The Story Behind The Song

Latest Episodes:

DEVO - "Girl U Want" May 26, 2025

Show notes

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 classic that continues to define their de-evolutionary message. Released in 1980 on Devo's third album, Freedom of Choice, "Girl U Want" captured a pivotal moment for the band, and Devo continues its "50 Years of De-Evolution" tour, proving their message is as relevant as ever.

The conversation delves into Mark's journey to becoming a "conceptualist" and true Renaissance man, from overcoming childhood blindness to his prolific work in visual art and as one of Hollywood's most sought-after film and television composers.

Listen to Mark Mothersbaugh talk about “Girl U Want” and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below!

You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media.

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Encore: Air Supply - "All Out of Love" with Graham Russell May 19, 2025

Show notes

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 Russell Hitchcock in the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar, how they became more famous, and their impact on popular culture.

Listen to Russell's full conversation and more on your favorite podcast platform. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below!

You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
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Counting Crows - "A Long December" May 12, 2025

Show notes

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 1996 on Counting Crows' second album, "A Long December" captured a unique moment, and the band is now preparing to hit the road on their summer tour in support of their great new album, Butter Miracle, the Complete Sweets.

The conversation delves into Adam's 'light bulb moment' of becoming a songwriter, the band's unexpected meteoric rise with their debut August and Everything After, and the personal challenges that accompanied sudden fame. Adam also opens up about the band's new album The Butter Miracle: The Complete Sweets and the collaborative magic that fuels their creative process.

Listen to Adam Duritz talk about “A Long December” and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below!

You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
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Encore: Heart - "Crazy On You" with Nancy Wilson May 05, 2025

Show notes

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 solidify Heart as the rock institution they undeniably are – an absolute powerhouse of guitars, drums, bass, and unmistakable vocals led by the dynamic sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson.

Formed in 1973, Heart swiftly ascended to the top of the music scene within a few short years. Their 1975 full-length debut, Dreamboat Annie, gifted the world with hits like the title track and the irresistible "Magic Man." However, nestled just three songs into that tracklist lies "Crazy on You," a jam that endures as perhaps the band's most instantly recognizable.

Listen to Heart's Nancy Wilson explore "Crazy on You" and more on your favorite podcast platform. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below!

You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
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Heart - "Barracuda" Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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 Heart's third album, "Barracuda" roared onto the scene and continues to be a fan favorite as Nancy and her sister Ann Wilson return to touring after a recent health challenge.

The conversation briefly touches on their previous discussion about the lyrical context of "Crazy On You" and then pivots to "Barracuda," another signature song featuring Nancy's distinctive guitar playing. Peter teases the song's potential contemporary relevance.

Listen to Nancy Wilson talk about “Barracuda” and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below!

You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
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Encore: Violent Femmes - "Blister in the Sun" Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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. Host Peter Csathy revisits his conversation from two years ago with the "wonderfully wacky" vocalist Gordon Gano, exploring the origins of the classic cut (revealing how it almost wasn't a Violent Femmes song at all), clearing up what it's REALLY about, and discussing why this unique, mold-breaking band still connects so deeply with audiences.

Listen to singer and songwriter Gordon Gano tell these "Blister in the Sun" stories. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below!

You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - “Refugee" Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

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 Petty and the Heartbreakers, a Hall of Fame band.

The guitarist reveals the unexpected origin of "Refugee"'s music and shares how Tom Petty then wrote the song's timeless and powerful lyrics. Mike also touches on the recording process with Jimmy Iovine.

In this episode, Mike reflects on the immense success of Damn The Torpedoes and the lasting impact of their music and provides insights into his songwriting partnership with Tom Petty. Also in this episode, beyond reflecting on his iconic work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mike briefly touches upon his ongoing musical journey with his band, The Dirty Knobs, and their recent projects.

Listen to Mike Campbell talk about “Refugee” and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below!

You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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The Story Behind The Song Is Back for Season 4! Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

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 tales from the studio, SBTS Season 4 will unlock the true stories that shaped the music you love. With new episodes debuting every other week beginning Monday, April 14th, we’ll also be releasing archival episode rewinds between each new release, giving listeners the opportunity to explore even more classic tunes.

Subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you listen to podcasts, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, and follow the Consequence Podcast Network for more. Fans of The Story Behind the Song can also check out our new merch for Season 2! Available now at the Consequence Shop, we have a killer new poster (framed and unframed) and a jigsaw puzzle (1,000 piece or 252 piece) featuring an original illustration referencing all the songs and artists from the first three years of the podcast. Grab yours now.

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Encore: Rick Astley - "Never Gonna Give You Up Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

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 town outside of Manchester, England for center stage on a global scale.

As fate would have it, "Never Gonna Give You Up" never gave up either. Two decades after its release, the song "Rickrolled" its way back into our hearts and the cultural conversation when it became a mid-2000s internet sensation. Fast forward to today, and the song’s video is creeping close to an astounding 1.2 billion views on YouTube. Perhaps even more impressive, at age 50 in 2016, Astley again topped the UK charts with his aptly titled album 50. While continuing to record new material, he's now sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Safe to say, Astley is no one-hit-wonder: He is a full-fledged artistic and cultural icon. Astley joins host Peter Csathy to talk about "Never Gonna Give You Up," as well as a personal choice from his catalog: "Cry for Help."

Listen to the full episode now, or check out the complete video interview at Consequence.

Make sure you like, review, and subscribe to The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcasts to catch each episode of the monthly series. Also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
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Encore: Garbage - "Only Happy When It Rains" Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

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 formed (even if Manson still isn't such a fan of the name), and with their self-titled debut came the iconic hit "Only Happy When It Rains," a record that feels as fresh today as it did nearly 30 years ago.

Manson shares the misery behind "Only Happy When It Rains," including her initial thoughts upon reading the "nursery rhyme" lyrics. Manson also discusses "The Men Who Rule the World," the lead song on Garbage's No Gods No Masters, a track that perfectly encapsulates Manson's current state of mind and features lyrics that rained down on her in a moment of spontaneous inspiration.

Listen to the full episode now, or check out the complete video interview at Consequence.

Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV
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