Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy

Album: Desolation Angels (1979)
Charted: 13
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Bad Company lead singer Paul Rodgers, this song reflects his maxim of rock and roll as a form of escapism: a big show to thrill the crowd. Seems it's not so different from a circus, as he likens the band members to jesters, coming on stage to entertain.

    "I don't think you should ever bring politics and stuff that surrounds you every day - all that depressing stuff - into music," Rodgers told Creem in 1979. "People want to go and see groups to get away from all that. I know I do. The lights, the atmosphere... they can forget everything else."
  • This is the kind of song only a seasoned and somewhat disillusioned musician could write. Bad Company got burned out on their 1977 tour and decided to take two years off, since they had fallen into routine. The break served them well: Their 1979 Desolation Angels album was one of their most successful, with "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" one of their biggest US hits.

Comments: 1

  • Ray Mumford from UkI was at the Ridge Farm sessions as I was asked to do the sleeve. I remember Paul playing a white Strat through a synth to create the riff. Sadly my manager became too 'ambitious' and screwed it up so they never even saw my designs, which I still have.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.