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What 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.

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Who Ordered the Pie? a music history podcast with custom cocktail pairings.
Show notes, recipes, and extras: WhoOrderedThePie.com
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What does it really mean to be in a band?

Not the image.
Not the mythology...

The reality.

In this episode of Who Ordered the Pie?, we step inside the full arc of band life. From the first spark of picking up a guitar to the moment you realize what it actually costs.

Through iconic songs and the stories behind them, we follow the path almost every band takes:

• The dream of starting out
• The break into the industry
• The illusion of success
• The reality of life on the road
• The cost that comes with it

Featuring deep dives into:

• “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
• “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner
• “So You Want to Be a Rock ’n’ Roll Star” by The Byrds
• “Rock & Roll Band” by Boston
• “We’re an American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad
• “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy” by Bad Company
• “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger
• “Beth” by KISS
• “Shooting Star” by Bad Company

This episode is not just about music history.
It is about identity, pressure, illusion, and the hidden cost of chasing the dream.

And as always, we close with a cocktail inspired by the episode:

🍸 The Backstage Pass
Smooth. Layered. Finished with a touch of smoke.

Support the show

Who Ordered the Pie? a music history podcast with custom cocktail pairings.
Show notes, recipes, and extras: WhoOrderedThePie.com
Follow: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube • Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

John Sebastian didn’t chase trends. He followed moments.

From the street-level heat of “Summer in the City” to the easy drift of “Daydream,” and the quiet honesty of “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?”, his songs were built from observation, feel, and instinct.

In this episode, we break down the stories and meanings behind these songs and how Sebastian’s songwriting shaped the sound of The Lovin’ Spoonful. We also look at how that same approach led to his number 1 comeback with the Welcome Back, Kotter theme song “Welcome Back.”

If you’ve ever wondered what “Summer in the City” is really about, or how simple ideas turned into classic hits, this episode connects the dots.

At the bar, we mix up Summer in the City, a tequila-based sunset cocktail that starts bright and bold, then settles into something smooth and balanced.

Support the show

Who Ordered the Pie? a music history podcast with custom cocktail pairings.
Show notes, recipes, and extras: WhoOrderedThePie.com
Follow: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube • Instagram