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The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

Latest episodes

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Mar 29, 2025 • 7min

Al Stewart 'Year Of The Cat'

Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" (1976) - In this episode, we explore the story behind Al Stewart's hit song "Year of the Cat." Despite its title, the song has little to do with Vietnamese astrology. Instead, it's teeming with references to one of the great moments in cinema history: the film Casablanca. Join us as we delve into the creative process that went into crafting this timeless classic, from the songwriting to the recording techniques. We also uncover the fascinating anecdotes and inspirations that shaped this iconic pop rock hit. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes and discover the story behind "Year of the Cat."Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Mar 22, 2025 • 7min

David Bowie 'Let's Dance'

Welcome to a musical journey through the dazzling resurgence of the iconic David Bowie, marked by the chart-topping anthem that dominated both sides of the Atlantic in 1983. In this episode, we unravel the untold story behind the song that heralded Bowie's triumphant return - 'Let's Dance.'As Bowie grapples with personal demons, including a cocaine addiction and paranoia, he finds solace on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.The chance meeting sets the stage for an unexpected collaboration with Nile Rodgers. Experience the demo, witness the creative clash, and delve into the magic that transformed 'Let's Dance' into an ode to sensual dance and the pursuit of joy between two lovers. Upon its release, the song skyrocketed to number one across the globe, solidifying its status as David Bowie's biggest hit and an enduring favorite for music enthusiasts everywhere.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Mar 15, 2025 • 7min

Electric Light Orchestra 'Mr Blue Sky'

Discover the story behind Mr. Blue Sky, the pop rock classic by Electric Light Orchestra. Released in 1977, this song story blends classical influences, rock instrumentation, and unexpected studio tricks—from guitar solos to a fire extinguisher! Learn how Jeff Lynne, often called the Fifth Beatle, crafted this backstage pass to pure joy, inspired by his love for Birmingham Blues FC. From its Beatlesque intro to its resurgence in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, explore how this indie hit became the happiest song of all time.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Mar 8, 2025 • 6min

Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black'

Explore the story behind Back to Black, Amy Winehouse’s iconic 2007 hit. Struggling with heartbreak and addiction, Amy transformed her pain into this pop rock classic, blending soulful vocals, indie vibes, and raw emotion. Despite an 18-month creative block, her turbulent relationship with Blake Fielder became the catalyst for one of the most powerful song stories in rock music history. Tune in for a backstage pass into the emotional depths and musical genius behind this unforgettable tracHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Mar 1, 2025 • 6min

Kate Bush 'Wuthering Heights'

Step into the story behind Wuthering Heights, the ethereal hit that launched Kate Bush to stardom. Discover how a young indie voice with a backstage pass to musical greatness caught the attention of Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour. From her family farm to London’s music scene, Kate overcame early doubts to craft a unique song inspired by Emily Brontë’s novel. With its haunting melodies and unforgettable vocals, this track cemented her place in rock music history. Tune in for the song story behind a legend.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Feb 22, 2025 • 5min

Keane 'Everybody's changing'

Keane’s "Everybody’s Changing" is a story behind perseverance. From their small-town roots in Battle to London’s music scene, the trio struggled through setbacks, financial strain, and rejection. Returning home in doubt, they found inspiration and created the song that changed everything. Discover how this indie hit became a defining moment in pop rock history.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Feb 15, 2025 • 6min

Queen 'A Kind Of Magic'

Join us on a captivating journey through time as we unveil the backstage secrets behind one of Queen's iconic tracks, 'A Kind of Magic,' released in 1986. In this episode, we delve into the enchanting tale behind the song and its significant role as part of the soundtrack for the epic film Highlander. Picture yourself amidst the misty Scottish highlands, where the Clan MacLeod embarks on extraordinary time-travel adventures spanning the 16th and 20th centuries. As the movie's director, Russell Mulcahy, sought to complement the mystical storyline, he reached out to several music stars of the era. However, fate intervened, and only the legendary band Queen was available for the project. Immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes narrative as we reveal how Mulcahy shared an exclusive 20-minute preview of the film with Queen. The spellbinding experience left Roger Taylor, the band's drummer, utterly captivated, leading him to embrace the project wholeheartedly. Discover the magical synergy that transpired between the visionary director and the iconic band, resulting in the creation of a musical masterpiece. Tune in to this episode to uncover the untold stories, fascinating anecdotes, and the creative process that brought 'A Kind of Magic' to life. From Freddie Mercury's soaring vocals to Brian May's mesmerizing guitar solos, we explore the intricate layers that make this track an unforgettable part of Queen's legacy.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Feb 8, 2025 • 6min

David Bowie 'Life on Mars'

Welcome to the podcast where we dive into the fascinating story behind one of David Bowie's most iconic songs, 'Life on Mars'. Our tale begins in 1968 when Bowie was seeking success and was asked to work on the English adaptation of 'Comme d'habitude', the song performed by French artist Claude François. Despite his initial interest in working on the English adaptation of "Comme d'habitude," David Bowie faced rejection from the song's French publishers after recording an unreleased demo in February 1968. Bowie's lack of fame and recognition were the primary reasons for this decision. However, this setback ultimately paved the way for one of Bowie's most iconic and enduring hits, "Life on Mars".  Released in 1971 as a single and later included on his album 'Hunky Dory', 'Life on Mars' featured Bowie's signature vocals, intricate piano arrangements, and surreal lyrics that challenged the conventions of popular music at the time. But what is the story behind the song? What inspired Bowie to create this masterpiece, and what do the lyrics really mean? Join us as we explore the fascinating history and enduring legacy of 'Life on Mars' by David Bowie.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Feb 1, 2025 • 7min

George Michael 'Freedom'

Welcome to our podcast, where we'll explore the fascinating story behind one of the biggest hits of the 1990s, George Michael's "Freedom". Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963 in the south of England, George Michael was the son of an English mother and a Cypriot father who changed his name to Jack Michael to better fit in with the local community. In this episode, we'll delve into the personal and creative influences that shaped George Michael's life and music, from his childhood in London to his rise to fame as a member of the pop duo Wham!. We'll also explore the inspirations behind "Freedom", one of George Michael's biggest hits, which was released in 1990. Through interviews with friends, collaborators, and experts, we'll learn about the making of "Freedom", from its iconic music video featuring supermodels to its themes of liberation and self-expression. We'll also examine how the song became an anthem for a generation of young people seeking their own sense of identity and freedom. Whether you're a lifelong fan of George Michael or simply love the music of the 1990s, this podcast is a must-listen. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story behind "Freedom", and discover why it remains one of the most iconic and influential songs of its era.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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Jan 25, 2025 • 7min

Eurythmics 'Miracle of Love'

In this podcast, we'll delve into the story behind one of Eurythmics' most beautiful and poignant songs, "Miracle of Love". We'll explore the origins of the song, its lyrical and musical themes, and the creative process that went into making it a hit. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart's backgrounds couldn't be more different. Annie, a classically trained musician, and Dave, a self-taught guitarist, were an unlikely pairing. But their shared love of music and determination to create something truly unique and groundbreaking led them to become one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s. We'll take a closer look at Annie's journey from the Royal Academy of Music to the global stage, and how her experiences shaped her distinctive voice and musical style. We'll also explore Dave's path to success, from his early days playing in pubs to his collaborations with Annie and other musical legends. Through interviews with experts and insiders, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the song's themes of love, loss, and redemption, and how they reflect the personal experiences and struggles of both Annie and Dave. We'll also discover the secrets of the song's timeless appeal and its enduring popularity among fans old and new. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story behind "Miracle of Love", and explore the creative genius of two of the most talented and innovative musicians of their generation.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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