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, El...
Jun 28, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 45
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 ...
Jun 21, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 44
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...
Jun 14, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 43
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 ...
Jun 07, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 42
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...
May 31, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 41
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 succ...
May 24, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 40
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 tend...
May 17, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 39
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 pushi...
May 10, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 38
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 fathe...
May 03, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 37
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 de...
Apr 26, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 36
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 vocalist and leader, Thom Yorke, penned this hauntingly personal melody at the tender age of 20, depicting the intense anguish of unrequited love. Desp...
Apr 19, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 35
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 father, Chris de Burgh's childhood traversed diverse landscapes, from Malta to Nigeria and Zaire. Settling in Ireland during his formative years, he dis...
Apr 12, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 34
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 Sunday to honing his drumming and percussion skills at university, Bailey's musical journey unfolds. Picture the scene in 1972 when Maurice White, Earth,...
Apr 05, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 33
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 that went into crafting this timeless classic, from the songwriting to the recording techniques. We also uncover the fascinating anecdotes and inspira...
Mar 29, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 32
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 cocaine addiction and paranoia, he finds solace on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.The chance meeting sets the stage for an unexpected collaboratio...
Mar 22, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 31
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 by his love for Birmingham Blues FC. From its Beatlesque intro to its resurgence in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, explore how this indie hit became t...
Mar 15, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 30
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 powerful song stories in rock music history. Tune in for a backstage pass into the emotional depths and musical genius behind this unforgettable trac Hoste...
Mar 08, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 29
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 novel. With its haunting melodies and unforgettable vocals, this track cemented her place in rock music history. Tune in for the song story behind a l...
Mar 01, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 28
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 rock history. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Feb 22, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 27
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 highlands, where the Clan MacLeod embarks on extraordinary time-travel adventures spanning the 16th and 20th centuries. As the movie's director, Russell M...
Feb 15, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 26
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 Febru...
Feb 08, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 25
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 ...
Feb 01, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 24
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 u...
Jan 25, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 23
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 ...
Jan 18, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 22
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 sou...
Jan 11, 2025•5 min•Season 3Ep. 21
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...
Jan 04, 2025•6 min•Season 3Ep. 20
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 ...
Dec 28, 2024•6 min•Season 3Ep. 19
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 ...
Dec 21, 2024•6 min•Season 3Ep. 18
"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...
Dec 14, 2024•6 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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 c...
Dec 07, 2024•6 min•Season 3Ep. 16
