Back to the Future’s ending paid homage to several well-known rock icons. The 1985 time travel movie is remembered for a number of key scenes, not the least of which being the school dance where Marty played a rock song in front of a crowd of teenagers in 1955. Played by Michael J. Fox, Marty performed a now-famous rendition of a classic Chuck Berry song to ensure that his parents fell in love on the dance floor.
As a story centered around a high school student from the 1980s stuck in a 1950s community, Robert Zemeckis' Back to the Future was filled with moments that highlighted the stark contrast between the two periods. One of the differences, of course, was the music. Even though rock’n’roll was right around the corner with Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Berry being some of the most popular musicians of the decade, Marty turned heads when he took over a doo-wop band’s performance and introduced the crowd to the 1958 hit, “Johnny B. Goode.” Interestingly, Marty’s interpretation of the song incorporated several moves associated with – but not necessarily originated by – a handful of rock guitarists. Here's who they were and what Back to the Future borrowed from them.
5 Chuck Berry
Given that it was Chuck Berry’s song that Marty was singing in Back to the Future, it’s no surprise that he used one of the Father of Rock and Roll’s signature moves. At one point in his performance, Marty squatted down and walked on one leg. Known as the duckwalk, this was copied directly from Berry, who made it a part of his image in concerts. Berry, who helped pioneer the genre in the 1950s with songs like “Roll Over Beethoven” and Maybelline,” was referenced again when one of the musicians heard Marty’s music and let “Chuck” listen to it over the phone. The implication was that Berry would get his inspiration for his rock’n’roll sound from his own hit.
4 Pete Townshend
During the part of “Johnny B. Goode” where Marty got carried away by his own guitar playing, Michael J. Fox's character slid down on his knees twice. While this naturally surprised both the musicians and the people watching, it wasn’t uncommon for rock guitarists in the 1970s and 1980s to slide across the floor at the height of an epic guitar solo. One musician who helped popularize this particular move was Pete Townshend, the lead guitarist of The Who, one of the most iconic classic rock bands in the history of the genre.
3 Eddie Van Halen
Back to the Future’s “Johnny B. Goode” contained shades of Van Halen, a staple of hard rock and a band that was still of great relevance at the time of the movie’s release. Original Van Halen lead guitarist and founding member Eddie Van Halen frequently utilized a technique called “tapping.” This involves the guitarist putting both hands - as opposed to one - on the neck of the guitar and playing the strings on the fretboard. The most notable use of this move stems from a guitar solo on “Eruption,” a song recorded by Van Halen in 1978. Marty McFly was seen using the same technique during the school dance scene.
2 Jimi Hendrix
Marty was channeling the legendary Jimi Hendrix when he was holding the guitar behind his head. Hendrix, who has been referred to by many as the most talented rock guitarist of all time, had a reputation for showing off his skills in the middle of a guitar solo. While playing a song, Hendrix could hold the guitar above his head and even play with his teeth without missing a beat.
1 Angus Young
Considering that “Johnny B. Goode” was released only three years after the events of Back to the Future, the Chuck Berry style of music was surprising to the crowd but not too far removed from the culture of the 1950s. However, some of Marty’s moves proved to be a bit too modern for the school dance, as evidenced by the frowns and shocked looks of the people in attendance. Part of what led to this reaction was the moment when Marty, caught up in the music, began wriggling on the floor. This was inspired by hard rock guitarists like ACDC’s Angus Young, who had a tendency to go wild when playing the most intense part of a guitar solo.