The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

Join us as we delve into the heart-rending story behind one of Elton John's most iconic compositions, "Song For A Guy." Released in 1978, this instrumental masterpiece holds a poignant narrative that resonates with audiences to this day. After a two-year hiatus, Elton John finds himself at a creative crossroads, facing the daunting task of crafting music without his long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin.In the late summer of '78, a pivotal moment unfolds. Emotionally drained and dissociated, Elton experiences a surreal detachment from his own being, sensing an impending farewell. This harrowing encounter with mortality weighs heavily on his soul, compelling him to find solace in the gentle keys of his piano. Thus, the haunting melody of "Song For A Guy" is born, a reflection of his inner turmoil and a testament to the fragility of life.Tune in to explore the touching journey behind Elton John's "Song For A Guy," a timeless melody that continues to stir hearts across the world.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us in this episode as we unravel the captivating story behind the iconic track "Don’t You (Forget about Me)" by Scottish pop-rock legends, Simple Minds, released in 1984.The narrative kicks off with the renowned Oscar-winning composer Keith Forsey, famed for his work on the musical soundtrack of the hit film Flash Dance. Amid his prolific engagement with film music in the early 80s, Forsey's song catches the attention for the movie The Breakfast Club.Against a backdrop of rejections from the likes of Bryan Ferry and Billy Idol, who were unable to commit due to time constraints, Forsey persistently pursues Jim Kerr, the lead singer of Simple Minds, a Scottish band on the brink of international success.However, Kerr's stance remains unwavering as he strictly adheres to singing only his own compositions, citing time constraints due to Simple Minds' ongoing studio commitments for their upcoming album.Despite initial reluctance, fate had other plans. The film's resounding success at the box office propelled "Don’t You (Forget about Me)" to sell over six million copies, propelling Simple Minds into the forefront of the music industry. This American anthem with its unfinished lyrics transcended time, becoming a beloved hit cherished by generations worldwide.Tune in to discover the remarkable journey of this unforgettable song and the unexpected twists that shaped its legacy.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us on a riveting journey through the captivating tale behind the timeless classic, Breakfast in America, by Supertramp, released in 1979. Composed by the visionary Roger Hodgson during the prime of his youth, the song chronicles his longing for the sun-soaked shores of California and the carefree American youth culture, while his heart remained entrenched in the mists of his native England.Against initial skepticism within the group, Roger's persistent vision culminated in the recording of Breakfast in America, a track featuring a myriad of instruments skillfully played by the band themselves. The song's seemingly prophetic undertones were soon validated as it skyrocketed to the top of global charts, ushering in a wave of unparalleled success for Supertramp.However, this meteoric rise also marked the beginning of the end for the band, as the fragile dynamic between the musical geniuses, Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies, strained to the breaking point, ultimately leading to the dissolution of Supertramp. Discover the poignant tale of egos, creativity, and the bittersweet success that defined one of the greatest hits of the late 1970s.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of 'The Backstage Pass,' where we peel back the curtain to reveal the captivating stories behind the greatest songs in music history. Today, we take center stage with The Police's 1979 hit 'Message In The Bottle.'Journey with us to 1976 London, where Sting and Stewart Copeland laid the foundation for The Police, driven by the success of 'Roxanne.' As the trio embarked on a European tour, inspiration struck in the confines of their tour bus, leading to the creation of 'Message In The Bottle.'Sting, searching for a melody, crafted the tune on his guitar, naming it on the spot when questioned by his bandmates. Yet, the genesis of the song harks back to a poignant moment in Sting's home studio, where his dog's yearning gaze sparked the narrative of a man marooned on an island, casting messages into the vast sea.Join us on 'The Backstage Pass' as we unravel the metaphorical layers of 'Message In The Bottle,' a song that catapulted The Police to their first UK number one hit. Discover the magic behind the lyrics and the poignant inspiration that resonated with audiences worldwide, forever solidifying this track as a classic anthem.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story behind Sinead O'Connor's iconic ballad "Nothing Compares 2 U". Originally written by Prince in just under an hour, the song didn't quite fit with his image at the time and was instead recorded by a group called The Family.  It wasn't until Sinead O'Connor's hauntingly beautiful rendition in 1990 that the song became a massive hit, topping charts around the world.  We explore the emotions and experiences that inspired the song's lyrics, as well as the cultural and political impact it had in the early 90s. Join us as we unravel the mystery behind one of the greatest love songs of all time.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us on this episode as we delve into the captivating story behind Queen's iconic track, "Somebody To Love," released in 1976. Discover why this particular song holds a special place in Freddie Mercury's heart, making it his personal favorite within the band's extensive repertoire.During the mid-70s, Queen established themselves as a prominent force in the rock music scene. Their relentless touring schedule, consisting of sold-out concerts and recording sessions, propelled them to great success. However, amidst the whirlwind of their demanding careers, the band found moments to reflect and create new material.For Freddie Mercury, the composition phase for a new album became an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. Seated alone in front of his piano, he delved deep into the recesses of his soul. It was during this poignant moment that he experienced an overwhelming sense of loneliness, a feeling he longed to express through his music.Explore the profound emotions and personal struggles that inspired the creation of "Somebody To Love." Join us as we uncover the raw vulnerability and sheer musical genius that merged to produce this timeless anthem. From the soul-searching lyrics to the soaring harmonies, this episode will immerse you in the captivating journey of a legendary artist.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us in this episode of our podcast as we dive into the captivating story behind one of Joe Jackson's iconic tracks, "Steppin' Out." Released in 1982, this song showcases Jackson's unique ability to blend genres and create a sound that resonates with listeners even decades later.The tale begins with the birth of David Ian Jackson in 1954, into a humble working-class family in the southern region of England. Growing up, David faced health challenges as he was diagnosed with asthma at the tender age of 3. Unable to participate in sports, he sought solace in the world of literature and music.At the age of 11, David began taking music lessons, learning to play the violin, percussion, and oboe. However, it was when his parents gifted him a second-hand piano that his true passion was ignited. From that moment, David was determined to become a composer.In this episode, we'll explore how Joe Jackson's early struggles and unwavering pursuit of his musical aspirations shaped the artist he became. We'll uncover the inspirations and influences that guided the creation of "Steppin' Out," a track that perfectly showcases Jackson's ability to blend various genres, creating a unique and timeless sound.Tune in as we unravel the story behind the song and gain insights into the life and career of Joe Jackson. Whether you're a fan of his music or simply intrigued by the stories behind iconic tracks, this episode is sure to captivate you.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to our podcast, where we take a deep dive into the story behind The Beatles' classic song, 'Strawberry Fields Forever'.  This song marked a turning point for the band, both in terms of their musical style and their creative process. After completing the album 'Revolver', the band started working on their next project, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.  'Strawberry Fields Forever' was the first track they recorded for the album. However, their record company and management were pushing for new material, and the band was forced to release it as a single instead.  Initially, the song was met with divided opinions from critics and fans. However, it would go on to become a highly influential track for the emerging psychedelic genre.  Interestingly, the Beatles decided to adhere to their philosophy of omitting previously released singles from their albums. This meant that 'Strawberry Fields Forever' would not be included on 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.  In this podcast, we'll explore the creative process behind the making of this song, its musical style and influences, and the impact it had on the Beatles' career and on the music industry as a whole. Join us as we uncover the story behind 'Strawberry Fields Forever'.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we take you behind the scenes of some iconic songs. Today, we have a backstage pass to the story behind "Say what you want" by Texas, a track that changed everything for the band back in 1997.In this episode, we delve into the journey of Sharleen Spiteri, the lead singer of Texas, and how "Say what you want" became a pivotal moment in their career. Born in Bellshill, Scotland, Sharleen grew up in a household where music was always present. Her father, a sailor, would bring home stacks of records as a way to make up for his long absences. It was through these records that Sharleen discovered the captivating voices of Motown, the electrifying sound of Prince, the punk-infused energy of Blondie, and most notably, the influential music of The Clash, which left an indelible mark on her.Join us as we explore the origins of "Say what you want," the challenges faced by Texas, and the impact of this song on their trajectory. From its heartfelt lyrics to its infectious melodies, this track resonated with millions of listeners worldwide. We'll uncover the inspiration behind the song, its recording process, and the emotions that it evoked within the band and their fans.Tune in to this episode to discover the captivating story behind "Say what you want" and gain a deeper understanding of the song that propelled Texas to new heights.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the captivating story behind one of Eric Clapton's most iconic songs, "Wonderful Tonight." Released in 1977, this timeless ballad carries a tale of love, rivalry, and heartbreak that shaped the life of the legendary guitarist.During the late 1960s, Clapton was hailed as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time. However, his personal life took a tumultuous turn as he struggled with addiction, seeking solace in a haze of drugs. In the midst of his decline, he found himself consumed by an unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, an ethereal model who happened to be married to none other than Clapton's closest friend, George Harrison.In a desperate attempt to win the affections of the enchanting Pattie, Clapton and Harrison embarked on a musical battle, using their songs as a battlefield for their rivalries and emotions. "Wonderful Tonight" emerged as a poignant testament to Clapton's longing and vulnerability, capturing the essence of his tumultuous journey.Join us as we delve into the intricate web of emotions, creative expression, and friendship entwined within this iconic track. Unravel the layers of Clapton's passion, heartache, and artistic brilliance that propelled "Wonderful Tonight" into the hearts of millions worldwide.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.