**The Song That Started It All!**
Back in 1988, while cruising along the open road with his young family, Brian found himself tapping out a beat on the steering wheel of his car. That’s when the magic began! He started improvising lyrics for what would become “Made in the Shade.” Before he knew it, his wife and baby son were joining in on the fun (with the baby mostly either laughing or napping), and a road trip anthem was born!
Fast forward to 1993, Brian shopped around a rough demo of the song to various record companies until he finally struck gold with Sony, who agreed to fund the project. It was then that work began on the album of the same name. Interestingly, the lyrics had only comprised a few lines of the chorus at that point, but true to its humble beginnings, Brian kept those initial lines intact.
The remainder of the lyrics came to life in a pub, where Brian was enjoying a drink with some fellow musicians from the studio. He aimed for a nostalgic 50s flair in the music, especially to highlight those sweet piano solos inspired by Keith Headley. Originally, he even contemplated bringing in a horn section, but alas, budget constraints put the brakes on that idea. However, fans were delighted when horns made their grand entrance in the later ‘Redux’ version of the song.
Although “Made in the Shade” might not have topped every chart, its infectious melody and irresistible hook secured it a spot in the charts for over 16 weeks! It’s no wonder this track has been a fan favorite for over 40 years, celebrating those carefree moments on the road. Here’s to great songs and even greater memories!
