The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

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.

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.

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.

The story behind the Roxy Music song 'More Than This' starts with the band's frontman Brian Ferry. Growing up in Newcastle, England, Ferry's parents wanted him to become a lawyer, but he had other plans. He developed a passion for music and would often distribute the famous magazine Melody Maker to immerse himself in the industry. He later formed Roxy Music, a band known for their blend of rock, pop, and art, with Ferry as the lead singer and songwriter. 'More Than This' was written by Ferry in the early 80s, as he was going through a tumultuous time in his personal life. It was inspired by the idea of wanting something more in a relationship, and the haunting melody captures the melancholic sentiment perfectly. In this podcast episode, we'll explore the story behind the song, the inspiration behind the lyrics, and the impact it had on Roxy Music's career.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this podcast, we delve into the story behind Sade's iconic song 'Your Love Is King'.  We explore the early life of the woman behind the music, Sade Adu, who was not always the confident, sultry artist we know today. Despite her shyness, Sade occasionally worked as a model while studying. One day, while on campus, she meets a group of students who have formed a band and invites her to join as a backing vocalist. We follow Sade's journey as she begins to find her voice and develop her unique sound that would eventually captivate audiences worldwide. Along the way, we uncover the inspiration behind 'Your Love Is King' and how it became a hit that cemented Sade's place in music history. Join us as we take a deep dive into the life and career of one of the most talented and enigmatic artists of our time.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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.