Join us on this episode as we delve into the story behind the hit song "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners. The song's origins trace back to Kevin Rowland, the band's enigmatic leader, who had a tumultuous adolescence marred by violence and drug use. However, through the guitar, he found a new sense of direction and discovered a love for rock and roll. We'll explore how Rowland's personal struggles and musical influences helped shape the unique sound and energy of "Come On Eileen", a song that became a worldwide hit in 1982 and has remained a beloved classic ever since.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 as we uncover the inspiration behind Crocodile Rock and how Elton John masterfully captures the essence of a man reflecting on his past. Through heartfelt lyrics and a dynamic sound, we witness the protagonist grappling with the aftermath of a broken relationship while reminiscing about the carefree days of his youth.To achieve a perfect sound illusion, Elton John drew inspiration from the rock pioneers of his own childhood. We'll explore the musical influences that shaped this remarkable track and discuss its lasting impact on the world of popular music.Tune in to this episode and immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of Crocodile Rock. Experience the joy and nostalgia it evokes while gaining a deeper appreciation for Elton John's artistry and his ability to create songs that transcend time.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this festive episode of The Backstage Pass, we dive into the magic behind Queen's iconic holiday single, "Thank God It's Christmas." Released in 1984, this song has become a beloved anthem for the season, but its creation story might surprise you. Join us as we explore how the legendary quartet—Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon, and the incomparable Freddie Mercury—came together to craft this holiday hit. Discover why Christmas songs are often written in the heat of summer, and how Roger Taylor's vision of the holiday's ironies shaped the lyrics.We'll take you behind the scenes of the recording sessions, split between London and Munich, and discuss how this track, initially underestimated, became a timeless addition to Christmas playlists worldwide. Whether you're a die-hard Queen fan or just love a good Christmas tune, this episode is a must-listen.Tune in, and let’s celebrate the holiday spirit with a song that reminds us why we say, "Thank God It's Christmas."Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

"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, "Summer Son" has become a classic tune that still resonates with fans today. Join us as we uncover the secrets and inspirations behind this summer anthem, and how it became a soundtrack to the lives of many listeners around the world.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 smooth and sultry instrumental track that showcased Dulfer's exceptional saxophone playing. The song became an instant hit and topped the charts in several countries. It was also featured on the soundtrack of the film "De Kassière" and was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Original Song.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 to write the theme for "Live and Let Die," he jumped at the opportunity. The film's producers sent McCartney the script, and he sat down at the piano to come up with a suitable theme. In just ten minutes, he had written the majority of "Live and Let Die," which would go on to become one of his most iconic songs. Interestingly, McCartney wasn't initially sure if he wanted to perform the song himself or offer it to another artist. He ultimately decided to record it himself with his band, Wings, and the song went on to become a huge commercial success and earning McCartney an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song Score. Overall, the story behind "Live and Let Die" showcases Paul McCartney's incredible musical talent and his lifelong dream to write a James Bond theme song.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 and influential artists of her generation. Join us on this episode of "The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the Song" as we explore the making of ‘rehab’ Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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. Join us on this episode of "The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the Song" as we explore the making of "Sledgehammer". Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Trevor Horn was impressed by Frankie Goes To Hollywood when he heard them on a radio show. He decided to produce their first single, "Relax," which became a massive hit in the UK. The band's second single, "Two Tribes," also topped the charts, and their third single, "The Power of Love," became another number one hit. The song was originally written as a ballad, but Trevor Horn's production turned it into a powerful and emotional anthem that still resonates with audiences today. Join us on this episode of "The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the Song" as we explore the making of 'The Power Of Love'Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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, their manager, Clifford Adams, had other plans in store.With an American tour already booked and tickets sold, Adams faced a daunting challenge. His solution? Persuading Mick Fleetwood, the iconic drummer and founding member of Fleetwood Mac, to perform the shows with a group of newly recruited musicians. The hope was to deceive the American audience and avoid detection.In this episode, we uncover the audacity and cunning of Adams' plan, exploring the motivations behind it and the consequences it had for all involved. We delve into the rise of Stretch, the band created for the sole purpose of continuing Fleetwood Mac's tour, and examine the impact of this controversial move on the music industry as a whole.Join us as we unravel the captivating story behind "Why Did You Do It?" by Stretch, examining the twists and turns that shaped this unforgettable track. Discover the secrets, the betrayals, and the ultimate legacy left by this audacious chapter in Rock'n Roll history.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.