The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

Welcome to our podcast where we take you on a journey through the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs in rock music history: Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." The genesis of this masterpiece dates back to the late 1960s when the band's enigmatic frontman, Freddie Mercury, began developing the song. He would often play different parts of the song on the piano, piecing it together over time. Interestingly, one of the early pieces that formed the basis of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a tune he called "The Cowboy Song." But it wasn't until the mid-70s, after several years of experimentation and refinement, that the song was finally recorded and released as a single. And even then, it faced significant resistance from record executives and radio stations who were skeptical of its unconventional structure and length. However, despite the challenges, the song went on to become a massive hit and an enduring classic that has transcended generations. One of the reasons for the song's enduring popularity is the enigmatic lyrics that have inspired countless interpretations and debates. Some have suggested that the song is an allegory for Mercury's personal struggles with his sexuality, while others have seen it as a commentary on social and political issues of the time. Whatever the true meaning may be, one thing is certain: "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a masterpiece of rock music that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences to this day. Join us as we delve deeper into the story behind this iconic song and explore the many layers of its meaning and impact.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this podcast, we dive into the story behind Amy MacDonald's hit song "This Is The Life". We follow the journey of a young girl from Scotland who found inspiration in music legends like David Bowie and Oasis. But it was a fateful evening when she accompanied her mother to a Travis concert that would change her life forever. From there, she began writing her own music and performing in local venues. One of her early songs caught the attention of a radio station, leading to her big break and the creation of "This Is The Life". Join us as we explore the inspiration and personal experiences that led to this beloved song, and how it became a defining moment in Amy MacDonald's career.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It's the mid-90s, and Robbie Williams has just left Take That. His career is at a standstill, and he's in need of a break. So he heads to Dublin, one of the coolest cities in the world, for some much-needed R&R. One night, Robbie finds himself alone in a pub on George's Street. It's there that he has a chance encounter with a stranger who gives him a new perspective on life. But that's just the beginning of the story.  Join us as we explore the story behind "Angels," a song that has touched the hearts of millions and become a timeless classic.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The story of "It's My Life" is that of Mark Hollis, a complex character, genius perfectionist, and rebel, who refused to fit into the mold of the music industry. Hollis was born in 1955 in Tottenham and grew up in London. After studying child psychology, he turned to punk music, and by the early 1980s, he had become the frontman of the band Talk Talk.  "It's My Life" was released in 1984 as the title track of the band's third album, and it marked a turning point in their sound. The song's driving synth riff and catchy melody were a departure from Talk Talk's earlier post-punk and new wave sound, and it helped to define the emerging synthpop genre. The song initially divided and confused music critics and the group's fans, but it proved highly influential on the emerging new wave and synthpop genres. The lyrics of "It's My Life" are defiant and introspective, reflecting Hollis's desire to break free from the constraints of the music industry and pursue his own creative vision. The song's chorus, "It's my life, don't you forget," became an anthem for individuality and self-expression. The track was produced by Tim Friese-Greene, who had also worked on Talk Talk's previous albums and would continue to collaborate with Hollis throughout his career. Despite the success of "It's My Life" and its subsequent chart performance in Europe, the song failed to make an impact in the United States, where it was overshadowed by the likes of Michael Jackson and Madonna. However, in the years since its release, "It's My Life" has become a cult classic and a staple of '80s pop playlists. It has been covered by a number of artists, including No Doubt, who had a hit with their version in 2003. In this episode of the podcast, we'll explore the origins and influences of "It's My Life," delve into the making of the song in the studio, and examine its impact on the music industry and popular culture. We'll also take a closer look at Mark Hollis and his legacy as a musician and innovator, and we'll explore the broader themes of individuality and self-expression that the song embodies. Join us for a deep dive into one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to the podcast where we dive deep into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs in music history. In this episode, we will be talking about the classic rock anthem "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. It all started on December 4th, 1971, when the band was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album 'Machine Head'. They were using a mobile recording studio rented from the Rolling Stones, known as 'the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio'. Little did they know, that recording session would go down in history. As the band watched a Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention concert at the Montreux Casino, a fire broke out, destroying the entire venue. Deep Purple's lead guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, famously described the scene as "some stupid with a flare gun" causing "the place to burn". The band was staying across the lake and watched the entire scene unfold, including the fire department's attempt to put out the blaze, with the help of a water pump station on the lake. The incident left a lasting impression on the band, and they decided to turn it into a song. Deep Purple's vocalist, Ian Gillan, penned the lyrics, and the rest of the band worked together to create the signature riff. The song was aptly titled "Smoke on the Water" and would go on to become one of the most recognizable and celebrated rock songs of all time. Interestingly, the entertainment complex that was part of the Montreux Casino was referred to as "the gambling house" in the song lyrics. The band's experience in Montreux has become legendary, and the story behind "Smoke on the Water" has become a staple in rock history. Thanks for listening to this episode of our podcast, where we uncovered the fascinating story behind Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water".Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to the podcast where we uncover the story behind the hit song 'A Girl Like You' by Edwyn Collins. This song is intimately linked to the romantic biography of its author, composer, and performer Edwyn Collins, who was born in 1959 in Edinburgh, Scotland.Collins was a talented musician who, at not even 20 years old, created the group Orange Juice with which he experienced his first success. However, after five years, the band disbanded, and Collins found himself unemployed.Despite the setback, Collins continued to work on his music and eventually went solo, releasing his third album 'Gorgeous George' in 1994. It was this album that included the hit song 'A Girl Like You', which catapulted Collins into the mainstream.The song features a distinctive riff and seductive lyrics that resonated with audiences around the world. But what is the story behind this iconic track?Interestingly, the Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook performed on the recording. The song had started out as "a more thrashy kind of guitar thing," and there had been a suggestion that Iggy Pop might record a version for the US market, but before that could happen, Collins' version was gaining airplay.'A Girl Like You' remains a beloved hit song that has stood the test of time. Join us as we delve deeper into the fascinating story behind this classic track by Edwyn Collins.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In 1995, "Wonderwall" was released as the third single from Oasis' album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?". The song became a huge hit, propelling the band to global success and making it one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. But the story behind the song is as interesting as the music itself.Noel Gallagher wrote "Wonderwall" during a tour with the band in the US, in a hotel room in San Francisco. According to some accounts, he wrote the song for his then-girlfriend, Meg Mathews. But in an interview years later, Gallagher stated that the song was actually written for his mother, Peggy, who had left him a note with the words "Wonderwall" on it.In the podcast, we'll dive deeper into the making of "Wonderwall", exploring the different theories behind its lyrics and the story of how the song came to be. We'll also look at the impact it had on Oasis' career and the music industry as a whole, cementing the band's status as one of the greatest of their time.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Embark on a captivating narrative as we unveil the untold story behind the iconic song 'Sing' by Travis, which took the music world by storm in 2001. Delve into the remarkable life of Francis Healy, born in 1973 and raised in the vibrant city of Glasgow, as he finds his musical calling amidst the classic rock tunes that shaped his early years.At the tender age of thirteen, a gift of his first guitar becomes the catalyst for Francis to pen heartfelt melodies, influenced by the rock legends that echoed through the airwaves. Join us as we trace his journey from the bustling halls of the School of Fine Arts to the renowned local pub, Horseshoe, where fate intertwines with his future bandmates.Witness the exhilarating overnight recording session that catapulted the band into international acclaim, propelling 'Sing' to win prestigious accolades in the new millennium. Discover the raw emotion and creativity that birthed this timeless anthem, forever etched in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to a special backstage pass episode where we unravel the remarkable journey of a song that revitalized the career of one of the most iconic Rock bands of all time. Join us as we delve into the creation of 'Beautiful Day' by U2, released in 2000.In the wake of a tumultuous period marked by the disappointing response to their 1997 album 'Pop', the Irish rockers were under immense pressure from fans and their record label. They were in desperate need of a hit - and that's when 'Beautiful Day' came to the rescue!Crafted within the walls of a studio, U2 collaborated with two of the most renowned producers of the time, Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, who played pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of this legendary track.Against all odds, it was during an early morning session that the magic truly transpired, transforming a mundane set of chords into a masterpiece. As the band members entered the studio, it became apparent that the long-awaited breakthrough had finally arrived, leaving Bono with the task of penning the lyrics that would match the brilliance of the composition.Join us as we uncover the remarkable story behind the music, revealing the trials, triumphs, and inspirations that brought 'Beautiful Day' to life, reigniting the legacy of U2 for generations to come.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us on an exhilarating journey into the heart of one of the most iconic guitar riffs in musical history. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating story behind the creation of 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits, released in 1985.In the mid-80s, Dire Straits was a global sensation, yet struggled to gain traction in the USA. Enter MTV, the gateway to American success. Discover how the band's management received a pivotal piece of advice from the music channel, sparking an ingenious plan for their breakthrough.As Mark Knopfler diligently studied MTV for days on end, a revelation struck him while observing ZZ Top's video on heavy rotation. Tune in to learn how Knopfler ingeniously harnessed the thick, rich sound of ZZ Top as the key to Dire Straits' American triumph.Furthermore, the mysterious encounter between Knopfler and ZZ Top's guitarist, Billy Gibbons, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Gibbons remains tight-lipped about the secrets behind the distinctive guitar sound, leaving Knopfler to unravel the mystery on his own.Tune in to discover the hidden stories and secrets that shaped this iconic track and propelled Dire Straits to the forefront of the American music scene.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.