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The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

Eirewave - The Pop Rock Station
The Backstage Pass: Song Stories
Latest episode

81 episodes

  • The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

    David Bowie 'Life on Mars'

    10/10/2026 | 5 mins.
    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.

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  • The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

    Frankie Goes To Hollywood 'The Power Of Love'

    03/10/2026 | 7 mins.
    Trevor 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 written as a ballad, but Trevor Horn's production turned it into a powerful and emotional anthem that still resonates with audiences today.
    Join us on this episode of "The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the Song" as we explore the making of 'The Power Of Love'

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  • The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

    Travis 'Sing'

    26/09/2026 | 5 mins.
    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.

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  • The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

    The Verve 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'

    19/09/2026 | 6 mins.
    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 and insiders, we'll learn about the band's early struggles and creative process, and how they eventually found their unique sound and style. We'll also explore the personal and artistic struggles that Ashcroft and the band faced over the years, including a period of heavy drug use and several breakups.

    Despite these challenges, The Verve continued to make music, eventually releasing their breakthrough album "Urban Hymns" in 1997. It was on this album that "Bitter Sweet Symphony" appeared, becoming an instant classic and a defining song of the era.

    In this podcast, we'll take a closer look at the song's lyrics and musical themes, as well as the creative process that went into making it. We'll also examine the legal controversy that surrounded the song's use of a sample from a Rolling Stones song, and how it affected the band's career and legacy.

    Through it all, we'll gain a deeper understanding of The Verve's artistry and vision, and how they created a song that continues to resonate with fans and listeners today. Join us as we uncover the story behind "Bitter Sweet Symphony", and discover the enduring power and influence of one of the greatest songs of the 90s.

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  • The Backstage Pass: Song Stories

    The Stranglers 'Golden Brown'

    12/09/2026 | 5 mins.
    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.

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About The Backstage Pass: Song Stories
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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