Live stream will be available after this brief ad from our sponsors
  • Listen Live

Access To Rock

Access To Rock

When Netflix releases That ‘90s Show on Thursday, Jan. 19, fans of That ‘70s Show will take a trip down memory lane with a cast that already took them on a trip down memory lane.

Eric Forman and the gang brought out the nostalgia of the 1970s during a run of eight seasons from 1998-2006. A group of young actors developed great chemistry and nailed the comradery of of a group of not-so-serious teenagers living under their parents’ watch in the (fictional) dull town of Point Place, Wisconsin.

The show even jumpstarted the career of popular Hollywood stars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.

One of the best elements of That ‘70s Show was the consistent dedication to the setting in the context of its time period.

Classic rock (what we now call classic rock) played a central role in the culture of the 1970s. The six main teenage characters have great taste in rock music, and most of their parents demonize it.

The writers tied in creative references to some of the greatest Rock & Rollers of all time in all eight seasons. Donna’s part-time job at a local rock radio station created opportunities to base episodes around music plots during the early seasons. Hyde’s father’s record store business became a similar avenue for clever music references during the late seasons.

Some of the references became central to the plot of individual episodes. The gang attends multiple rock concerts in their area, and big name music celebrities made cameo appearances throughout the show.

Other references had more subtlety. The creators started using the names of classic rock songs as episode titles during the later seasons. The characterization, especially with the costuming, depended heavily on the use of music.

It’s tough to find an episode of That ’70s Show without some reference to Rock & Roll legends of the 1970s, but 10 stood out above the rest.

  • Cheap Trick Theme Song

    Cheap Trick morphed “In the Street” by Big Star into “That ’70s Song,” which became the iconic theme song used for the final seven seasons.

    That 70's Show - Theme song (HD)
  • Led Zeppelin and Dark Side of the Moon T-shirts

    Hyde, the rebellious burnout of the group, wears band t-shirts regularly throughout the show.

    He sports shirts from multiple Led Zeppelin tours and albums and a shirt with the Dark Side of the Moon prism throughout the show. He even…selflessly… gives one as a gift to his new girlfriend.

    Led Zeppelin T-Shirt
  • Free Bird Slow Dance (Prom Night- Season 1, Episode 19)

    “Prom Night” features some great music at Point Place High. Gloria Gaynor makes a cameo to sing “I Will Survive” with Fez, and Jackie and Kelso reunite after a breakup while the band plays “Free Bird” during their low dance.

    Kelso and the Prom Part 2
  • Alice Cooper Cameo (Radio Daze- Season 3, Episode 14)

    Donna’s part-time job at the local radio station opened the door to base episodes around classic rock plots.

    The first episode that shows the job includes a cameo by Alice Cooper, including an unexpected scene during the closing credits when the “Godfather of Shock Rock” plays a game of Dungeons & Dragons.

    That '70s Show - Alice Cooper playing D&D
  • Donna Dreams about Steven Tyler (Eric's Drunken Tattoo- Season 3, Episode 22)

    Donna writes in her journal about a spicy dream she had about Eric with the look of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler. The episode featured an excellent scene using “Walk This Way” as part of the fantasy scenario.

    That 70's Show - Steven Tyler
  • Ted Nugent Concert (Backstage Pass- Season 3, Episode 24)

    Donna gets the gang free tickets to a Ted Nugent concert through her job at the radio station. Her boss even gives her a backstage pass to interview the legendary rock star after the show.

    Ted Nugent made a cameo wearing the same clothes he wore during a 1978 tour. Hyde and Fez also learned a lesson about trying to sell concert t-shirts.

    Tad Nugent
  • Kiss Alarm Clock (Season 4, Episode 10)

    When Eric is interested in a new girl at work, Kelso’s attention is stuck on a cool Kiss alarm clock that plays “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

    The cast also worked with Kiss for a VH1 special in 2002 with exclusive interviews and a music video for “Rock and Roll All Nite” with the characters featured.

    Kiss Alarm Clock
  • "What a long, strange trip it's been... in Forman's basement." (Class Picture- Season 4, Episode 20)

    When the gang needs a yearbook quote to represent their high school experience, Kelso pulls out the classic “What a long, strange trip it’s been” from “Truckin'” by the Grateful Dead.

    Hyde reminds him that “Every lame-o hippie in the history of time has used that quote.”

    The slight alteration went down as a great tagline for the show. “Truckin'” also plays during the closing credits of the episode.

    It ironically happened in the 20th episode of the fourth season. Was that just a weird coincidence?

  • Singing "The Joker" in the Circle (That '70s Musical- Season 4, Episode 24)

    “The circle” was central to the bond between the characters of That ’70s Show and the trouble they get into as teenagers. One of the most memorable circles featured “The Joker” by the Steve Miller Band. The gang hilariously debates who can claim the title as the space cowboy of the group. 

    The musical episode featured several other scenes with characters singing and a cameo by Roger Daltrey of the Who.

    That 70s Show The Joker Full HD
  • Seasons 5-8 Episode Titles: Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Queen

    Every episode in the final four seasons of the show is named after a classic rock song. The creators started with an obvious connection in the fifth season premier, “Going to California,” when Eric drives to California to see Donna as a romantic gesture.

    They had to dig a little deeper to continue the theme for 96 total episodes. The introduction of Hyde’s sister Angie in the seventh season gave them some material to work with.

    • Season 5- Songs by Led Zeppelin
    • Season 6- Songs by the Who
    • Season 7- Songs by the Rolling Stones
    • Season 8- Songs by Queen

     

Get The MMR Insider Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Get the good stuff sent straight to your inbox: Rock news, concert info, what's happening around town, plus exclusive contests, games, and more.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.