The Sound That Launched a Thousand Riffs

In Episode 8, The Backstage Guru does a lightning sweep of the Scorpions' golden era. We aren't just talking history; we're talking about a sonic contagion. We’re looking at how the Scorpions' massive production and Francis Bucholz’sdriving bass lines provided the sonic ammunition for the bands that followed.

We're connecting the dots between the Scorpions' peak and the tracks they inspired:

The Scorpions Standard: Revisiting the power of "Bad Boys Running Wild" and "No One Like You."

The Ripple Effect: How that specific German precision filtered into the swagger of Ratt’s "Lack of Communication."

The Metal Evolution: The DNA transfer from 80s arena rock to the technical precision of Megadeth’s "Trust."

The Modern Torchbearers: How Ghost captures that vintage Bucholz-era spirit in "Satanised."

It’s a fast-paced look at a legacy of power. If you like your rock loud and your bass lines locked in, this is the episode for you.

Last week we leaned into the heavier end of the spectrum. Before that, things stretched out and got experimental. This week, the sound shifts again, quieter in places, stranger in others, but always connected.

Episode 7 of The Backstage Guru is about movement, curiosity, and not being afraid to follow where the music leads. From Dry Cleaning’s deadpan tension to Sonic Youth’s passive rebellion, through modern rock, cosmic psychedelia, and intimate songwriting, this episode pulls back the curtain one record at a time.

No fixed genre. No comfort zones. Just a thread that runs underneath it all. Put the headphones on, lean in, and trust the turn.

The soundtrack under the intro comes from Crymwav’s “Speak No Evil”, out now across all platforms - another curtain pulled back. Catch them on their UK tour in March 2026.

Last week we leaned into the heavier end of the spectrum. Before that, things stretched out and got experimental. This week, the sound shifts again, quieter in places, stranger in others, but always connected.

Episode 7 of The Backstage Guru is about movement, curiosity, and not being afraid to follow where the music leads. From Dry Cleaning’s deadpan tension to Sonic Youth’s passive rebellion, through modern rock, cosmic psychedelia, and intimate songwriting, this episode pulls back the curtain one record at a time.

No fixed genre. No comfort zones. Just a thread that runs underneath it all. Put the headphones on, lean in, and trust the turn.

The soundtrack under the intro comes from Crymwav’s “Speak No Evil”, out now across all platforms - another curtain pulled back. Catch them on their UK tour in March 2026.

Episode 6 of The Backstage Guru leans back into heavier territory, continuing the idea of pulling the curtain back on music that stands on craft, conviction, and identity rather than hype.

Following on from the response to earlier episodes particularly Episode 2, this edition revisits the idea of low-hanging fruit in the modern music business, and the difference between content-driven exposure and genuine artist development. Not as an accusation, but as a distinction worth making.

This week’s selections span established names and emerging artists, all connected by intent rather than trend. Some tracks are brand new, others are pulled back into the light because they’re simply too good to be ignored. Release dates aren’t the point, songs are.

Featured in this episode

Megadeth – The Tipping Point (from the forthcoming album, due 23 January)

Black Label Society – Engines Of Demolition

ACES – Tornado (self-titled album out now)

Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze – New Game

Matney – All Fired Up (from The Redneck and the Redman)

Seether – Dangerous (from Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum)

As always, The Backstage Guru is about conversation as much as curation.

If you’re listening on Podomatic, leave your thoughts in the comments section below the episode. You can also get in touch on X and Instagram, and if you’ve got music you think belongs here, feel free to send it in — if it fits, it’ll get some daylight.

Pulling the curtain back, one record at a time.

The Backstage Guru - Episode 5: The Songs That Stay

Some songs grab your attention instantly - and disappear just as fast. Others take their time, creep up on you, and stay with you long after the track ends.

In Episode 5 of The Backstage Guru, I kept coming back to the same handful of songs. I wasn’t planning a theme, but what emerged was a collection connected by mood, space, and patience — music that trusts the listener rather than rushing them.

From Ren’s raw honesty to the restrained intimacy of Arctic Monkeys, the atmospheric pull of The Neighbourhood, the world-building of Tame Impala, the studio craftsmanship of Jeff Lynne and ELO, and the cinematic presence of Lana Del Rey, this episode explores how different artists - across eras and styles - create music that lingers.

The Backstage Guru is where we talk about music that earns your time.

IF YOU'DE LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH we're on X and Instagram, or just leave your comments in the section below.

What separates a bedroom demo from a chart-ready master? In Episode 4 of The Backstage Guru, we step behind the velvet rope to dissect the 'Architecture of a Track.'

We explore the raw, post-punk legacy of The Stranglers, the atmospheric weight of The American Dawn, and the DIY spirit of Warfield. Featuring a deep dive into the 'final 5%'-the mastering process-we discuss how legendary engineer Dave Cooley (Tame Impala, M83) brought a professional glow to the Warfield sessions.

Featuring: Warfield, The Stranglers, The American Dawn, and a special highlight on the collaborative work of Roman Jugg (The Damned) and Crymwav.

The A&R Desk is Open: Ready to move your sound from the bedroom studio to the main stage? Let’s bridge the gap between a raw demo and a professional master. Submit your tracks for professional direction and production feedback via this link: buymeacoffee.com/thebackstageguru

In this episode, The Guru digs deep into the tracks that aren't just making noise - they’re making a mark. We travel from the high-voltage streets of Sweden to the soulful grit of Cincinnati, while pausing to pay tribute to a fallen giant of the riff.

 Barons of Linköping: Why Sweden’s Märvel is one of the best-kept secrets in melodic high-energy rock ‘n’ roll.

The Trailblazer: A look back at catching The Afghan Whigs live in London and why Greg Dulli remains one of the most dangerous frontmen in the game.

A Tribute to the Brother: Saluting the late, great Brent Hinds. We touch on the "surfabilly" chaos and the progressive soul he brought to Mastodon and beyond.

The Satellite is Orbiting: Exploring the "retro-fresh" masterclass that is One More Satellite (Dean DeLeo & Pete Shoulder).

BIG NEWS: The A&R Desk is OPEN

Stop sending your demos into the digital void. The Guru is officially taking submissions. Get a professional industry review and a private strategy roadmap for your music.

Submit your music here: buymeacoffee.com/TheBackstageGuru

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Join the Tribe: buymeacoffee.com/TheBackstageGuru

Stay Human. Keep hunting for that something special.

Low-Hanging Fruit & the Antithesis In Episode 2 of The Backstage Guru, industry insider Adrian Skirrow offers thoughtful commentary on where the modern music business finds itself — and where it may be heading. This episode features new music from Danko Jones, Crymwav, and StanleySimmons, three artists approaching songwriting, identity, and longevity from very different angles, yet united by authenticity and craft. With a light, considered look at the current landscape — from fast-track fame to the slower, harder-earned path — this episode asks what still cuts through, and why. Add your voice to the conversation on Instagram and X, and help shape where The Backstage Guru goes next.

The Backstage Guru - Adrian Skirrow hosts two hours of the finest rock from across every corner of the genre. From deep cuts to new discoveries, classic riffs to underground gems. And don’t miss Adrian every Friday night, 19:00-21:00 (+00:00GMT) on the world famous Radio Caroline, delivering album rock classics and alternative favourites. Listen live at radiocaroline.co.uk, on 648 AM in the UK, on DAB, or catch up anytime via the website or Podomatic.