Hutchence began work on what would become his posthumous solo album in 1995 with Tim Simenon. He then phoned Gang of Four guitarist Andy Gill and asked him to play on the album. Ten minutes later he phoned back and asked Gill to co-write the album. Gill joined Hutchence at his house and home studio in Roquefort-les-Pins and over a five-month period continued to write and record in France and London. They were fans of Black Grape and decided to enlist Black Grape producer Danny Saber as co-producer with Gill of the album. After Hutchence's death in 1997, Gill asked U2 singer, and Hutchence's friend, Bono to record additional lyrics which were added to the track "Slide Away".