The Story Behind The Song
The Story Behind the Song is hosted by Peter Csathy and features in-depth conversations with artists about the creation of their most iconic songs. The podcast explores the musicians' creative journeys and the moments that sparked their inspiration, going beyond surface-level storytelling to uncover the true stories behind lasting hits.
Episodes
Pavement - "Kennel District" with Scott Kannberg and Steve West
This week in a very special episode of The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy welcomes indie rock icons Scott "Spiral Stairs" Kannberg and Steve West of Pavement to break down “Kennel District” on the 30th anniversary of the album Wowee Zowee.Discover the inspiration behind the song, one of only a handful of Pavement songs written and sung by Kannberg. They discuss the recording proc
Encore: The Police's Stewart Copeland - "Roxanne"
The Story Behind the Song's Peter Csathy is back to talk to legendary The Police drummer Stewart Copeland to talk about "Roxanne."Definitely known as "The Police Song," "Roxanne" is a song that changed the fortunes of the English rock band The Police. The song was written by lead singer and bassist Sting for their debut album Outlandos d'Amour, which celebrates its
Salt-N-Pepa's Salt - Let's Talk About Sex
This week, host Peter Csathy welcomes Salt-N-Pepa's Cheryl "Salt" James to The Story Behind the Song to break down their groundbreaking 1990 track "Let's Talk About Sex."Discover the song's provocative origins, designed with producer Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor to challenge radio censorship. Salt reveals how the track, meant to spark a necessary dialogue, was later tra
Encore: Blondie - "Rapture"
Blondie are, without question, one of the most successful, iconic, and influential bands in rock and roll history. On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, listen to the band talk about their song "Rapture" and more.Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 15 years ago, the Debbie Harry-fronted group has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and continues to release new m
Sublime - "Wrong Way" (with Bud Gaugh)
This week on The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy welcomes Sublime drummer Bud Gaugh to dive into the story behind their classic 1997 track "Wrong Way."Discover the song's spontaneous, beer-fueled origins at Willie Nelson's Texas studio. Gaugh reveals how a casual conversation was transformed overnight by frontman Bradley Nowell into the iconic lyrics, and how the track was
Encore: Don McLean - "American Pie"
Don McLean earned the title of America's Troubadour with his iconic 1971 hit song "American Pie." This eight-and-a-half-minute folk rock track is considered a cultural touchstone in the annals of Americana, tracking the loss of innocence of the early rock and roll generation through oft-debated reference-rich lyrics about "the day the music died." Listen now.On this episode of
The Bangles' Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"
This week on The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Chatty welcomes the legendary Susanna Hoffs, singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the iconic 80s band, The Bangles. Hoffs takes us on a fascinating journey behind one of The Bangles' biggest hits, the 1989 power ballad, "Eternal Flame."Discover the surprising inspiration behind "Eternal Flame"—a pilgrimage to Elvis's Gracel
Encore: The Killers' Brandon Flowers - "All These Things That I've Done"
On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers reflects on one of the band's earliest songs -- "All These Things That I've Done." Listen to Flowers' insight into the tune.Flowers chats about the song's spiritual meaning, explaining how it grapples with themes of guilt, faith, and forgiveness. Ultimately, it's the sonic represe
Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive"
The Queen of Disco herself, Gloria Gaynor, joins host Peter Csathy on The Story Behind the Song to explore her iconic, universal anthem "I Will Survive." Listen to Gaynor discuss her signature song.Released in 1978, "I Will Survive" was recorded while Gaynor was recovering from a paralyzing fall, and she recounts how her own situation allowed her to inject pure emotion into the rec
Encore: Devo - “Whip It”
On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, we revisit a conversation with Gerald Casale of Devo about the band’s seminal 1980 single “Whip It.”Released as the second single off Devo’s Freedom of Choice, “Whip It” remains instantly recognizable with its hooky synthesizer lines, over-the-top vocal delivery, and overall silly tone. While it quickly became an anthem of fun, the tune was orig
DEVO - "Girl U Want"
Co-founder, singer, keyboardist, and songwriter Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo joins host Peter Chatty on The Story Behind the Songto explore the iconic "Girl U Want" from Freedom of Choice. Peter welcomes Mark to discuss the bouncing and boisterous track, its unique inspirations from a Glasgow pamphlet and The Knack's "My Sharona," and its enduring legacy as a quintessential Devo c
Encore: Air Supply - "All Out of Love" with Graham Russell
On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, we revisit a conversation with Graham Russell of the Australian super duo Air Supply to discuss their smash hit “All Out of Love."Air Supply's own Graham Russell joins host Peter Csathy to talk about how “All Out of Love” came together and how Clive Davis' input made the song an international success. He also talks about how he met R
Counting Crows - "A Long December"
Lead singer and songwriter Adam Duritz of Counting Crows joins host Peter Csathy on The Story Behind the Song, to explore the iconic "A Long December" from Recovering the Satellites. Peter welcomes Adam to discuss the deeply emotional and moving song, its spontaneous creation in under 24 hours, and its enduring legacy as a fan favorite that continues to resonate decades later. Released in
Encore: Heart - "Crazy On You" with Nancy Wilson
On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, we revisit the incredible music of Heart. Just last week, we brought you Nancy Wilson's insights into their powerful track "Barracuda." Now, we journey back to an earlier conversation with Nancy, exploring Heart's breakout classic from their early years: "Crazy on You." This iconic song, arguably their masterpiece, helped
Heart - "Barracuda"
Guitar legend Nancy Wilson of Heart joins host Peter Csathy for her second appearance on The Story Behind the Song , this time to explore the iconic "Barracuda" from Little Queen. Following their previous engaging conversation about "Crazy On You," Peter welcomes back Nancy to discuss the powerful guitar licks and signature riff that define this classic track. Released in 1977 on H
Encore: Violent Femmes - "Blister in the Sun"
On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, revisit one of the most unexpected and authentic indie bands of the early 80s -- Violent Femmes. Breaking out big in 1983 with a unique sound and a hit-packed debut album, the Femmes created truly timeless jams, none more ubiquitous than "Blister in the Sun."The proto-folk-punk tune still makes people dance and sing along decades later.
Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - “Refugee"
The Story Behind the Song returns for Season 4 to dive deep with legendary guitarist Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers who joins host Peter Chatty to explore the iconic song "Refugee" from Damn The Torpedoes.Mike discusses his musical beginnings in Florida, from early rock influences to forming Mud Crutch with Tom Petty. He recounts the journey leading to the creation of Tom
The Story Behind The Song Is Back for Season 4!
The Story Behind the Song returns to dive deep into some of music history’s most iconic tracks with the legends who made them. Host Peter Csathy sits down with the likes of Heart’s Nancy Wilson, Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker’s Mike Campbell, DEVO’s Mark Mothersbaugh, Sublime’s Bud Gaugh, Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz, and more for a fresh batch of episodes.From the spark of inspiration to untold ta
Encore: Rick Astley - "Never Gonna Give You Up
On the season finale (and encore episode) of The Story Behind the Song, hear Rick Astley discuss his classic "Never Gonna Give You Up" and more.Rick Astley burst onto the pop scene 1987 seemingly out of nowhere when his debut single -- the feel-good, earnest dance anthem “Never Gonna Give You Up” -- grabbed the No. 1 spot in 25 countries. In just a matter of weeks, Astley traded his small
Encore: Garbage - "Only Happy When It Rains"
On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, listen to Garbage's Shirley Manson discuss "Only Happy When It Rains," her origins with Garbage, and more.Manson first met up with her three future bandmates in Wisconsin as a result of one of those strange, classic twists of rock and roll fate involving MTV, a phone call, and a disastrous first audition. In then end, Garbage was for
Moby - “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad"
On the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, pioneering electronic producer and songwriter Moby joins host Peter Csathy for a deep dive into his groundbreaking album Play and the smash hit single "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?"Moby delves into his journey from a young musician experimenting with punk rock to his embracing of electronic music and DJ culture. It all led to Play, Moby
Encore: Boy George - "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me"
On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, hear Boy George discuss "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and more.One of the most popular and influential bands of the 1980s, Culture Club could be considered the original new wave boyband. They fused the sounds of new wave, pop, and reggae to create a unique sound that was both catchy and stylish.Boy George discusses the hit song's m
The Church - "Under the Milky Way"
On the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy is joined by The Church bassist and vocalist Steve Kilbey to take a deep dive into the Australian band's beloved hit "Under the Milky Way." Listen to their conversation.Kilbey tracks the origins and production of "Under the Milky Way," which arrived as the lead single of The Church's 1988 debut album, Sta
Encore: The Shins - "New Slang" and "Phantom Limb"
In this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, hear James Mercer of The Shins talk about their indie classic "New Slang," the late bassist Neal Langford, and more.One of the most renowned American indie rock bands, The Shins have carved a lasting legacy with their distinctive blend of folk, pop, and indie rock. Formed in 1996 by frontman James Mercer, a chance inclusion of “New Slang
The Jesus and Mary Chain's William Reid - "Just Like Honey"
On the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, William Reid, who co-founded influential UK duo The Jesus and Mary Chain with his brother Jim Reid, sits with host Peter Csathy to discuss one of the band's most iconic songs: "Just Like Honey." Listen now.After forming a band in the early '80s, brothers William and Jim Reid embarked on a punk rock journey that eventually led to t
Encore: Blue Öyster Cult -Don't Fear the Reaper
In this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, Blue Öyster Cult's Bruce Dickinson (aka Buck Dharma) chats with host Peter Csathy about the band's iconic "Don't Fear the Reaper." Listen to his insight.Dharma takes listeners through the history of the band, what "Don't Fear the Reaper" was actually about, how a photo inspired Will Ferrell's classic 2000 Satu
Incubus - "Drive" and "Wish You Were Here"
On the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song, Incubus vocalist Brandon Boyd and lead guitarist Mike Einziger join host Peter Csathy to revisit two of their biggest hits: "Drive" and "Wish You Were Here." Listen to their conversation.Boyd and Einziger, who founded Incubus together in 1991, take a deep dive into the band's formation, their music, and their personal and prof
Encore: Men At Work - "Down Under"
In this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy revisits the very first episode of the podcast where he talked with Men At Work frontman Colin Hay to discuss their seminal 80's hit "Down Under." Listen now.Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song as Season 3 continues on, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for the series.Fans of The S
Graham Nash - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children”
On this week's The Story Behind the Song, Graham Nash tells the story behind Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children," "Ohio," and much more. Listen now.Nash, the renowned English-American singer-songwriter, takes a deep dive into his lengthly career. He discusses starting his career in The Hollies to meeting Joni Mitchell, and how an eventful dinner party in Laurel
Encore: Sheila E. - "The Glamorous Life"
In this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, Sheila E. joins host Peter Csathy to discuss how the game-changing song "The Glamorous Life." Listen to her talk about how it changed the course of her career.The accomplished musician talks about working with Prince and trying to outdo each other as they wrote and performed. She also shares insights on a personal selection from her cata
Zedd - "Clarity" and "Out of Time"
Season 3 of The Story Behind the Song continues with Russian-German DJ and producer Zedd! Zedd has achieved global fame for his innovative electronic dance music. Known for his distinctive fusion of progressive house, electro house, and dubstep, Zedd's tracks have resonated with audiences worldwide.On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Zedd shares the full story behind "Clarity"
The Cranberries and CHVRCHES' Iain Cook - "Linger"
To kick off Season 3 of The Story Behind the Song, The Cranberries’ drummer Fergal Lawler and CHVRCHES’ Iain Cook link up to talk about the Irish band's 1993 alternative rock classic "Linger," as well as Cook's recent remix of the tune. Listen to their insights.Decades after its initial release, "Linger" remains one of the '90s' most beloved songs -- and for good re
Encore: Tear for Fears - "Mad World"
In this special encore episode of Roland Orsable from Tear for Fears tells the story behind his unexpected breakout hit Mad World from the duo's 1983 debut album, The Hurting.In this special encore episode of The Story Behind the Song,, Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears tells the story behind his unexpected breakout hit, "Mad World," from the duo's 1983 debut album The Hurting.Se
The Story Behind The Song Is Back for Season 3!
Get ready for another incredible season of the The Story Behind the Song starting September 9th. We’re continuing with our weekly format featuring a mix of brand-new episodes and classic favorites from the The Story Behind the Song vault.Hear from legendary artists like The Cranberries, Ian Cook of CHVRCHES, Incubus, TKTK, The Church, Graham Nash, DEVO, and more as they share the stories behind th
The Killers' Brandon Flowers - "All These Things That I've Done"
For the finale of The Story Behind the Song Season 2, The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers reflects on one of the band's earliest songs -- "All These Things That I've Done." Listen to Flowers' insight into the tune.Flowers chats about the song's spiritual meaning, explaining how it grapples with themes of guilt, faith, and forgiveness. Ultimately, it's the sonic represe
Def Leppard - "Pour Some Sugar on Me" with Joe Elliot
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott goes deep into their hit "Pour Some Sugar on Me" on this episode of The Story Behind the Song. In this special encore episode, Elliott reflects on the group's success, the meaning behind the band's name, Def Leppard's connection to Def Jam, and how "Pour Some Sugar on Me" accidentally became a strip club anthem.Listen to Joe Elliot dive int
Jewel - "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands"
To say singer-songwriter Jewel has come a long way since her days performing in an Alaskan bar would be an incredible understatement. With hits like "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands," Jewel is an undeniable force in popular music. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Jewel runs through her rise and dives into the two monumental hits that cemented her legacy.The
Billy Idol - "White Wedding"
Billy Idol emerged from the London punk scene in the '70s as frontman for Generation X. Venturing out on his own in the '80s, he became a global rockstar thanks to MTV and his edgy persona – all bleached blonde hair, defiance, and hits like "White Wedding" and "Dancing With Myself." To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the former, Idol joins The Story Behind the Song podcas
Heart - "Crazy On You" with Nancy Wilson
Heart, undeniably, is a rock institution; they are an absolute powerhouse of guitars, drums, bass, and unmistakable vocals. Led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, few acts have left such a mark on the rock music canon, and "Crazy on You" might just be their masterpiece. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, Heart's Nancy Wilson takes listeners behind the insanely iconic song. Lis
Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham - "Tusk"
On this epsiode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Lindsey Buckingham breaks down the Fleetwood Mac classic "Tusk." He dives into the song's inspiration, meaning, production, and impact.Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the fresh and archival episodes coming in Season 2, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts to show your support for our series.Fans of The Story B
The-B52s - "Love Shack"
The B-52s, beloved for their danceable new wave tunes, quirky lyrics, and wild outfits brought everyone to the "Love Shack" with their 1989 album Cosmic Thing. The song's playful energy and endlessly quotable lyrics brought the band new levels of fame, going on to become one of dance music's most inescapable tracks.On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, The-B52s' Kate Pi
Nirvana's "Smell's Like Teen Spirit" - Butch Vig
Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was lightening in a bottle. It propelled Nevermind to the top of several album charts at the start of 1992 and was an event that is often marked as the point when grunge entered the mainstream. To tell the tale behind the song, we speak to songwriter, super record producer, drummer and co-producer of the alternative rock band Garbage, Butch Vig. Vig reco
Huey Lewis and the News - "I Want a New Drug" & Sports
Do you like Huey Lewis and The News? Their early work was a little new-wave for some, but when Sports came out in '83, the band had really came into their own, commercially and artistically. Hey, Paul, listen to Huey Lewis himself dive into the record, as well as standout "I Want a New Drug," on this episode of The Story Behind the Song!Featuring songs like"Heart and Soul," 
The Cure - "Boys Don't Cry"
"Boys Don't Cry" is one of the defining songs of The Cure's career — and it never even charted in the US. But the new wave classic is an undeniable slice of pop-rock perfection, and perhaps the most ubiquitously enduring track in The Cure's catalog.On this classic episode of The Story Behind the Song, The Cure's Lol Tolhurst, who co-wrote "Boys Don't Cry" with R
Violent Femmes - "Blister in the Sun"
When it comes to truly timeless, ahead-its-time jams, few songs can hold a candle to the Violent Femmes’ "Blister in the Sun." The alt-rock, proto-folk-punk, now-ubiquitous tune still sounds so fresh that it's hard to believe it's over 40 years old. On this episode of The Story Behind the Song, vocalist Gordon Gano explores the origins of the classic cut, revealing how it almost wa
Pink Floyd - Time
In this Legacy episode of The Story Behind the Song, host Peter Csathy as revisit an episode with Pink Floyd's Nick Mason to discuss “Time” from the epic The Dark Side of the Moon. In the interview, Nick Mason reflects on the band's origins, the tragic story of founding member Syd Barrett's last contribution to Pink Floyd before exiting the band, The Beatles' influence on the band,
Modern English - I Melt with You
The Story Behind the Song is getting better all the time, so we're thrilled to be launching Season 2 with Modern English's post-punk dance classic "I Melt with You." The 1982 track launched the band to international success, became a frequently covered favorite, and featured in dozens of movies and TV shows.On this episode of TSBTS, Modern English singer and songwriter Robbie Grey
The Story Behind The Song Is Back for Season 2!
The Story Behind the Song is back with a new format for Season 2 beginning Monday, February 26th! We're switching to a weekly format, where brand new episodes will alternate with classic ones from the SBTS vault.So get ready for fresh interviews with The Killers, Heart, The B52s, Violent Femmes, Jewel, Huey Lewis, and Modern English as they reveal the real-life stories behind their most iconic
Don McLean - "American Pie": The Story Behind the Nostalgic Classic
Don McLean earned the title of America's Troubadour with his iconic 1971 hit song "American Pie." This eight-and-a-half-minute folk rock track is considered a cultural touchstone in the annals of Americana, tracking the loss of innocence of the early rock and roll generation through oft-debated reference-rich lyrics about "the day the music died."On this episode of The Story Be
The Story Behind The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" with Lol Tolhurst
The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" is a classic post-punk song about a lost love and the protagonist's inability to move on. An English rock band formed in 1978 in Crawley, West Sussex, by Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey and then drummer Lol Tolhurst. While Robert Smith has remained the only constant member, Tolhurst and Smith met as children before later founding the band together. On
The Story Behind The Shins' Timeless Indie Gems "New Slang" and "Phantom Limb"
One of the most renowned American indie rock bands, The Shins have carved a lasting legacy with their distinctive blend of folk, pop, and indie rock. Formed in 1996 by frontman James Mercer, a chance inclusion of “New Slang” in the indie movie classic Garden State helped to take their indie buzz mainstream just as their breakout sophomore album, Chutes Too Narrow, propelled them to indie stardom.O
The Story Behind Air Supply's Soft Rock Smash "All Out of Love" with Graham Russell
Air Supply, the Australian soft rock duo has been melting hearts and serenading souls since 1975. In 1979, they created a succession of hits worldwide, including eight top-five hits on the US Billboard Hot 100: "Lost in Love”, "All Out of Love", "Every Woman in the World", "The One That You Love", "Here I Am", "Sweet Dreams", "Even the Nights Are Bet
The Story Behind Run-DMC's Hip-Hop Classic "It's Tricky" with Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
Run-DMC (Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay," Mizell) was more than just a hip-hop group. They were a force of nature that transformed music, fashion, and history. Their deceptively simple, endlessly catchy lyrics and energetic live performances made them stars, and their use of rock and roll samples helped to break down the barriers bet
The Story Behind Culture Club's Reggae-New-Wave Smash "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" with Boy George
One of the most popular and influential bands of the 1980s, Culture Club was the original new wave boyband. They fused new wave, pop, and reggae to create a unique sound that was both catchy and stylish.The Story Behind the Song's Peter Csathy returns to talk to the ever-flamboyant and wise Boy George to discuss "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me."The two discuss the song's mix of love
The Story Behind The Police's Reggae-Rock Hit "Roxanne" with Stewart Copeland
The Story Behind the Song's Peter Csathy is back to talk to legendary The Police drummer Stewart Copeland to talk about "Roxanne."Definitely known as "The Police Song," "Roxanne" is a song that changed the fortunes of the English rock band The Police. The song was written by lead singer and bassist Sting for their debut album Outlandos d'Amour, which celebrates its
The Story Behind Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon Smash "Time" with Nick Mason
In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with Pink Floyd's Nick Mason to discuss “Time” from the epic The Dark Side of the Moon. In the interview, Nick Mason reflects on the band's origins, the tragic story of founding member Syd Barrett's last contribution to Pink Floyd before exiting the band, The Beatles' influence on the band, and Nick Ma
The Story Behind Def Leppard's Glam Metal Smash "Pour Some Sugar on Me"
In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with Def Leppard's Joe Elliot to discuss the unlikely story of how "Pour Some Sugar on Me" became the last entry into Def Leppard's second album Hysteria. In his interview, Joe Elliott humbly reflects on the group's success and so much more: how he came up with the group's name, why they change
The Story Behind Howard Jones' Synth-driven New Wave Classic "New Song"
In this episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he chats with UK-based singer-songwriter Howard Jones to discuss how he broke all the rules when he arrived as a one-man band and topped the charts with "New Song," a song he wrote to be his debut and artist manifesto to the world.Literally singing, "I don't wanna be hip and cool. I don't wanna play by the
The Story Behind Toto's Iconic, Instantly Recognizable "Africa," with David Paich
There is something about the drums and trans-inducing hook of Toto's Africa. that draws you in every time you press play. The song is an earworm that has been streamed over 1 billion times on Spotify alone!David Paich of Toto joins us on the Story Behind the Song to talk about this timeless and cross-generational song, which celebrates its 40th year this year and almost didn't see the ligh
The Story Behind Devo’s Seminal Synth-Rock Single “Whip It”
In this special bonus episode of The Story Behind the Song, join host Peter Csathy as he revisits his interview with Gerald Casale of Devo about the band’s seminal 1980 single “Whip It.”Released as the second single off Devo’s Freedom of Choice, “Whip It” remains instantly recognizable with it’s hooky synthesizer lines, over-the-top vocal delivery, and overall silly tone. While it quickly became a
The Story Behind A Flock of Seagulls' New Wave Classic "I Ran (So Far Away)"
For the first episode of the New Year, The Story Behind the Song is celebrating the 40th anniversary of A Flock of Seagulls by diving into their new wave classic "I Ran (So Far Away)." The track and the band's look were some of the defining styles of the '80s, and their presence in our collective pop culture psyche flies right into today.On the episode, A Flock of Seagulls frontman
The Story Behind Nirvana's Era-Defining Anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," As Told by Producer Butch Vig
Some songs are songs and some songs are bangers. Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit was lightening in a bottle. It propelled Nevermind to the top of several album charts at the start of 1992 and was an event that is often marked as the point when grunge entered the mainstream. To tell the tale behind the song, we speak to songwriter, super record producer, drummer and co-producer of the alternative
The Story Behind Billy Idol's Post-Punk Classic "White Wedding"
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of his signature songs, Billy Idol joins The Story Behind the Song podcast to discuss "White Wedding."Who can forget that epic music video of Billy Idol attending a goth wedding where the bride is played by Perri Lister, Idol's real-life girlfriend at the time?We also learn about how his recent banger "Cage" was actually inspired by COVI
The Story Behind Danny Elfman and Oingo Boingo's Halloween Classic "Dead Man's Party"
In various incarnations for the last 40 years, true renaissance man Danny Elfman has delivered it all. As performer, frontman, composer, conductor, and visualizer, he is the consummate multi-dimensional innovator. Always unconventional, always out of place -- and always slightly dangerous because of it -- the man and his body of work is genius -- and also all a bit mad.The frenetic and haunted min
The Story Behind Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper," Cowbell's Crowning Achievement
Classic rock legends Blue Öyster Cult may be the first band to feature an umlaut in their name, but the band -- which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year -- was no gimmick. They released a string of major hits in the '70s, with their most transcendent classic of course being 1976's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." The record that still haunts as deeply as ever, continually find
The Story Behind Metric’s Breakout Hit “Help I’m Alive”
Metric are an enigmatic, shape-shifting band -- always has been, always will be. Born out of Canada in 2001, they have built a discography that now spans eight studio albums that are difficult to box into any one genre (or two, for that matter). Part indie rock, part pop punk, part dance, part electronic -- why even try to put a label on it? The point is that it all works.At the center of it all i
The Story Behind Silversun Pickups' Gritty, Grinding Masterpiece "Lazy Eye"
Southern California natives Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger front Silversun Pickups, one of rock music’s leading bastions of guitar glory. The band just recently released their sixth studio album, Physical Thrills, produced by the legendary Butch Vig of Garbage (who were highlight on July's episode of The Story Behind the Song). The LP is marked by an adventurous -- and intentional -- departu
The Story Behind BeachLife Ranch, the New Home-Brewed LA Music Festival Amidst a Sea of Goliaths
This special bonus episode of The Story Behind the Song shakes things up a bit -- let's call it The Story Behind the Festival. Musicians Jim Lindberg of SoCal punk band Pennywise and SoCal native son Donavon Frankenreiter, together with LA music entrepreneur Allen Sanford, join the podcast to talk about their new upcoming music festival BeachLife Ranch.Spinning off of the trio's OG BeachLi
The Story Behind Lykke Li's Dark Love Song "No Rest for the Wicked"
Swedish-born Lykke Li has always been a musical enigma. She started her career seemingly happily at the age of 21 with her light, bouncy breakout track, “Little Bit.” But soon after she veered 180-degree into deep darkness, especially with her third full album, 2014’s I Never Learn. Li’s twisted journey continued thereafter with her 2018 latex-heavy album, so sad so sexy, before stripping down all
The Story Behind Why Garbage's Shirley Manson Is "Only Happy When It Rains"
Garbage are an iconic, eclectic band that is anything but what their name implies. Fronting the outfit is the charismatic and irrepressible Shirley Manson from Edinburgh, Scotland. Manson first met up with her three future bandmates in Wisconsin as a result of one of those strange, classic twists of rock and roll fate involving MTV, a phone call, and a disastrous first audition. In then end, Garba
The Story Behind "The Glamorous Life," Sheila E.'s Classic Pop Collab with Prince
"The Glamorous Life" proved to be a major solo breakout for Sheila E. in 1984. The classic pop track was one of her man collaborations with the legendary Prince, but Sheila E. already had a long history of playing with legends. In fact, her professional career began at only 15, when her father (a percussionist himself) asked her to fill in for him as part of Santana's band before a cro
The Story Behind How They Might Be Giants Built a "Birdhouse in Your Soul"
The transition from 1980s new wave and hair rock to 1990s far less follically-minded indie pop wasn’t always a smooth one. But enigmatic, idiosyncratic, and frequently non-grammatical duo They Might Be Giants made it all go down so easy with instantly catchy hooks and frequently hilarious lyrics.The band’s tongue-in-cheek non-sequiturs and unconventional instrumentation masked a knack for writing
The Story Behind Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" Becoming an Internet Phenomenon
Rick Astley burst onto the pop scene 1987 seemingly out of nowhere when his debut single, the feel-good, earnest dance anthem “Never Gonna Give You Up,” grabbed the No. 1 spot in 25 countries, including the US and UK. In just a matter of weeks, Astley -- then only 21 -- traded his small town outside of Manchester, England for center stage on a global scale. As fate would have it, "Never Gonna
The Story Behind "Home" and "Truth," Edward Sharpe's Companion Songs of Darkness and Light
Alex Ebert is lead singer, songwriter and resident shaman of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the hippie-inspired outfit that broke out in 2009 with a fresh sound that was difficult to pin down. Via his alter-ego messiah character Edward Sharpe, Ebert and the Magnetic Zeros' breakout single and signature song across four albums is, of course, "Home." An ebullient and endearing ant
The Story Behind Manchester Orchestra's Unexpected Global Smash "The Silence"
Manchester Orchestra is one of Indie music’s darlings, and deservedly so. The band is fearless in how it has evolved over the years, moving from the in-your-face guitar thrashes of 2014’s Cope to the much more cinematic and layered approach of their last two albums, 2017’s A Black Mile to the Surface and their recent The Million Masks of God.But something strange happened along the way to Million
The Story Behind Judy Collins' Classic Version of Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns"
Judy Collins is a music icon, plain and simple. Collins' storied career, first inspired by folk legends Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, is now in its seventh decade and touches much of American music royalty. (Songwriting legend Leonard Cohen is just one such icon she elevated.) Her musical journey continues this month with the release of Spellbound – surprisingly, her first-ever full album of
The Story Behind X's "Los Angeles," a Thrashing Punk Critique About Intolerance
Punk rock in the mid-to-late '70s and early '80s meant different things to different people, depending on which city you were in. For Los Angeles, it was the band X that helped define the sound from their Venice home. (The band sits at #13 on Consequence's own list of the Best Punk Bands of All Time.)X’s most iconic song happens to be the title track of their debut LP, Los Angeles. 
The Story Behind Crowded House's Anthemic "Don't Dream It's Over"
Crowded House’s "Don't Dream It's Over" is one of the most memorable tunes of the '80s, and the band's Neil Finn explores that lasting legacy on the latest edition of The Story Behind the Song.Crowded House helped launch a new post-New Wave era in pop music in 1986, creating beautifully simple, earthy melodies driven by guitars rather than synths. Lead singer, guitarist, an
The Story Behind Blondie’s Iconic “Rapture”
Blondie are, without question, one of the most successful, iconic, and influential bands in rock and roll history. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 15 years ago, the Debbie Harry-fronted group has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and continues to release new music. But the “rock and roll” label doesn’t do justice to the group’s genre-bending music. What started as a punk band in
The Story Behind Tears for Fears' Unexpected Hit "Mad World"
Tears for Fears ruled the pop charts for much of the 1980s with their unique mix of instantly catchy synth sounds, irresistible hooks, and confessional lyrics. Like everybody in music, the duo of singer/songwriter/guitarist Roland Orzabal and singer/bassist Curt Smith wanted to rule the world, and they certainly achieved that with a string of hits spanning several albums.
It all began with their 1
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