Billy Squier - The Stroke (Live Santa Monica '81)

The ultimate 1980s arena rock anthem, captured live at the absolute peak of its power! 🎸 Get ready to move to the iconic, heavy-hitting beat that defined an entire era of rock radio. In this spectacular official release, Billy Squier delivers a blistering, definitive live performance of his signature smash hit, "The Stroke." Recorded live on November 20, 1981, this video captures the raw, electrifying energy of a historic 1981 Santa Monica concert that had the entire crowd on its feet. With its unforgettable guitar riff and massive drum groove, "The Stroke" became an instant global phenomenon and a cornerstone of early MTV rotation. Watch this incredible footage to see Billy Squier live, commanding the stage with effortless cool during his legendary breakthrough tour. Whether you are a lifelong fan or discovering this classic track for the first time, this 1981 Santa Monica concert rendition showcases Billy Squier live at his absolute rock-and-roll finest. Turn up the volume, drop the beat, and experience the ultimate live performance of "The Stroke!" --- 🌟 Featured Band Members: Billy Squier – Lead Vocals, Guitar Kevin Borich – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals Alan St. Jon – Keyboards, Backing Vocals Mark Clarke – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Bobby Chouinard – Drums --- ⚡ 5 Fast Facts About This "The Stroke" Performance: 1. Multi-Platinum Breakthrough: "The Stroke" was the lead single from Squier's landmark second studio album, "Don't Say No" (released April 1981), which went on to sell over 3 million copies in the US alone. 2. The Beat Heard 'Round the World: The song's massive, sparse drum beat (driven live by powerhouse drummer Bobby Chouinard) became highly influential, later becoming one of the most sampled beats in hip-hop history by artists like Run-D.M.C. and Eminem. 3. Behind the Lyrics: While many assumed the song was purely provocative, Squier actually wrote "The Stroke" as a cynical, biting satire about the music business and how record executives "stroke" the egos of young artists just to exploit them. 4. King Biscuit Broadcast: This legendary November 1981 set at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was recorded for the famous King Biscuit Flower Hour, making it one of the most widely heard live rock recordings of the early '80s. 5. Chart-Topping Glory: By the time Squier took the stage for this West Coast show, "The Stroke" had already peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and cracked the Top 20 on the Hot 100, cementing his status as a certified rock superstar. #BillySquier #TheStroke #DontSayNo #SantaMonica1981 #ClassicRock #ArenaRock #80sRock #LiveMusic #RockAnthems #KingBiscuit