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The Best Episodes of Behind the Music

Every episode of Behind the Music ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Behind the Music!

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An intimate look into the personal lives of pop music's greatest and most influential artists.

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 1 - Milli Vanilli
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #1 - Milli Vanilli

    S1:E1

    Girl, you know it's true…but unfortunately it wasn't, for the 80's dance duo whose Grammy-winning triumph turned sour when their producer revealed that his hunky proteges were shaking their booty to someone else's song. The ensuing humiliation led to the suicide of Rob Pilatus, whose anguish is palpable in these final interviews. Milli Vanilli, Rob Pilatus and Fabrizio Morvan won the hearts of millions, but when their deception was revealed after their win of a Best New Artist Grammy, the public’s shock and disappointment gave way to contempt. The two lip-synching hunks became the butt of jokes and were ostracized by the music industry.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 2 - MC Hammer
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #2 - MC Hammer

    S1:E2

    The dawn of the 1990's was unquestionably Hammer time. A scrappy striver from Oakland CA. named Stanley Burrell took hip-hop to P.T. Barnum scales: baggy trousers over rubbery legs, sizable samples of past hits, commercial endorsements galore. But the MC Hammer show was also "fun for the family," which, as Hammer pal Arsenio Hall notes, hardcore hip-hop heads despised. By the middle of the decade, Hammer's commercial viability - not to mention his huge fortune - had somehow vanished. Still "too legit to quit," MC Hammer then downsized, pledging to bring his positively charged hip-hop back to the top. BTM brings you the particulars of each Hammer epoch.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 4 - Fleetwood Mac
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - Fleetwood Mac

    S1:E4

    A successful British blues band in the '60s, Fleetwood Mac became the legends we know today when they hooked up with a young singer-songwriter couple who were almost ready to give up the biz. Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham brought passion, looks and incredible vocal harmonies to the moody intensity of Fleetwood Mac. Their relationship wouldn't survive past the first album, nor would that of longtime members Christine and John McVie, but all that heartbreak fueled the fire of Rumours - a modern pop masterpiece which would become one of the best-selling albums of all time. As they embarked on their 30-year Reunion Tour in 1997, all the members of this "dysfunctional family" checked in with Behind the Music to muse on the drugs, the dough, and how it feels to attract a whole new generation of listeners after all these years...

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 7 - Lynyrd Skynyrd
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #4 - Lynyrd Skynyrd

    S1:E7

    This episode marked the 20th anniversary of the infamous plane crash (10/20/77) with a special episode on the bad boys from Jacksonville, Florida who put Southern Rock and Roll on the map with classic songs like Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama. During the seventies, they released a string of million-selling records and performed to sold out audiences in the U.S. and Europe. Fronted by their charismatic leader, Ronnie Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd had it all until the pressures of stardom led them down a road of violence and alcohol abuse that resulted in countless fights, arrests, and car wrecks. Interviews with the surviving members of the band and the families.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 22 - Selena
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #5 - Selena

    S1:E22

    By the age of 23, Selena Quintanilla Perez had conquered the Tejano music scene and had become embraced by tens of thousands of fans. With her blend of natural talent, boundless energy and magnetic charm she was poised to become popular musicÍs next big superstar. But, just when Selena was about to become a crossover sensation, her ascent was cut short as she lost her life at the hands of someone she believed to be a loyal friend. We hear from SelenaÍs family and the woman who murdered her.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 25 - Ozzy Osbourne
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #6 - Ozzy Osbourne

    S1:E25

    A look at this heavy metal legend, from his early days as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, to his controversial concert acts as a solo performer (he bit the head off a live bat onstage as well as a live dove during a Columbia Records publicity meeting!) Osbourne discusses the lawsuits brought on by three different families, all claiming that their sons had been inspired to commit suicide after listening to his songs. He spent some time in the Betty Ford Clinic in the mid-80s to battle his drug addiction and alcoholism. Although Osbourne is currently clean & sober, he has not completely cleaned up his image.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Behind the Music

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  7. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 33 - Def Leppard
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #7 - Def Leppard

    S1:E33

    The biggest selling pop band of the '80's lived the text book rock star life: limos and liquor, drugs and groupies – hedonism defined their daily ritual. But even record sales over 20 million couldn't prepare these former factory workers from Sheffield, England for the consequences of their excesses. Behind The Music revisits the devastating overdose of guitarist Steve Clark and talks to Rick Allen about how he managed to continue drumming after the loss of an arm.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 42 - Blondie
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #8 - Blondie

    S1:E42

    Blondie, co-founded by Deborah Harry and Chris Stein, was the most successful band to grow out of New York's downtown punk rock scene in the late 1970's. But success did not come without a price. As the band got bigger, lead singer Harry became the focal point of attention, and harmony was replaced by discord. "Blondie: Behind The Music," traces the ups and downs of the group, featuring rare footage and interviews with group members Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke and Jimmy Destri; Blondie biographer Victor Bockris; rock critic Lisa Robinson; Chrysalis Records co-founder Terry Ellis, rocker Joey Ramone and director John Waters.Before they hit in America, Blondie enjoyed huge success in Europe and Australia, scoring six number ones in England. Their third album, "Parallel Lines," sold six million copies and made them superstars. Although they released two more monster albums, the band was growing increasingly apart, and in 1982 Harry walked away from the band.At the same time, her longtime boyfriend and Blondie guitarist Stein became ill with a rare genetic disease called Pemphigus. Debbie and Chris quietly disappeared from the music scene, and it took Chris nearly two years to recover. When he and Debbie tried to re-enter the music world, in the age of Madonna, Blondie had become eclipsed.Debbie pursued her solo career, as well as finding roles in film and television. In 1997 the core band of Harry, Stein, Destri and Burke regrouped as Blondie once again, and after a sixteen year absence will release a new album, "No Exit," in early 1999.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 43 - Shania Twain
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #9 - Shania Twain

    S1:E43

    The classic rags to riches story. Shania grew up poor in Canada, spending much of her childhood on the Mattagami Indian Reservation where many of her stepfather's relatives lived. At 21, she had to care for her siblings when her parents were killed in a head-on car collision. Yet she overcame these hardships when a successful Nashville entertainment attorney discovered her performing in a Las Vegas style review in Huntsville, Ontario. He helped her land a contract with Mercury Nashville. Although her first album was not a huge success, legendary rock producer, Mutt Lange spots her talent. They meet, fall in love and he helps Shania cross over from country singer into Pop superstar. Shania is currently touring to sell out crowds. Includes interviews with Shania's sibling, relatives, Richard Frank (the lawyer who discovered her) and Norro Wilson (producer on her first album).

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 47 - Metallica
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #10 - Metallica

    S1:E47

    We're just four lucky fans that got together and started playing; this could be you, says James Hetfield, co-founder of Metallica, which built its success on an uncompromising musical vision and the fierce loyalty of its fans. For Metallica, hard rock meant playing hard, on-stage and off. Their drinking became the stuff of legend, and the rock press dubbed them "Alcoholica." Amid the mayhem, the most popular heavy metal band in the world endured its share of hardship and tragedy, including the death of bassist Cliff Burton and an on-stage accident in which Hetfield suffered serious second and third degree burns. "Metallica: Behind The Music" charts their rise from garage band to global stadium phenomenon, always on their own terms.Two things that kept Metallica going, according to Hetfield, are "honesty and selfishness; we're doing this for ourselves." Through it all, they set the standard for straight ahead heavy metal mastery. "Metallica: Behind The Music" includes interviews with the band, former members Ron McGovney (bassist) and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth (guitarist), Anthrax's Scott Ian, Primus' Les Claypool, Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, Jerry Cantrell, Ozzy Osbourne, Torben Ulrich, co-founding member Lars Ulrich's father and producer Bob Rock.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 49 - R.E.M.
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #11 - R.E.M.

    S1:E49

    Tells the story of four friends from Athens, Georgia who formed a band in 1979 because they loved to play music together. For almost two decades, R.E.M. blended four personalities into a group that was greater than the sum of its parts, and while they never took themselves too seriously, they gave their music everything they had. They refused to compromise, and the more they resisted taking the easy road to fame and fortune, the more their legend grew. Through celebration and adversity -- including the near death of drummer Bill Berry, who suffered a brain aneurysm while on-stage and who left the band in 1997 -- R.E.M. has proved itself to be one of the great rock bands of our time. "R.E.M.: Behind The Music" includes new interviews with all three band members as well as ex-band member Bill Berry, The B-52's Kate Pierson, manager/lawyer Bertis Downs, who has been with the group since the beginning, producers Don Dixon, Mitch Easter and Pat McCarthy, Ian Copeland (brother of Miles Copeland, who signed R.E.M. to their first record contract) and Athen's mayor, Gwen O'Looney.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 50 - Motley Crue
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #12 - Motley Crue

    S1:E50

    Rock's most notorious band embraced excess and pushed it as far as they could: from their wild stage theatrics (Nikki Sixx would light himself on fire), to the hair, makeup, spandex and stilettos with which they adorned themselves, to the drugs and alcohol they consumed, and of course the girls, girls and more girls. Even "settling down" was done with rock star attitude: Three of the Crue's four members married Playboy playmates, Tommy Lee most famously uniting with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson after his marriage to TV star Heather Locklear disintegrated. Now sober. like all the members of the band, Lee talks to BTM about both those relationships, including the famous "adult viewing" tape of himself and then-wife Anderson. Nikki Sixx gets philosophical about his overdose and out-of-body death experience, and Vince Neill shares the moving story of the loss of his four-year-old daughter Skylar. This heavy metal morality tale includes an interview with pal and Hustler publisher Larry Flynt.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 55 - Heart
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #13 - Heart

    S1:E55

    This episode follows the successful career of the "first sisters of Rock & Roll". Includes interviews with Ann and Nancy Wilson, all of the original band members, Cameron Crowe (Nancy's husband), family and friends. The sisters discuss the friction that resulted when Nancy left her boyfriend (the lead guitarist) and began a relationship with the group's drummer, plus Ann talks about her weight and their label's concern that it would hurt the band's image and record sales. Nancy & Ann currently perform with their other group, The Lovemongers.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 56 - Day the Music Died
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #14 - Day the Music Died

    S1:E56

    It was the end of an era, the end of an innocence for rock and roll. - Lou Diamond Phillips.Three of rock and roll's most influential stars of the 1950's were killed in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, a date immortalized by songwriter Don McLean in his haunting rock elegy as "the day the music died." This was rock and roll's first and greatest tragedy, and "The Day The Music Died: Behind The Music" examines not only the careers of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper but the day that led to their untimely deaths. "The Day The Music Died: Behind The Music" premieres on February 3, the 40th anniversary of the tragic plane crash. Included are interviews with Lou Diamond Phillips, who portrayed Valens in "La Bamba," Gary Busey, who played Holly in "The Buddy Holly Story," Don McLean, writer and singer of "The Day The Music Died" and Waylon Jennings and Tommy Allsup, who might have been on the plane themselves. In addition, the historic story is captured with eyewitness accounts of those who lived it, including Valens' "Donna" and Holly's "Peggy Sue." Carroll Anderson, the man who drove the musicians to the airport, recounts his last moments with them, and Bob Hale, the DJ at their last performance, describes a touching moment with The Big Bopper that gave his then unborn son, Jay Richardson, insight into his father's love for his family.

    Director:Unknown
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  15. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 60 - Vanilla Ice
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #15 - Vanilla Ice

    S1:E60

    In the early 90's, Vanilla Ice became the opening act at MC Hammer concerts. He would end up outselling Hammer as well as many other rap artists. In this episode, Ice discusses how rap impresario, Suge Knight, threatened him on a hotel balcony to sign over the rights to "Ice Ice Baby," his near-death drug overdose and his new-found focus as a happy family man. Show includes interviews with: MC Hammer and Lenny Kravitz.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 63 - TLC
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #16 - TLC

    S1:E63

    The story of three girls from modest means and broken homes, whose fame came virtually overnight. Their first album went multi-platinum and their follow-up album, CrazySexyCool launched them to superstar status, selling 10 million copies. However, along with their success came many hardships ... bankruptcy, arson and Tionne Watkins' battle with Sickle Cell Anemia.This episode of BTM catches up with the band shortly after Fanmail (their first CD in five years) debuted at #1 and Chilli reunited with the father she never knew.Interviews include all the TLC members and their mothers, Pebbles (their former manager), LA Reid (co-owner LaFace Records), Babyface (songwriter, producer, co-owner LaFace Records), and Sally Jessy Raphael (talk show host).

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 67 - Tom Petty
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #17 - Tom Petty

    S1:E67

    Spotlights the highs and lows of this prolific musician's career. Petty discusses his early bar band, Mudcrutch, the formation of the Heartbreakers in 1975, the record company battle in which he was sued for breach of contract and his bankruptcy. He also talks about the devastating fire that destroyed his home and the creation of The Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. "Tom Petty: Behind The Music" includes interviews with members of Petty's family, his band mates, record producers Jimmy Iovine and Rick Rubin, and manager Tony Dimitriades.

    Director:Unknown
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  18. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 69 - Red Hot Chili Peppers
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #18 - Red Hot Chili Peppers

    S1:E69

    The Red Hot Chili Peppers - Hillel Slovak, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, John Frusciante -- burst onto the early 80s L.A. scene, taking their love of outrageous and spontaneous behavior and fusing it with in-your-face hardcore punk, resulting in a totally new brand of funk. "The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Behind The Music" explores the light and dark sides of their go-for-broke attitude. Some of the band members succumbed to the lure of heroin, with guitarist Slovak losing his life to the drug.In 1991, the band released the album "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," featuring the #2 single, "Under the Bridge," based on vocalist Anthony Kiedis' experiences with both drugs and loneliness. The massive, hugely successful tour that followed almost destroyed the band. Guitarist Frusciante quit abruptly on the Japanese leg of the tour, and also descended into drugs and depression.While the band's future has often looked bleak, the Peppers are older, wiser, and funkier than ever. John Frusciante is back, the band is rejuvenated, and they have completed work on their latest album, with producer Rick Rubin at the helm."The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Behind The Music" includes interviews with all the band members, Rick Rubin, Louis Mathieu, tour manager; Patricia Urban, Flea's mother; Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal of No Doubt.

    Director:Unknown
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  19. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 73 - Weird Al Yankovic
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #19 - Weird Al Yankovic

    S1:E73

    Weird Al is widely recognized as a performer who creates inventive music videos and as music's most productive comedy artist. "Weird Al Yankovic: Behind The Music" highlights Yankovic's unique styles and demonstrates how he has redefined the meaning of musical comedy through the use of parodies and comical video clip counterparts. Yankovic launched his career with "My Bologna," a spoof of The Knack's "My Sharona," and has gone on to release nine albums with such other critically acclaimed parodies as "Another One Rides The Bus" (Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust") and "Eat It" (Michael Jackson's "Beat It.") He has also won two Grammys, earned 20 gold and platinum awards, produced three best-selling home videos and several television specials for MTV, ShowTime and Disney Channel. Weird Al is also history's most prolific and successful comedy artist, having sold more funny albums than any another person.

    Director:Unknown
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  20. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 74 - Poison
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #20 - Poison

    S1:E74

    This Behind the Music highlights the rock and roll lifestyle of Poison, one of the premier 1980s heavy metal bands. The show includes candid interviews with each of the four band members, Rikki Rockett, Bobby Dall, CC Deville, and Bret Michaels. The interviews provide insight into the band's decade of rock and roll fame, from groupies to drugs to critics to sex tapes with Pamela Anderson. Also includes interviews with Riki Valentine, Poison's entertainment director, and two of the band's harshest critics, as well as exclusive footage from various Poison performances and backstage events.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 78 - Woodstock
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #21 - Woodstock

    S1:E78

    The 60's was a time of unforgettable events from the Vietnam War, to psychedelic drug use, to youth revolutions. And it was during this turbulent time that four men decided to stage a music festival that would become one of the most memorable moments in music history. This Behind the Music unites these four men, Joel Rosenman, John Roberts, Michael Lang, and Artie Kornfeld. They share their experiences, from the festival's conception to legal disputes; from the festival goers' free love experiences to the lack of porto-potties. Learn about Woodstock's promoters, the crew, technicians, and talents including Joe Cocker, Richie Havens, and Arlo Guthrie.

    Director:Unknown
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  22. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 83 - Goo Goo Dolls
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #22 - Goo Goo Dolls

    S1:E83

    A look at the Goo Goo Dolls' "overnight success" after nearly a decade of endless touring, nasty legal battles and bitter breakups. Lead singer, Johnny Rzeznik, discusses his troubled childhood, meeting bass player Robby Takac at Buffalo State University and forming the Goo Goos, firing founding member and drummer, George Tatuska, suing their first label, Metal Blade, for breach of contract, his bout with depression and finally overcoming his writer's block by penning the Goo Goo Dolls' biggest hit, "Iris." Their current album, "Dizzy Up the Girl", debuted at #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and has sold over 2 million records to date. Interviews with band members John Rzeznik, Robby Takac and Mike Malinin. Also, Peter Paterno (band's attorney), Bill Berrol (label attorney), John's sisters, Robby's parents, Artie Kwitchoff (former manager), Kevin Weatherly (KROQ) and Rob Cavallo (label exec/producer).

    Director:Unknown
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  23. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 89 - Dr. Dre
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #23 - Dr. Dre

    S1:E89

    A look at the trials and tribulations surrounding one of rap music's most successful artists/producers. Dr. Dre discusses his early years as an LA dee-jay, his first rap group, World Class Wreckin Cru, starting Ruthless Records with drug dealer turned rapper, Eazy-E and bringing Ice Cube on board to form N.W.A. N.W.A's gangta rap albums sold millions and their hardcore lyrics found an unexpected audience -- white, middle-class, suburban males. Along his road to fame, Dr. Dre ran into controversy and trouble including multiple assault charges, fines and an eight month jail stint for a DUI and violating probation. In 1992, following a dispute over the ownership of Ruthless Records, Dre parted ways with Eazy-E and formed his own record label, Death Row Records, with Marion "Suge" Knight. Death Row's first release, "The Chronic," was a huge commercial success and garnered Dre a Grammy for best rap solo performance. In 1996, Dre surprised the rap world when he left Death Row Records & Suge Knight, citing differences in music philosophy. Dre started his own label, Aftermath Entertainment and continues to produce and create successful rap artists/music. Includes interviews with Dr. Dre, his family, rap artists Warren G, Snoop Doggy Dog, Eminem, Daz and Kurupt and Jerry Heller (NWA Manager).

    Director:Unknown
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  24. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 92 - Genesis
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #24 - Genesis

    S1:E92

    In this one-hour documentary, VH1 explores the music of Genesis and the lives of those who created the band. Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips describe how they formed the group during their childhood days at England's exclusive Charterhouse boarding school. Peter Gabriel goes in-depth about his theatrics and reasons for leaving the band while Phil Collins takes us through his journey from behind the drums to the spotlight. VH1 also uncovers the divorce that was the seed of Phil's solo career as well as the solo careers of the other band members.

    Director:Unknown
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  25. Behind the Music Season 1 Episode 102 - Oasis
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #25 - Oasis

    S1:E102

    Oasis claims to be the best band in the world, but it's their behavior that's legendary. From the tough streets of Manchester, England - the band's debut broke the fastest-selling record set by their heroes, The Beatles. The tabloids labeled them "rock's baddest boys" and the members of Oasis set out to live up to their reputation, with the band's two brawling brothers constantly in the spotlight. Includes interviews with: Liam Gallagher - lead singer, Noel Gallagher guitarist/songwriter, Alan White - drummer, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, Pete Townshend, Paul Gallagher - Liam and Noel's brother, Dominic Mohan - Tabloid reporter for "The Sun", Johnny Marr - Guitarist for The Smiths, Maggie Mouzakitas - Tour Manager and Spike - Record Producer.

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Best Episodes Summary

"Milli Vanilli" is the best rated episode of "Behind the Music". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 8/17/1997. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "MC Hammer".