Episode 28: When Rock Went Disco | The Beat They Couldn’t Ignore

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when rock meets disco?In the late 1970s, it wasn’t just a trend. It was a moment where even the biggest rock bands had to decide. Ignore it, or follow the beat.In this episode of Who Ordered the Pie?, we dive into the songs that defined that shift. From bands that resisted it, to artists who embraced it, to a few who found themselves caught right in the middle.You’ll hear how The Rolling Stones studied club grooves for “Miss You,” how Rod Stewart turned parody into a global hit with “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” and how KISS engineered a disco anthem with “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”We also explore the surprising turns, like Grateful Dead stepping into a tighter, more polished sound with “Shakedown Street,” The Kinks pushing back with humor in “(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman,” and Pink Floyd creating a No. 1 hit with a groove you might not have noticed until now.And by the end, Electric Light Orchestra shows what happens when rock stops resisting and starts speaking the language of disco.Along the way, we break down the stories behind the songs, the tension inside the bands, and the moments where everything changed.And as always, there’s a cocktail to match.Tonight’s drink is the Mirrorball Mule, a mix of bourbon, citrus, and ginger beer that starts grounded and builds into something with a little more movement underneath.If you’ve ever wondered how disco pulled rock onto the dance floor, this is the story.Support the showWho Ordered the Pie? a music history podcast with custom cocktail pairings. Show notes, recipes, and extras: WhoOrderedThePie.com Follow: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube • Instagram