Shows / Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
Dig into the history of classic rock songs and the storytellers that created them in "Behind The Song," a podcast by Janda Lane. Hear what was happening behind the scenes while some of the most iconic songs in rock history were being written.
Episodes
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesAlice In Chains’ “Rooster”: A Song From Son To Father
The story behind one of Alice In Chains' biggest hits is deeply personal. “Rooster,” written by Jerry Cantrell, was what he imagined his father's experience in…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesWhen Axl Rose Wanted To Fight David Bowie
Once upon a time in Hollywood, David Bowie made Axl Rose so mad that it nearly caused a brawl in the middle of the street! Get into the story of this very rock…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesDesert Island Songs
You're stranded on a desert island and can only bring three songs. What are you choosing?Would you pick something to keep your spirits high, or a song that…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe Sweet Story Behind Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Lookin' Out My Back Door"
In the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into the surprising inspiration behind Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lookin’ Out My Back…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesRemembering Bobby Whitlock
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda looks back on the remarkable career of the late Bobby Whitlock and his contributions to some of…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesCoco Schwab: The Woman Who Saved David Bowie
In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, dig in to the story of Coco Schwab, the behind-the-scenes assistant David Bowie credited with saving his…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesPhotograph: The Song That Started It All for Def Leppard
It all started with a "Photograph." Def Leppard’s first smash hit kicked off their path to the top and had fans wondering who the song was about, thanks to its…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and The Professor Of Rock Remember Ozzy Osbourne
When Ozzy Osbourne passed away, on July 22, 2025, it was a sad day for rock ‘n roll. Listen in on this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast as Janda…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesTom Petty: Lyrics To Burn
In the new bonus episode of Janda's Behind The Song podcast, listen in on the chat about Tom Petty's particular gift for writing some of the most cutting…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesUnpacking “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac
Songs can transport us, and for Stevie Nicks, "Gypsy" is a powerful portal to her past. Join Janda on this episode of Behind The Song as she unpacks this…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk Classic Rock Cover Songs, Part 2!
From Clapton to Aerosmith...listen in on this chat about specific cover songs from the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie, and some of the artists who…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesHer Name In A Song: Songs Named After Girls
Rosanna, Beth, Mary Anne, Michelle....join Janda on a fun musical list of some of classic rock's songs titled after girls' names in this bonus episode of the…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesUnpacking Traffic's Prog-Rock Gem: "The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys"
Join Janda on a deep dive into Traffic’s “The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys,” a nearly 12-minute epic song co-written by Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi that…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe Classic Rock Songs That Shaped Janda's Formative Years
From David Bowie to Zeppelin to Janis Joplin, Janda goes through a list of classic rock songs that opened the door to classic rock and shaped her taste in this…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk Classic Rock Cover Songs!
Listen in on this conversation about classic rock cover songs that might just transcend the original! From Creedence Clearwater Revival’s take on “I Heard It…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesHow Bad Company became the supergroup that ruled the 70's
Dive in to the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast as Janda explores Bad Company: the supergroup, the song, and the debut album. Find out how the band…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk notable guitar solos! (Part 4)
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, listen in as the conversation continues about notable, memorable classic rock guitar solos. In this…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk Classic Rock Summer Songs!
Listen in on this conversation about classic rock songs that just feel like summertime! From Mungo Jerry to ELO, warm up with a great list of tunes to put you…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesUnpacking a Gen X anthem: Nirvana's “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
In this episode of the Behind The song podcast, Janda unpacks Nirvana's “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the song that defined an entire generation. From the…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2025!
In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, listen in as Janda and producer Christian chat about some of this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame most…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk notable guitar solos! (Part 3)
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda and Christian come back for round three of their chat about classic rock guitar solos. This time…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesAs Long As It Was Deep: Unpacking “Just What I Needed” by The Cars
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into “Just What I Needed,” the first hit single released from The Cars’ self-titled debut. A song…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe Kinks! A conversation with the cast of the Sunny Afternoon musical
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda chats with the lead actors in the cast of Sunny Afternoon, based on the music of The Kinks. This…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk about notable guitar solos! (Part 2)
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda and producer Christian Lane continue the discussion about notable guitar solos in classic rock!…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe curious tale of Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More"
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda explores the fascinating backstory behind Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ hit "Don't Come Around Here No…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk guitar solos! (Part 1)
In the new bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda and producer Christian Lane talk about notable guitar solos in classic rock. Listen in on this…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesGet Joe Cocker in the Rock Hall: Janda chats with Cocker alumni Deric Dyer
Joe Cocker is nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2025, and in the latest episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda chats with Deric…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesElton John’s unexpected hit: “Bennie and the Jets”
In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, join Janda as she digs into the unexpected success of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets." Released in 1973 on…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian on the Black Sabbath Reunion
It’s a heavy metal homecoming! In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda and Christian talk about the “Back To The Beginning” Black Sabbath…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk Becoming Led Zeppelin
Becoming Led Zeppelin is not just a documentary; it’s a celebration of the famously private band’s legacy, carefully told by the band members themselves…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesWhen Bowie turned to face the strange with “Changes”
It took David Bowie until his 4th album to find his footing as an artist. Hunky Dory, released in 1971, is a collection of songs written after he realized that…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian's Top Classic Rock Love Songs
This Valentine’s Day, the Behind The Song podcast team has a sweet list of songs for you! Join Janda and Christian as they each discuss their five top classic…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesPaul & Linda: The Love Story Behind “Maybe I’m Amazed”
Ever felt lost after a big change? Paul McCartney did after the breakup of the Beatles. In the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast, join Janda to find…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk movie soundtrack magic!
Get into the interplay between classic rock songs and iconic movie scenes in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast. Join Janda and producer…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesModern English: A Love Song For the Nuclear Age
Why does Modern English's "I Melt With You" still resonate so much today? The latest episode of the Behind The Song podcast explores its Cold War roots, its…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesTrans-Siberian Orchestra: Rockin’ The Holidays with Al Pitrelli
Dive into the magical world of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda talks with guitarist and musical director Al…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk "November Rain," GNR's lost summer in Chicago, and more!
Follow along with Janda and producer Christian in this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast as they explore the influences behind Guns N' Roses…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesGuns N’ Roses “November Rain,” explained
Are you one of the two-billion-plus Youtube views on Guns ‘N Roses epic “November Rain” music video? Chances are, you’ve seen it. It’s as over-the-top as they…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesJanda and Christian talk Alice Cooper, Hollywood, and "Guitarmonies!"
In this bonus episode of the Behind the Song podcast, host Janda and producer Christian Lane delve into the fascinating world of Alice Cooper, exploring the…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesWhen Alice Cooper stopped playing nice
Without a doubt, he’s one of the most fascinating artists on the rock timeline. In fact, Alice Cooper has done such an incredible job of making sure that rock…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesTears For Fears’ timeless dystopian hit
It sounds like summer, but the lyrics address serious issues in a way that made it a timeless classic. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesHow reflection is Bob Seger’s superpower
It’s a song that finds a center in growing older, by an artist who wrote many of his best songs from a nostalgic viewpoint. In fact, the very title of “Against…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesSteve Miller Band, The Joker, and the "pompatus" of love
It’s the song that put the word “pompatus” into our collective consciousness, a made-up word that was actually a mishearing of ANOTHER made up word. But it…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe secret sauce in ZZ Top's biggest hit album
It took original thinking to make one of the best-selling albums of an entire decade, and that’s just what ZZ Top did, although they had some help with coming…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesHow “Closer To The Heart” by Rush started with a friendship
It’s been said “Closer To The Heart” by Rush is Canada’s “Stairway To Heaven,” in ways that go beyond the technical, and it struck a chord worldwide to…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesBon Jovi's story that started in "Livin' On A Prayer"
It was a song that Jon Bon Jovi had to admit that he was wrong about. It took serious convincing for him to agree to put what became Bon Jovi’s signature song…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe emotional ride of The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses”
It may be the most delicate song in the entire Rolling Stones catalog, with Mick Jagger delivering every single line of “Wild Horses” with an impassioned…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesWho was Heart's "Magic Man?"
Workplace romances can be challenging…especially when your job is being part of a rock band. That was certainly the case with the band Heart. In fact, their…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe year John Mellencamp took control
By 1983, John Mellencamp had finally gotten the upper hand on his career. After the success of his breakthrough album, 1982’s American Fool, he had all the…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe timeless appeal of Pink Floyd’s “Time”
The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd stands alone in many ways. By dealing with the uncomfortable concepts of life, death, greed, and mental illness, this…
Behind The Song: Classic Rock ChroniclesThe ELO song scientifically proven to make you happy
ELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky” is one of the best examples of Jeff Lynne’s particularly bouncy brand of symphonic rock, a song that holds several surprises and reveals…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
The inspiration behind Pete Townshend’s biggest hit
The song is the biggest hit of Pete Townshend’s solo career, an infectious tune that the songwriter behind The Who has called “just a little ditty.” It’s a…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
The midas touch of Pat Benatar and “We Belong”
When Pat Benatar’s Tropico album was released in 1984, she was on top of the world: an established superstar talent with a string of chart-toppers, and she and…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
The Rolling Stones’ hit song that almost never happened
By 1981, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were barely talking, having differing opinions on the direction of The Rolling Stones. Making new music together seemed…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
John Lennon’s message of peace at Christmas
He was the first former Beatle to release a Christmas single after the band broke up, and he found a way to make a Christmas song carry a message of peace and…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
The mystery of Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl”
Neil Young’s second solo album, 1969’s Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, marked the first time he made an album with Crazy Horse as his backing band. Created in…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
How “Devil Inside” helped make INXS rock gods
By the time INXS released their sixth album, 1987’s Kick, the band were perched on the edge of international superstardom, a gig that the late Michael…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
How Bachman Turner Overdrive’s inside joke became a hit song
By the time Bachman Turner Overdrive were ready to record their third album, Not Fragile, Randy Bachman had sent demo tapes to almost two dozen record labels…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
The awesome story of Temple Of The Dog's "Hunger Strike"
Temple Of The Dog’s short-lived status as a Seattle rock supergroup got its start as a tribute project for the late Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone, and ended…
- Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles
Blondie’s hit song inspired by a stalker
“One Way Or Another” by Blondie is based on an experience frontwoman Debbie Harry had with a stalker ex-boyfriend. In an incredible turnabout of power, the…