The Backstage Jam With Tina Turner Where “It’S Only Love” Became Something Electric

April 1, 2025

The backstage area of the arena was buzzing with excitement, the kind that only a Tina Turner concert could generate. It was the mid-1980s, and Turner had risen from the ashes of her earlier struggles to become a massive star. Her powerful voice and electric stage presence had captivated audiences around the world. As she prepared for another performance, a sense of energy filled the room—an electric tension that whispered of something special about to happen.

That evening, Tina was surrounded by her band members and backup singers, all of whom were sharing stories and laughter. They were getting ready to perform “It’s Only Love,” a song that had meant so much to her over the years. As they warmed up, the music flowed through the air like magic. Tina felt an undeniable connection with her musicians, as if their spirits were intertwined in a way that pushed them all to new heights. They started to jam casually, letting the rhythm guide them. The notes began to twist and turn into something captivating, something electric.

With each strum of the guitar and beat of the drums, the atmosphere transformed. Tina’s heart raced as she began to sing, pouring her soul into every word. The lyrics, which once felt like just another love song, took on new meaning that night. They spoke of resilience and the enduring power of love, emotions that Tina had battled through her own life. As she belted out the chorus, the band followed suit, adding layers of energy that turned the simple melody into a pulsating anthem of hope. It was as if they were all riding a wave of inspiration, creating a moment that transcended the stage.

Suddenly, the door to the backstage swung open, and members of the crew and other musicians peeked in, drawn by the irresistible sound. The music danced around the room, uniting everyone present, and before she knew it, Tina was smiling and encouraging everyone to join in. The jam turned into a full-blown celebration. Voices harmonized, harmonicas joined in, and the sound swelled to a powerful crescendo. In that moment, Tina Turner wasn’t just a superstar; she was a symbol of unity and passion, showcasing the extraordinary power of music to bring people together.

When the concert began, the audience was electrified, but little did they know that backstage, a miracle had unfolded. That impromptu jam session redefined “It’s Only Love” for Tina and her entire band. They had transformed a familiar song into an anthem of empowerment, one that would go on to inspire countless fans around the world. That night, as she took the stage, Tina’s performance was infused with that raw energy. The crowd erupted, and she knew they could feel the magic that had been created just moments before.

Years later, Tina often reflected on that backstage jam as a turning point in her career. It reminded her that the essence of music lay in its ability to connect people and uplift spirits. No matter the struggles she faced in her life, whether it was personal heartbreak or the challenges of the industry, that night taught her to embrace the unexpected. The experience solidified her belief that with passion and resilience, even the simplest moments could turn into something extraordinary, forever changing the way she approached her art and her life.