The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

Step into the captivating world behind Tears For Fears' 1989 hit 'Woman In Chains.' In 1985, the duo found inspiration in a jazz trio's enchanting performance, leading to a powerful anthem rooted in feminist ideals. Discover how Roland Orzabal's literary exploration fueled the creation of a song urging women to reclaim their pivotal role in shaping a better future. The story unfolds with a chance encounter and a collaboration with jazz vocalist Oletta Adams. Join us as we unravel the narrative threads behind this iconic track, a modern fairy tale with a timeless message. Tune in for a journey through the making of 'Woman In Chains' on 'The Backstage Pass'.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Delve into Amy Winehouse's tumultuous love story and confront her demons in the creation of 'You Know I'm No Good'. Explore the intimate journey that inspired this soulful ballad with Mark Ronson's nostalgic production.

Step into the captivating world of David Bowie as we unravel the extraordinary story behind one of his iconic tracks. In this episode, we delve into the ethereal realms of "Starman," released in 1972, by the kaleidoscopic artist who effortlessly embraced multiple identities.Our exploration begins in the vibrant neighborhoods of South London during the 1950s, where David Robert Jones grew up envisioning himself as a baseball player and spent countless hours tuning in to the radio waves of the American forces stationed in England. It was through this medium that he discovered the pioneering sounds of Rock 'n' Roll, courtesy of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Bill Haley, igniting within him a burning desire to become David Bowie.Fast forward to 1972, where Bowie, having experienced only a single hit in England, was already preparing his fifth album, the conceptual masterpiece titled "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars." Within this extraordinary musical voyage, "Starman" emerged as a celestial beacon, capturing the imagination of listeners worldwide.Join us as we navigate the cosmic landscape of David Bowie's artistic evolution, immersing ourselves in the magical essence of "Starman." Uncover the inspirations, the creative process, and the impact this timeless track had on both Bowie's career and the world of music.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the captivating tale behind the renowned track 'Every Time You Go Away.' Initially penned by Daryl Hall for the acclaimed duo Hall & Oates, the song remained relatively unnoticed until Paul Young decided to breathe new life into it.Hailing from the vibrant town of Luton, just north of London, Paul Young's musical journey began as a bassist in various local bands. However, it was his distinctive vocal prowess that swiftly propelled him into the spotlight, earning him acclaim as a soul music virtuoso. His magnetic performances at university events left a trail of enamored fans, particularly among the young female attendees.By the early 1980s, Young had established himself as one of England's foremost white soul singers, affectionately dubbed 'Blue Eye Soul,' after his successful rendition of a Marvin Gaye classic. Riding this wave, Young made the pivotal decision to reimagine 'Every Time You Go Away,' originally an overlooked gem buried within a Hall & Oates album from the dynamic Philadelphia duo.Tune in to discover the fascinating narrative behind the renaissance of 'Every Time You Go Away' and how it became the defining milestone in Paul Young's illustrious career.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the early 80s, Queen's fame was already well established, but the band wanted to break into the US market, where they weren't as popular as in the UK. So, they decided to make a music video for their song "I Want to Break Free" to be shown on MTV. The video, directed by David Mallet, was inspired by the British soap opera "Coronation Street" and featured the members of the band dressed in drag, with Freddie Mercury donning a wig and a pink dress. The video was meant to be a playful take on gender roles and stereotypes, but it caused controversy and backlash in the US, where many conservative groups criticized it for promoting homosexuality. Despite the controversy, the video was a hit in the UK and Europe, and it helped to increase Queen's popularity in the US. The song itself, written by bassist John Deacon, is a catchy rock anthem that urges listeners to break free from the constraints of their lives and pursue their dreams. "I Want to Break Free" became one of Queen's most popular songs and is still a fan favorite today. The song's message of liberation and self-expression resonated with audiences then and continues to do so today.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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.