The Stroke

"The Stroke," a pulsating rock anthem from Billy Squier's 1981 album Don't Say No, is often misinterpreted as a song with sexual undertones due to its suggestive lyrics and driving beat. However, Squier has consistently clarified that the track is a biting commentary on the music industry. In an interview with VH1, he explained that the song reflects how record labels "stroke" artists' egos with flattery to manipulate and exploit them, a perspective shaped by his 12 years in the industry before the song's release. The song's distinctive drum sound, created by recording the snare drum backwards and playing it just ahead of the real drum, added to its unique edge, as Squier revealed in a 1982 Sounds magazine interview. Its infectious energy made it a Top 20 hit in the US, peaking at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it remains a classic rock staple, named the 59th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song's cultural impact beyond rock. "The Stroke" has been heavily sampled in hip-hop, most notably in Eminem's 2013 track "Berzerk" and Jay-Z's "99 Problems," showcasing its influence across genres. Squier himself noted in a 2008 bravewords.com interview that he appreciates this cross-genre appreciation, particularly from artists like Big Daddy Kane, who praised Squier's rhythm tracks for shaping hip-hop. The song also inspired the 1989 rap hit "Let Your Backbone Slide" by Maestro Fresh-Wes, further cementing its legacy. Additionally, Squier's connection to Queen influenced the track; he initially wanted Brian May to produce Don't Say No, but due to scheduling conflicts, Reinhold Mack, who produced Queen's The Game, stepped in, bringing a polished yet raw energy to the album.

Billy Squier, born William Haislip Squier on May 12, 1950, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, began his musical journey at a young age. Introduced to classical piano lessons by his grandfather at age eight, he initially resisted but was bribed to continue, as noted on his official website, billysquier.com. His passion for music ignited at 14 when he bought a Danelectro guitar and Supro amp from a neighbor for $90, a pivotal moment that led him to form his first band, the Reltneys. Discovering John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers in 1966 further fueled his drive, steering him toward rock and blues. After graduating from Wellesley High School in 1968 and briefly attending Berklee College of Music, Squier dropped out, frustrated by the school's rigid approach, as he shared in a 2008 bravewords.com interview, where he recalled being told he wasn't playing "the way they wanted."

Squier's early career was marked by perseverance through obscurity. In the late 1960s, he performed at Boston's Psychedelic Supermarket nightclub and played with bands like Magic Terry and The Universe and Kicks. In the 1970s, he joined The Sidewinders and later formed Piper, which released two albums and opened for KISS in 1977, though without major success. His solo debut, Tale of the Tape in 1980, gained modest attention, but it was Don't Say No, produced with Reinhold Mack, that catapulted him to stardom, selling over 4 million copies in the US alone. Squier's arena rock sound, blending power pop and hard rock, resonated widely, and his straightforward performance videos became MTV staples, boosting his fame in the early 1980s.

Fans can connect with Billy Squier through his official channels and vibrant fan communities. His website, billysquier.com, offers lyrics, liner notes, and news updates, including recent tributes to friends like Capitol Records president Don Zimmerman. On social media, Squier is active on Facebook with over 2,000 followers, though he appears less active on Instagram and X. For deeper engagement, fans can explore the Billy Squier Fan Club on Facebook, a group dedicated to celebrating his music and legacy. Additionally, the YouTube channel Billy Squier Fan compiles live and behind-the-scenes footage, providing rare glimpses into his performances for devoted Zoo Freaks to enjoy.