Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles

In this Halloween bonus episode of Behind the Song, Janda discusses Charles Manson’s failed dream of rock stardom before the notorious 1969 murders with Behind The Song producer, Christian Lane. After befriending Beach Boy Dennis Wilson in 1968, Manson and his followers moved into Wilson’s home and met other elite rock stars and music business movers and shakers: Neil Young, producer Terry Melcher, and Sly Stone among them, all of whom rejected or avoided him. Listen to the unbelievable list of people this real life boogeyman briefly rubbed elbows with in this episode of the Behind The Song podcast.

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In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda goes deeper into Pearl Jam’s “Black,” the heartbreak anthem that became a hit without ever being a single. Hear why Pearl Jam didn’t want anyone but the fans to visualize what or who the song was about, a choice that set the tone for their entire career.

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He once sang for eighty thousand fans as the voice of Led Zeppelin. Now in his late 70s, Robert Plant is playing centuries-old songs and loving every minute of it.

In this episode of Behind The Song, Janda skips the hits to trace Plant’s musical path. From a planned career in accounting to what happened after Led Zeppelin disbanded, everything led to his latest chapter, the collective project Saving Grace. It’s the story of a rock legend who would rather keep walking forward than stand still in a museum.

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In the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda chats with Steve Vai about gearing up to tour once again with BEAT, performing the music of King Crimson with Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Terry Bozzio. He spoke about what it takes to play this level of “high information music,” his time as a teenager working for Frank Zappa, and what’s next musically for him and this supergroup! 

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In this bonus Behind The Song episode, Janda is joined by her husband, Behind The Song music producer Christian Lane, to talk about the incredible comeback of Oasis. From their '25 tour to the Don't Look Back In Anger documentary to how hard it was to score tickets to the 2027 tour, the world is finally ready for the Gallagher Brothers. Janda shares what it was about Oasis' music that she gravitated toward in the 90's, and Christian shares his viewpoints on the music from a musician's standpoint - plus he shares a crazy story about Liam Gallagher and the fire brigade at a hotel bar in London!

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In 1970, Neil Young was handed a screenplay by a neighbor about an apocalyptic flood wiping out the Topanga Canyon community they lived in. The film was never made and the script is now lost, but it unlocked one of the most potent songs of his career. In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda dives into the elusive meaning of "After The Gold Rush” and why the song is more relevant than ever over 56 years later.

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As the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum On Route 66 prepares for its 5th annual Hall Of Fame awards ceremony in Chicago on September 27th, Janda had a chat with founder and CEO Ron Romero to talk about this year’s inductees and what a privilege it is to preserve the rich musical history of Illinois. The Drive will be the radio station honored with an induction in this year’s event, and the show will include performances by Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, Jim Peterik of Styx, The Boyzz, The Flock, members of American Breed, Plain White T’s, Hot Mix 5, and the family of the late Koko Taylor. Listen in on this lively chat in the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast!

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In this bonus episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda pays tribute to the late, great Tim Curry. Beyond his iconic role in the Rocky Horror Picture show and his other roles as an actor, he had an almost-forgotten career as a rock musician. Janda digs into how his overlooked solo albums had a big impact on none other than Joe Bonamossa, who launched his own musical career with an obscure deep cut from Curry.  

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In this episode of the Behind The Song podcast, Janda digs in to “London Calling” by The Clash, a song that called an alarm about what was going on in London and the world in the late 70’s, with “S.O.S.” in Morse code buried right in the track. Follow the story of how The Clash became more than just a broke punk band with the London Calling album, now considered one of the greatest albums ever made. 

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In this bonus episode of Behind The Song, Janda pays tribute to the late Dolly Parton. More than just a country singer, entertainer, or her late-in-life role as a surprise rock star, Dolly spent her life helping others, even when the cameras weren’t rolling. That philanthropy is her true legacy. Janda traces her story from a one-room cabin in Tennessee to becoming one of the most inspirational people in the world, high heels, wigs, rhinestones and all. 

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