Peter Gabriel released one of his most successful songs, "Sledgehammer". The music video, directed by Stephen R. Johnson, is particularly famous for its use of stop-motion animation and claymation techniques. The song itself is an ode to the soul music of the 1960s, and specifically the work of Otis Redding, whom Gabriel has cited as a major influence. In fact, it was after attending one of Redding's concerts that Gabriel was inspired to pursue a career in music. "Sledgehammer" features a catchy horn riff and a funky rhythm section that perfectly captures the spirit of classic soul.

Step into the intriguing world of Rock'n Roll's most notorious swindle as we delve into the captivating story behind the song "Why Did You Do It?" by Stretch, released in 1975. Join us as we uncover the chain of events that led to this audacious move and explore the impact it had on the music industry.

In the late 1960s, Fleetwood Mac stood tall as the epitome of British Blues greatness, capturing the hearts of millions. However, fame and excessive drug use left scars on the band, prompting them to take a much-needed hiatus. Little did they know...

Welcome to this episode of "Behind the Melody," where we delve into the captivating story behind the iconic song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears, released in 1985.

Join us as we uncover the serendipitous origins and extraordinary journey of this timeless track. The tale begins in the picturesque city of Bath, located in the enchanting South West of England. Here, two young teenagers, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, crossed paths and embarked on a remarkable musical adventure.

At the time, Roland Orzabal found himself amidst a profound spiritual quest. It was...

Welcome to our podcast where we take you on a journey through the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs in rock music history: Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."

The genesis of this masterpiece dates back to the late 1960s when the band's enigmatic frontman, Freddie Mercury, began developing the song. He would often play different parts of the song on the piano, piecing it together over time. Interestingly, one of the early pieces that formed the basis of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a tune he called "The Cowboy Song."

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The story behind the song "Valerie" is first and foremost the true story of Dave McCabe, lead singer of the Zutons, a rock band from Liverpool. The song is dedicated to Valerie Starr, Dave's girlfriend who he met during an American tour, and who is then to join him on English soil. The song's popularity skyrocketed after Amy Winehouse covered it for Mark Ronson's album "Version." The soulful rendition by Winehouse, with her signature raspy voice, brought a new dimension to the already catchy tune. In this podcast, we'll explore the origins of "Valerie," its rise to fame, and...

Welcome to the podcast where we dive deep into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs in music history. In this episode, we will be talking about the classic rock anthem "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple.

It all started on December 4th, 1971, when the band was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album 'Machine Head'. They were using a mobile recording studio rented from the Rolling Stones, known as 'the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio'. Little did they know, that recording session would go down in history.

Welcome to the podcast where we uncover the story behind the hit song 'A Girl Like You' by Edwyn Collins. This song is intimately linked to the romantic biography of its author, composer, and performer Edwyn Collins, who was born in 1959 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Collins was a talented musician who, at not even 20 years old, created the group Orange Juice with which he experienced his first success. However, after five years, the band disbanded, and Collins found himself unemployed.

Despite the setback, Collins continued to work on his music and eventually went solo, releasing his...

Welcome to a special backstage pass episode where we unravel the remarkable journey of a song that revitalized the career of one of the most iconic Rock bands of all time. Join us as we delve into the creation of 'Beautiful Day' by U2, released in 2000.

In the wake of a tumultuous period marked by the disappointing response to their 1997 album 'Pop', the Irish rockers were under immense pressure from fans and their record label. They were in desperate need of a hit - and that's when 'Beautiful Day' came to the rescue!

Crafted within...

Welcome to a backstage pass to unravel the captivating story behind one of David Bowie's greatest hits: "China Girl." Join us in this episode as we explore the remarkable journey of this iconic song.

In 1977, David Bowie decided to lend a helping hand to his friend Iggy Pop in recording his debut album. Bowie, well-acquainted with the studios at Château d'Hérouville near Paris, France, set up camp there with Iggy Pop. It was during their time at the château that they crossed paths with a French singer who was also working on...

In this podcast, we dive into the story behind one of The Police's most iconic songs, 'Walking On The Moon'. The tale starts with a chance encounter between Sting and a composer friend in Munich. After a day of work, the two decided to explore the local nightlife and hit up a few bars. It's during this excursion that Sting has an epiphany - the sensation of walking on the moon could be a powerful metaphor for the feeling of being in love. Back in London, the band begins working on the song and experimenting with various sounds and...

Join us for a captivating journey as we delve into the fascinating story behind one of the iconic tracks in the world of trip hop. In this episode, we explore "Glory Box" by the renowned group Portishead, released in 1994.

Travel back in time to Bristol, England, in 1991, where a unique program initiated by Margaret Thatcher aimed to assist unemployed individuals in creating their own businesses. It is within this context that the tale of this mesmerizing song begins. Geoff Barrow, a talented assistant sound engineer, proposes the idea of establishing a music production company during a meeting.<...

Join us on an exhilarating journey into the heart of one of the most iconic guitar riffs in musical history. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating story behind the creation of 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits, released in 1985.

In the mid-80s, Dire Straits was a global sensation, yet struggled to gain traction in the USA. Enter MTV, the gateway to American success. Discover how the band's management received a pivotal piece of advice from the music channel, sparking an ingenious plan for their breakthrough.

As Mark Knopfler diligently studied MTV for days...

It's 2005, and Amy Winehouse has already had a small national success with her first album, "Frank." However, her demons are beginning to take hold, and her manager feels that she needs to go to rehab. He approaches her with the offer, but Amy is clear: No, no, no, she will not go to rehab.

The song, which was released in 2006 as part of Amy's second album "Back to Black," was an instant hit and became her signature song. It earned her several awards, including three Grammy Awards, and cemented her status as one of the most talented...

In this episode, we explore the tale behind the timeless track "Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders, released in 1979.

Join us as we unravel the intriguing journey of Chrissie Hynde, the mastermind behind this influential band from the 80s rock scene. Born in the early 1950s in Akron, Ohio, Chrissie grew up in a conservative working-class environment. With only three old albums at home, she turned to the radio for musical inspiration.

At the tender age of 14, Chrissie experienced a transformative moment when she heard the Beatles on the airwaves. It was a pivotal moment...

Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we take you behind the scenes and uncover the fascinating stories behind iconic songs. In today's episode, we have an exclusive backstage pass to the track "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins, taken from his debut solo album.

In 1981, Phil Collins had already spent four years as the lead singer of Genesis, experiencing a whirlwind of album releases and worldwide tours. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, Collins was facing a profound personal crisis. His wife, Andrea, whom he had known since primary school and was the mother...

In 1995, "Wonderwall" was released as the third single from Oasis' album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?". The song became a huge hit, propelling the band to global success and making it one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. But the story behind the song is as interesting as the music itself.

Noel Gallagher wrote "Wonderwall" during a tour with the band in the US, in a hotel room in San Francisco. According to some accounts, he wrote the song for his then-girlfriend, Meg Mathews. But in an interview years later, Gallagher stated that the song...

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story behind one of Elton John's most iconic tracks - Crocodile Rock. Released in 1972, this timeless song became the first of many chart-topping hits for the legendary Sir Elton John in the United States.

Crocodile Rock stands out in Elton John's extensive discography with its irresistible fifties rock 'n' roll accents. But beyond its catchy melody and energetic rhythm, this song carries a profound message. It serves as a poignant musical allegory that explores the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitable passage of time.

Join us...

Candy Dulfer had started playing the saxophone at the age of six, inspired by her father Hans Dulfer, a renowned jazz saxophonist in the Netherlands. By the time she was 14, she was already playing with her father's band and attracting attention with her impressive skills on the instrument.

It was in 1987 that Dave Stewart first heard Candy Dulfer play when he was visiting Amsterdam for a gig. He was immediately struck by her talent and asked her to play on a track for his upcoming album. This collaboration led to the creation of "Lily Was Here", a...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we dive into the fascinating story behind the iconic song "One Step Beyond" by the band Madness. Join us as we explore the origins of this worldwide success and its deep roots in the British music scene.

In the mid-1960s, Jamaican emigrants introduced a vibrant musical movement called Ska to the shores of Britain. This genre, derived from reggae, captured the hearts of many with its infectious rhythms and lively beats. However, it wasn't until nearly two decades later that Ska underwent a transformation.

The white...

"Summer Son" by Texas is a catchy and upbeat pop-rock song that was released in 1999 and became a big hit in the UK and beyond. But do you know the story behind the song and the band's lead singer Sharleen Spiteri? In this episode, we'll dive into Sharleen's early years as a hairdresser and her struggles to find her true passion in music. We'll also explore how the band came up with the sound and lyrics of "Summer Son" and what made it stand out among other hits of its time. From its catchy hook to its romantic themes, "...

In the early 1970s, Paul McCartney was at the peak of his solo career following the breakup of the Beatles. At the same time, the James Bond franchise was thriving and looking for a new theme song for their upcoming film "Live and Let Die." McCartney had always dreamed of writing a song for James Bond, but the opportunity had never presented itself.

Two years before "Live and Let Die," McCartney was approached to write the theme song for "Diamonds are Forever," but he didn't feel it was quite right. However, when he was offered the chance...

In this podcast, we dive into the story behind Amy MacDonald's hit song "This Is The Life". We follow the journey of a young girl from Scotland who found inspiration in music legends like David Bowie and Oasis. But it was a fateful evening when she accompanied her mother to a Travis concert that would change her life forever. From there, she began writing her own music and performing in local venues. One of her early songs caught the attention of a radio station, leading to her big break and the creation of "This Is The Life". Join us...

Join us in this episode as we uncover the captivating story behind the iconic track "Lady in Red" by the renowned artist Chris de Burgh. With a global album sales record exceeding 40 million, Chris de Burgh's journey from his international upbringing to his musical breakthrough is a tale of resilience and passion.

Born in Argentina to a diplomat father, Chris de Burgh's childhood traversed diverse landscapes, from Malta to Nigeria and Zaire. Settling in Ireland during his formative years, he discovered his musical talent while performing for guests at the family's transformed castle hotel.

Despite...

Welcome to our podcast where we uncover the fascinating stories behind some of the most iconic songs of our time. In this episode, we delve into the making of 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police.

During the production of their 5th album, 'Synchronicity,' tensions were high among the band members. Arguments were frequent and increasingly violent, causing a strain on their working relationship. But for Sting, the bass player and vocalist, things were even more difficult. He was going through a painful divorce from his first marriage.

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In this episode, we delve into the story behind Coldplay's hit song 'Viva La Vida'. Released in 2008, the song was a massive commercial success and won the band multiple awards. But what inspired its creation? 

During a trip to Mexico, Chris Martin visited the Frida Kahlo Museum and was struck by the artist's life and work. This experience inspired the lyrics of 'Viva La Vida', which explore themes of power, revolution, and the fleeting nature of success. The song features an energetic and anthemic sound that has captivated audiences around the world. Join us as we explore t...

In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the story behind the iconic track "Don't Stop the Dance" by Bryan Ferry, released in 1985. Join us as we explore the journey of an artist who has sold over 30 million records to date.

Born in Washington, a small town in northeast England, Bryan Ferry grew up amidst the gray and gloomy atmosphere of the post-war era. While his parents envisioned him becoming a lawyer, Ferry, like a moth drawn to a flame, developed an insatiable passion for music, particularly the sounds emanating from the United States.

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The story of Adele's hit song "Rolling In The Deep" begins with the singer's childhood in North London, where she discovered her love of music at a young age. As a child, Adele was obsessed with the Spice Girls and would spend hours imitating them in front of her mirror.

But as she grew older, Adele's musical tastes expanded, and she began to explore different genres and styles. She eventually found her own unique voice as a singer and songwriter, drawing inspiration from soul, blues, and classic rock.

In...

In 1973, Elton John released his hit song "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Co-written with his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, the lyrics, written by Taupin, contain autobiographical elements, referring to his childhood on a farm in Lincolnshire. 

Recorded at Château d'Hérouville in France, where Elton had previously recorded albums, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" features Elton's signature piano sound and Taupin's poignant lyrics. The song's title refers to the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz," as the yellow brick road is the path that leads to the wizard's castle.

Join us on this episode of "The Bac...

In this festive episode, we unwrap the captivating story behind The Pogues' timeless Christmas classic, 'Fairytale of New York.' Born from the creative minds of a band deeply rooted in tradition, we explore the genesis of this anti-Christmas anthem. Was it an Elvis Costello challenge or a collective stroke of genius? Discover the journey from banjo-player Jem Finer's initial attempt at a sailor's Christmas tale to the transformative influence of cinematic romance and Ennio Morricone's melodies. Joined by producer Steve Lillywhite and vocalist Kirsty MacColl, the band overcame challenges to create a hit that would resonate globally. From...

In this podcast, we'll explore the heartwarming story behind one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, Chris Rea's "Driving Home For Christmas". The song's origins can be traced back to the late 1970s, when a young Chris Rea was just beginning his career in music.

Through interviews with Rea himself and other experts, we'll learn about the inspiration behind the song and the creative process that went into making it. We'll also explore Rea's personal connection to the lyrics, which were inspired by his own experiences of traveling home for the holidays to be...

Welcome to our podcast, where we'll explore the fascinating story behind one of Coldplay's biggest hits, "Paradise". In 2010, the popular music competition show X-Factor approached the band with a special request - they needed a song to accompany the winner of their upcoming seventh season.

This unexpected request would change the game for Coldplay, leading to the creation of one of their most iconic and beloved tracks. In this episode, we'll explore how the band approached the challenge of writing a song for a television show, and how "Paradise" came to be.

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Step into the captivating world of rock 'n roll history with our latest podcast episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic title that has become a timeless classic. Join us as we explore the compelling story behind "Angie" by The Rolling Stones, released in 1973.

In the early '70s, the Rolling Stones found themselves at a crossroads. With inspiration waning, personal troubles mounting, and various addictions taking their toll, the bad boys of rock were facing a challenging time. Fleeing London for tax reasons, they became increasingly banned in several European countries due to Keith Richards...

Join us in this captivating episode as we unravel the enthralling story behind the hit track "Here with Me" by the renowned artist Dido, released in 1999. Delve into the bohemian upbringing of Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong, known as Dido, in North London, where her musical journey took root amidst an artistic household. From her early musical prowess to her collaboration with her brother Rollo, discover how a casual recording session transformed her life forever.

Tune in to witness the serendipitous turn of events as Rollo's pursuit of fresh talent leads to the discovery of the...

Join us on a captivating journey into the life of Alan Parsons, the mastermind behind the iconic song 'Eye in the Sky' by The Alan Parsons Project. Delve into the fascinating world of music production as we explore Parsons' early passion for sound engineering and his pivotal role in shaping some of the most legendary albums in history.

From his humble beginnings as a young musician in London, to his time at Abbey Road Studios during the recording of The Beatles' 'Let it Be' and the monumental 'The Dark Side of the Moon' by Pink Floyd, Parsons...

In this episode of 'Behind the Hits,' we delve into the captivating story behind Tasmin Archer's iconic track, 'Sleeping Satellite,' released in 1992. Join us as we uncover the journey of a talented English artist who rose from the shadows of backing vocals to create a song that echoed a powerful critique of human nature.

Tasmin Archer's musical journey began as a chorus member of the group Dignity in the late '80s, juggling various odd jobs to sustain her passion for music. From seamstress to secretary and even an employee at the Leeds tribunal, Archer's...