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 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 two discuss the song's mix of love, loss, and social commentary, and how it resonated with audiences around the world. Additionally, as Boy George and Culture...

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, Starfish. Kilbey recounts how the song was written quickly with his then-girlfriend to avoid doing dishes for his...

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” in the cult classic film Garden State helped to take their indie buzz mainstream just as their...

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 their lauded 1985 debut album, Psychocandy. On this episode of TSBTS, William discusses the band's early days,...

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 Saturday Night Live sketch, and the lasting impact of the tune. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song as Season 3 continues on,...

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 professional journeys. Together, they trace the trajectory of their career, including how the breakout triggered by...

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 Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a...

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 Canyon created Crosby, Stills & Nash and, later, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Reflecting on his...

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 catalog: her recent salsa collab with B. Slade, "Bailar." Throughout the interview, Sheila E. shares...

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" from its origin as a disgarded vocal from "Lost at Sea" written by Matthew Koma to how working with Lady...

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 reason. The lovesick, tender track perfectly captures the feeling of unreciprocated love, and it boasts a killer vocal hook to...

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. Season 3 of The Story Behind the Song kicks off on September 9th just ahead of Consequence's Drum Week...

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 their iconic hits. Tune in every week for new episodes. Fans of The The Story Behind the Song can...

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 representation of Flowers' struggle to balance his Mormon beliefs and his pursuit of rock 'n' roll. He then touches on the cut's...

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 into "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and more on your favorite podcast platform. Make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song for all the...

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 songwriter and poet chats about "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Hands," from her debut record Pieces of You and...

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 podcast to discuss the origins and legacy of "White Wedding." Listen to Billy Idol himself dive into "White Wedding" and more...

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. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Formed in 1973, Heart was on top of the musical world within...

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 Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we...

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 Pierson talks to host Peter Csathy about the inspiration for "Love Shack," including how it almost didn't make the...

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 recounts how he went from recording indie bands in Madison, Wisconsin, to a fateful recording session with...

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 Heart of Rock & Roll," "I Want a New Drug," and "If This Is It," Sports spent a whopping 160 weeks on the...

"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 Robert Smith and Michael Dempsey, join host Peter Csathy to share his first-hand insight into the iconic song. Tolhurst also talks...

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 wasn't a Violent Femmes at all. He also clears up what the song is REALLY about. Listen to singer and songwriter...