R.E.M. got the title "Shiny Happy People" from a Chinese propaganda poster.
Bono came up with the idea of focusing on a soldier's last thoughts as he dies from his wounds in the U2 song "White As Snow" after reading William Golding's 1956 novel Pincher Martin.
Paul McCartney wrote "Blackbird" in Scotland after reading about race riots in the U.S. when federal courts forced the racial desegregation of the Arkansas capital's school system.
The woman "singing" in the video for Technotronic's "Pump Up The Jam" didn't speak English. She was used just for her look, and also appeared on the album cover.
The comedian Steve Martin had a hit in 1978 with "King Tut." The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who Martin would open for on tour, were his backing band on the song.
The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.
Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.
The Garbage drummer/songwriter produced the Nirvana album Nevermind, and Smashing Pumpkins' Gish and Siamese Dream.
Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.
An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.
Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.
