The Backstage Pass – The Story Behind the Songs takes you behind the music to uncover the story behind the greatest pop rock hits. From bands of the 80s to today’s hits, this podcast explores the rich history of rock music, diving into the songwriting insights, recording techniques, and backstage stories that shaped legendary indie bands, solo artists, and synth artists. Each episode reveals the memorable anecdotes and musical techniques behind iconic tunes that defined generations. From the ...
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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 th…
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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 …
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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 …
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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 H…
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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…
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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…
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In this episode, we unravel the captivating story behind the iconic track "Creep" by the renowned band Radiohead. From its humble origins, composed in a student's room, to its meteoric rise as a 90s anthem, this episode traces the captivating narrative of the song's evolution and reception. As we delve into the backstory, we discover how the lead v…
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Join us in this episode as we uncover the captivating story behind the iconic track "Lady in Red" by the renowned artist Chris de Burgh. With a global album sales record exceeding 40 million, Chris de Burgh's journey from his international upbringing to his musical breakthrough is a tale of resilience and passion. Born in Argentina to a diplomat fa…
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Welcome to "The Backstage Pass," where we unlock the captivating tales behind musical masterpieces. In this episode, we turn our spotlight on the genre-defying hit "Easy Lover" by Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, released in 1984. Our journey begins in Denver, where Philip Bailey's soulful roots take shape. From singing in his local church every Sun…
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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 …
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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 cocain…
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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 b…
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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 power…
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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 …
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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 …
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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 high…
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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 t…
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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 commun…
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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 train…
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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 R…
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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…
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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 roc…
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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 roc…
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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 incom…
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"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 als…
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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 …
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In the early 1970s, Paul McCartney was at the peak of his solo career following the breakup of the Beatles. At the same time, the James Bond franchise was thriving and looking for a new theme song for their upcoming film "Live and Let Die." McCartney had always dreamed of writing a song for James Bond, but the opportunity had never presented itself…
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It's 2005, and Amy Winehouse has already had a small national success with her first album, "Frank." However, her demons are beginning to take hold, and her manager feels that she needs to go to rehab. He approaches her with the offer, but Amy is clear: No, no, no, she will not go to rehab. The song, which was released in 2006 as part of Amy's seco…
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In 1986, Peter Gabriel released one of his most successful songs, "Sledgehammer". The music video, directed by Stephen R. Johnson, is particularly famous for its use of stop-motion animation and claymation techniques. The song itself is an ode to the soul music of the 1960s, and specifically the work of Otis Redding, whom Gabriel has cited as a maj…
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Frankie Goes To Hollywood 'The Power Of Love'
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7:09Trevor Horn was impressed by Frankie Goes To Hollywood when he heard them on a radio show. He decided to produce their first single, "Relax," which became a massive hit in the UK. The band's second single, "Two Tribes," also topped the charts, and their third single, "The Power of Love," became another number one hit. The song was originally writte…
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Step into the intriguing world of Rock'n Roll's most notorious swindle as we delve into the captivating story behind the song "Why Did You Do It?" by Stretch, released in 1975. Join us as we uncover the chain of events that led to this audacious move and explore the impact it had on the music industry. In the late 1960s, Fleetwood Mac stood tall as…
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In this episode, we delve into the story behind Coldplay's hit song 'Viva La Vida'. Released in 2008, the song was a massive commercial success and won the band multiple awards. But what inspired its creation? During a trip to Mexico, Chris Martin visited the Frida Kahlo Museum and was struck by the artist's life and work. This experience inspired …
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Welcome to a backstage pass to unravel the captivating story behind one of David Bowie's greatest hits: "China Girl." Join us in this episode as we explore the remarkable journey of this iconic song. In 1977, David Bowie decided to lend a helping hand to his friend Iggy Pop in recording his debut album. Bowie, well-acquainted with the studios at Ch…
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Join us in this episode as we delve into the captivating story behind the iconic song "Golden Brown" by The Stranglers, released in 1982. This track, a shining gem of 80s rock production, holds a fascinating narrative that revolves around the life of Jean-Jacques Burnel, the band's bassist. Born to French restaurateurs who later settled in England,…
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Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we take you behind the scenes and uncover the fascinating stories behind iconic songs. In today's episode, we have an exclusive backstage pass to the track "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins, taken from his debut solo album. In 1981, Phil Collins had already spent four years as the lead singer of G…
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In this episode, we explore the tale behind the timeless track "Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders, released in 1979. Join us as we unravel the intriguing journey of Chrissie Hynde, the mastermind behind this influential band from the 80s rock scene. Born in the early 1950s in Akron, Ohio, Chrissie grew up in a conservative working-class environmen…
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In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the story behind the iconic track "Don't Stop the Dance" by Bryan Ferry, released in 1985. Join us as we explore the journey of an artist who has sold over 30 million records to date. Born in Washington, a small town in northeast England, Bryan Ferry grew up amidst the gray and gloomy atmosphere of the p…
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Join us for a captivating journey as we delve into the fascinating story behind one of the iconic tracks in the world of trip hop. In this episode, we explore "Glory Box" by the renowned group Portishead, released in 1994. Travel back in time to Bristol, England, in 1991, where a unique program initiated by Margaret Thatcher aimed to assist unemplo…
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Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we dive into the fascinating story behind the iconic song "One Step Beyond" by the band Madness. Join us as we explore the origins of this worldwide success and its deep roots in the British music scene. In the mid-1960s, Jamaican emigrants introduced a vibrant musical movement called Ska to the shores …
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Tears For Fears 'Everybody wants to rule the World'
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5:31Welcome to this episode of "Behind the Melody," where we delve into the captivating story behind the iconic song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears, released in 1985. Join us as we uncover the serendipitous origins and extraordinary journey of this timeless track. The tale begins in the picturesque city of Bath, located in the e…
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Welcome to the latest episode of "Behind the Song," where we uncover the stories behind some of the greatest tunes in music history. In this episode, we take a closer look at U2's hit song "One," and the winding road that led to its creation. In 1990, U2 was in Berlin, recording the beginnings of their album Achtung Baby. However, the initial recor…
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In this podcast, we dive into the story behind one of The Police's most iconic songs, 'Walking On The Moon'. The tale starts with a chance encounter between Sting and a composer friend in Munich. After a day of work, the two decided to explore the local nightlife and hit up a few bars. It's during this excursion that Sting has an epiphany - the sen…
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The story of Adele's hit song "Rolling In The Deep" begins with the singer's childhood in North London, where she discovered her love of music at a young age. As a child, Adele was obsessed with the Spice Girls and would spend hours imitating them in front of her mirror. But as she grew older, Adele's musical tastes expanded, and she began to explo…
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In this podcast, we'll explore the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony". The song's origins can be traced back to the early days of the band, when a young Richard Ashcroft formed The Verve with his high school friends in Wigan, in the north of England. Through interviews with experts …
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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 o…
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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 …
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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…
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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 Ta…
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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 usi…
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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 …
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