Michael J. Fox has opened up about how he brought his own vision to the famous “Johnny B. Goode” performance in Back to the Future, making bold choices that shifted the Michael J. Fox iconic guitar scene into cinematic history. During the making of the 1985 movie, Fox broke from the original script, channeling the energy of renowned guitarists rather than pop icons, transforming the pivotal scene at the school dance and leaving a lasting mark on film and music culture alike.
Michael J. Fox’s Unique Approach to a Movie Classic
Michael J. Fox, known for playing Marty McFly, insisted on following his instincts to create one of the most celebrated moments in Back to the Future. The school dance event, which finds Marty unexpectedly taking the stage, called for him to deliver a spirited performance of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” in front of his future parents and their classmates. The moment is packed with energy and pressure, as Marty races against time to ensure his own existence by uniting his parents.
In his memoir, Future Boy, Fox reflects on the dedication it took to bring this scene to life. From countless rehearsals to working with choreographer Brad Jeffries, Fox made sure every movement felt authentic. Scores of extras, intricate choreography, and intense preparation made the school dance sequence one of the most complex aspects of the production.
“my favorite scene in the movie.”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
Departing From the Script—And the Inspiration Behind the Moves
The script for the guitar scene outlined a series of references to notable music icons who were not guitarists, calling for Marty to dance like Little Richard, before adopting moves associated with Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. Fox quickly recognized that these inspirations did not fit the essence of a real rock guitar performance.
“I worked harder on the ‘Johnny B. Goode’ scene than any other portion of the movie,”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
“Marty euphorically begins cavorting around like Little Richard. Marty whips off his sport coat and throws it in the crowd. Now, Marty tears open his shirt and does some Elvis pelvis moves! Girls scream. Marty’s movements become Mick Jagger–esque, then take on a Michael Jackson style.”
— Back to the Future, Original Script Excerpt
“quite different from the scripted version.”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
“I ditched the idea of mimicking Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger (not guitarists!) and replaced them with tributes to my own rock guitar gods.”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
Fox collaborated closely with Jeffries to develop a sequence as a tribute to legendary guitar heroes: holding the guitar low and dropping to his knees reminiscent of Jimmy Page, swinging the instrument behind his head like Jimi Hendrix, and delivering energetic moves inspired by Pete Townshend. Each maneuver was carefully chosen to bring authenticity and excitement to Marty’s unexpected performance.
“As the song progresses, Marty holds the guitar low and falls to his knees without missing a chord (Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin); slings the guitar over the back of his head (Jimi Hendrix); and performs a Pete Townshend trifecta.”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
“intense right-hand hammering, an homage to Eddie Van Halen,”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
“added in a bit of Slash (Guns N’ Roses), with a rumbling downward slide along the E string.”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
The Outcome and Legacy of the Legendary Scene
Michael J. Fox’s devotion and willingness to step outside the original plan led to a moment that is remembered not just as comedic or plot-driven, but as an exhilarating musical showcase. Although the “Johnny B. Goode” scene doesn’t directly affect the main storyline, it stands as one of the most high-spirited and beloved sequences in the film, drawing praise from audiences and critics. Fox has acknowledged that his creative freedom during filming was possible because director Robert Zemeckis encouraged exploration and boldness.
The character’s guitar performance continues to capture attention decades later. Gibson, the famous guitar manufacturer, recently launched a worldwide search for the Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar used by Marty on screen, an instrument that mysteriously disappeared over the years. For Fox, the instrument’s significance isn’t about the mystery of its current location, but the memory of using it in an essential piece of film history.
“To play ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ Marty borrowed Marvin Berry’s Gibson ES-345, a guitar first introduced in 1958 — three years after the 1955 scene in the movie,”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
“guitar aficionados and Back to the Future fans have pointed out again and again.”
— Michael J. Fox, Actor
Why the Scene Still Matters Today
The scene’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of nostalgia, musical energy, and authentic homage to guitar legends like Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Slash. It continues to spark conversation among guitar aficionados and Back to the Future devotees, who notice details like the temporal inconsistency of Marty McFly using a guitar model not introduced until three years after the film’s setting. The search for the original guitar and the stories shared by Fox keep the legacy alive, reminding viewers of the scene’s impact both on stage and off.
With Michael J. Fox’s revelations, a new generation can appreciate how the Michael J. Fox iconic guitar scene came to be, not just as a choreographed act but as a tribute crafted with passion for music and filmmaking. This iconic cinematic moment stands as a vivid testament to creative risk-taking and the collaborative spirit behind a classic, with figures like director Robert Zemeckis, choreographer Brad Jeffries, and guitar heroes shaping a scene the world still celebrates.
