Logo
    Search

    About this Episode

    Join us for an exclusive backstage pass to the story behind one of the most revealing POP tracks of its time. In this episode, we delve into the soulful ballad 'You Know I'm No Good' by the legendary Amy Winehouse, released in 2006.

    Amy Winehouse, known for her acclaimed jazz-infused debut album, collaborates with the hitmaker Mark Ronson, finding inspiration in the tumultuous love story with Blake Fielder. Amidst the tabloid frenzy fueled by their alcohol and drug-fueled escapades, Amy confronts her vices and flaws, unapologetically acknowledging her demons and the agony they bring.

    In a candid and almost raw confession, Amy's words unravel the complexities of her romance, the struggle against her addictive impulses, and the accumulation of unspoken tensions that eventually led to the song's creation. Mark Ronson's nostalgic 60s soul-inspired production complements Amy's unique voice, solidifying her status as the 21st-century diva, with 'You Know I'm No Good' becoming a cherished collector's item in her repertoire.

    Tune in to this episode as we uncover the deeply personal journey that birthed this iconic and intimate musical masterpiece.

    Recent Episodes from The Backstage Pass - The Story Behind the songs.

    Travis 'Sing'

    Travis 'Sing'

    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.

    The Police 'Roxanne'

    The Police 'Roxanne'

    Discover the riveting narrative behind the iconic track "Roxanne" by The Police in this episode. Journey back to 1978 when the band was yet to make their mark, performing in dingy bars and cramped venues across Europe. From their memorable stint at Amsterdam's Paradisio to a serendipitous encounter in the seedy streets of Pigalle, Paris, lead singer Sting's escapade through the city sparks the genesis of a timeless song.

    Witness how a chance encounter with streetwalkers, inspired by the literary character Cyrano de Bergerac's tragic love story, led to the creation of "Roxanne," an eclectic fusion of rock, tango, and reggae. Despite its initial flop in the punk-centric scene of England, the track found an unexpected ally across the Atlantic in the form of Oedipus, the DJ of Boston's WBCN radio. His passionate promotion of the song on his punk rock show set the stage for The Police's meteoric rise to fame.

    Join us as we unravel the improbable connection between a French literary heroine, an American DJ, and a Pigalle prostitute within the extraordinary journey of a chart-topping hit that defied all odds.

    Paul Young 'Every Time You Go Away'

    Paul Young 'Every Time You Go Away'

    In this episode, we delve into the captivating tale behind the renowned track 'Every Time You Go Away.' Initially penned by Daryl Hall for the acclaimed duo Hall & Oates, the song remained relatively unnoticed until Paul Young decided to breathe new life into it.

    Hailing from the vibrant town of Luton, just north of London, Paul Young's musical journey began as a bassist in various local bands. However, it was his distinctive vocal prowess that swiftly propelled him into the spotlight, earning him acclaim as a soul music virtuoso. His magnetic performances at university events left a trail of enamored fans, particularly among the young female attendees.

    By the early 1980s, Young had established himself as one of England's foremost white soul singers, affectionately dubbed 'Blue Eye Soul,' after his successful rendition of a Marvin Gaye classic. Riding this wave, Young made the pivotal decision to reimagine 'Every Time You Go Away,' originally an overlooked gem buried within a Hall & Oates album from the dynamic Philadelphia duo.

    Tune in to discover the fascinating narrative behind the renaissance of 'Every Time You Go Away' and how it became the defining milestone in Paul Young's illustrious career.

    Dido 'Here With Me'

    Dido 'Here With Me'

    Join us in this captivating episode as we unravel the enthralling story behind the hit track "Here with Me" by the renowned artist Dido, released in 1999. Delve into the bohemian upbringing of Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong, known as Dido, in North London, where her musical journey took root amidst an artistic household. From her early musical prowess to her collaboration with her brother Rollo, discover how a casual recording session transformed her life forever.

    Tune in to witness the serendipitous turn of events as Rollo's pursuit of fresh talent leads to the discovery of the mesmerizing voice behind "Here with Me." Experience the highs and lows of the song's initial reception, its poignant resonance, and eventual resurgence through an unexpected TV series. Learn how this emotional masterpiece defied odds, captured hearts worldwide, and solidified Dido's place in the music industry.

    Explore the intricacies of Dido's musical evolution, the impact of "Here with Me" on her debut album's meteoric success, and its enduring legacy in the hearts of millions. Don't miss this episode that celebrates the power of melancholic melodies and the journey of an artist who found her voice through life's bittersweet moments.

    Electric Light Orchestra 'Mr Blue Sky'

    Electric Light Orchestra 'Mr Blue Sky'

    Join us on a musical journey as we uncover the radiant story behind the iconic hit "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra, released in 1977. This upbeat track strikes a perfect balance between its sunny lyrics and a classical-leaning arrangement, featuring a harmonious blend of violins, brass, electric instruments, along with some unconventional studio finds like a cowbell and a fire extinguisher.

    From its Beatlesque intro, it's no surprise that the mastermind behind this masterpiece, Jeff Lynne, has often been dubbed the 'Fifth Beatle', given his close professional and personal ties to the Fab Four. This episode dives deep into the creative process and the inspirations that led to this timeless anthem.

    Featured in the album "Out of the Blue," the persistent references to 'blue' in Jeff Lynne's discography find their roots in the Birmingham Blues football club, where the native son, Jeff Lynne, has long been a devoted supporter. Discover how this affiliation influenced the creation of this beloved track, which eventually became the club's official anthem.

    Despite its initial slow rise to mainstream recognition, "Mr. Blue Sky" gained renewed prominence in 2017 as it opened the scene of the cult-favorite movie, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." Moreover, basking in its infectious happiness and zest for life, this timeless classic secured its position as the 'happiest song of all time' in 2020.

    Tune in to explore the fascinating tale behind this musical marvel, as we unravel the interwoven threads of joy, inspiration, and a deep-rooted love for both music and hometown pride.

    U2 'Beautiful Day'

    U2 'Beautiful Day'

    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.

    Simple Minds 'Don't You (Forget About Me)'

    Simple Minds 'Don't You (Forget About Me)'

    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 the likes of Bryan Ferry and Billy Idol, who were unable to commit due to time constraints, Forsey persistently pursues Jim Kerr, the lead singer of Simple Minds, a Scottish band on the brink of international success.

    However, Kerr's stance remains unwavering as he strictly adheres to singing only his own compositions, citing time constraints due to Simple Minds' ongoing studio commitments for their upcoming album.

    Despite initial reluctance, fate had other plans. The film's resounding success at the box office propelled "Don’t You (Forget about Me)" to sell over six million copies, propelling Simple Minds into the forefront of the music industry. This American anthem with its unfinished lyrics transcended time, becoming a beloved hit cherished by generations worldwide.

    Tune in to discover the remarkable journey of this unforgettable song and the unexpected twists that shaped its legacy.

    Kate Bush 'Wuthering Heights'

    Kate Bush 'Wuthering Heights'

    Welcome to our podcast episode delving into the captivating story behind the iconic track "Wuthering Heights" by the visionary artist Kate Bush. Join us as we unravel the intriguing tale set amidst the untamed English moors.

    In this episode, we uncover Kate Bush's musical upbringing within a family of musicians, her serendipitous encounter with David Gilmour, the renowned Pink Floyd guitarist, and the astonishing impact it had on her career.

    As we explore her initial fears and eventual triumph, we delve into the pivotal moments that led to her signing with a record label, her bold move from her family farm to London, and the formation of her band.

    Tune in to learn how a chance viewing of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" inspired Kate to meld her ethereal voice with a melody evoking the haunting winds of the moors. Discover how this mesmerizing composition catapulted Kate Bush to global stardom, earning her the endearing moniker "Pink Floyd's Prodigy."

    Join us on this musical journey through the captivating narrative of "Wuthering Heights," encapsulating the essence of Kate Bush's remarkable ascent to legendary status in the world of pop music.

    Chris De Burgh 'The Lady In Red'

    Chris De Burgh 'The Lady In Red'

    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 discovered his musical talent while performing for guests at the family's transformed castle hotel.

    Despite his initial pursuit of language studies at the esteemed Trinity College, Dublin, Chris eventually followed his heart into the world of music. Overcoming early challenges, his career gained momentum, marked by a significant milestone as the opening act for Supertramp's 1974 tour.

    The turning point arrived in the 1980s when the European audience embraced his music, culminating in the release of the timeless ballad "Lady in Red" in 1986. Inspired by his first encounter with Diane, his future wife and mother of his children, the song immortalizes the essence of love and the ongoing commitment required to cherish one's partner.

    Tune in to delve into the emotional journey behind this legendary song, exploring the highs and lows of Chris de Burgh's life and the enduring legacy of "Lady in Red" that continues to captivate audiences across generations.

    Dire Straits 'Money for Nothing'

    Dire Straits 'Money for Nothing'

    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.