The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

Eirewave - The Pop Rock Station
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music History
  • Updated Weekly

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 raw energy of punk style and indie hits to the polished sounds of synth pop, we explore how these songs came to life. Expect deep dives into guitar solos, synthesizers, and vocal techniques, uncovering the creative process behind unique songs and exclusive songs that shaped rock history. Featuring studio techniques, guitar tricks, and the musical landscape of artists like Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Queen, and Coldplay, this podcast brings the backstage pass to the stories behind songs. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the indie voices and top 5 songs that defined rock, this is your ultimate guide to the song stories that shaped music history. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    The Stranglers 'Golden Brown'

    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, Burnel pursued a university degree in economics. However, his true passion lay in Karate, a martial art he practiced as an amateur. Dreaming of traveling to Japan to learn from the great masters, Burnel embarked on a journey to make his aspirations a reality. It was during this time that fate intervened. On a fortuitous evening, returning from a rigorous training session, Burnel encountered a hitchhiker who expressed gratitude by inviting him to join his roommates for a few beers. Little did Burnel know that this encounter would change the course of his life forever. In this episode, we unravel the intricate threads that connect Burnel's personal journey, the chance encounter, and the formation of The Stranglers. We explore the creative process behind "Golden Brown," a song that exudes a hypnotic allure and captivates listeners with its melodic richness and poetic lyrics. Tune in to this episode of our podcast as we uncover the story behind "Golden Brown" by The Stranglers, a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the serendipitous nature of life's extraordinary moments. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  2. Sep 5

    Talk Talk 'It's my Life'

    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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  3. Aug 29

    Robbie Williams ‘Angels'

    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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  4. Aug 22

    John Lennon 'Jealous Guy'

    Join us for an intriguing episode of our podcast as we delve into the captivating story behind one of the most beloved songs in music history: "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon. Released in 1971, this timeless track has left its mark on generations of listeners, and its origins hold an air of mystery and personal revelation. While countless tales surround the creation of "Jealous Guy," we bring you OUR version of the narrative. In this episode, we explore the profound emotions that drove Lennon to compose this poignant masterpiece. Discover the inner workings of a genius musician's mind as we uncover the depths of his own jealousy and vulnerability. As we navigate through the annals of Lennon's life, we shed light on the haunting event that triggered his intense jealousy. Join us as we transport you back to November 1966, when Lennon attended the opening of a London art gallery at the invitation of his friend. Little did he know that this encounter would change his life forever. Prepare to be captivated as we peel back the layers of John Lennon's psyche and reveal the inner turmoil that inspired "Jealous Guy." We explore the complexities of love, jealousy, and human emotions that resonated so deeply with millions around the world. Tune in to our podcast episode as we embark on a journey to understand the enigma that lies within the iconic track "Jealous Guy." Gain insight into Lennon's artistic process and the transformative power of music. Don't miss this opportunity to unravel the story behind the song that has stood the test of time. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  5. Aug 15

    Peter Gabriel 'Sledgehammer'

    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 major influence. In fact, it was after attending one of Redding's concerts that Gabriel was inspired to pursue a career in music. "Sledgehammer" features a catchy horn riff and a funky rhythm section that perfectly captures the spirit of classic soul. Join us on this episode of "The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the Song" as we explore the making of "Sledgehammer".  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  6. Jun 27

    Stretch 'Why did you do it?'

    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 the epitome of British Blues greatness, capturing the hearts of millions. However, fame and excessive drug use left scars on the band, prompting them to take a much-needed hiatus. Little did they know, their manager, Clifford Adams, had other plans in store. With an American tour already booked and tickets sold, Adams faced a daunting challenge. His solution? Persuading Mick Fleetwood, the iconic drummer and founding member of Fleetwood Mac, to perform the shows with a group of newly recruited musicians. The hope was to deceive the American audience and avoid detection. In this episode, we uncover the audacity and cunning of Adams' plan, exploring the motivations behind it and the consequences it had for all involved. We delve into the rise of Stretch, the band created for the sole purpose of continuing Fleetwood Mac's tour, and examine the impact of this controversial move on the music industry as a whole. Join us as we unravel the captivating story behind "Why Did You Do It?" by Stretch, examining the twists and turns that shaped this unforgettable track. Discover the secrets, the betrayals, and the ultimate legacy left by this audacious chapter in Rock'n Roll history. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  7. Jun 20

    Tears For Fears 'Everybody wants to rule the World'

    Welcome 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 enchanting South West of England. Here, two young teenagers, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, crossed paths and embarked on a remarkable musical adventure. At the time, Roland Orzabal found himself amidst a profound spiritual quest. It was during this introspective period that fate intervened, leading him to encounter "The Primal Scream," a book penned by renowned American psychotherapist Arthur Janov. Janov's work revolved around a therapeutic approach that aimed to unleash the deep-seated childhood traumas through cries, screams, and primal expressions. Thus, the genesis of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" was born from this shared pursuit of personal healing and growth. This transformative track would go on to capture the hearts of millions worldwide, resonating with its introspective lyrics and captivating melodies. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  8. Jun 13

    Queen 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

    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 on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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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 raw energy of punk style and indie hits to the polished sounds of synth pop, we explore how these songs came to life. Expect deep dives into guitar solos, synthesizers, and vocal techniques, uncovering the creative process behind unique songs and exclusive songs that shaped rock history. Featuring studio techniques, guitar tricks, and the musical landscape of artists like Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Queen, and Coldplay, this podcast brings the backstage pass to the stories behind songs. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the indie voices and top 5 songs that defined rock, this is your ultimate guide to the song stories that shaped music history. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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