Johnny B. Goode Performance

Lore & Background

As Marty launches into the solo, he channels Chuck Berry’s signature swagger before the style fully crystallized in this era. In a pivotal beat, Marvin Berry telephones his cousin Chuck and holds up the phone so he can hear, telling him it is "that new sound you're looking for".' This interaction cements a circular time loop: Marty’s performance directly inspires the original recording in the timeline he knows, ensuring the song exists in his future.

Reader's Guide

The scene is set up when the band's lead guitarist injures his hand, leaving Marty to step in with Marvin Berry's group. He shows the band the chord changes for 'Johnny B. Goode,' a track unknown to anyone present. Impressed, Marvin Berry calls his cousin Chuck and makes him listen to the song.

Did You Know?

• The scene was filmed with Michael J. Fox miming the guitar playing and lip-syncing to vocals by Mark Campbell, with the guitar played by Tim May.
• Marvin Berry, portrayed by Harry Waters Jr., is a fictional cousin of Chuck Berry.
• Fox said his approach was to incorporate the mannerisms of his favourite guitarists: a Pete Townshend windmill, a Jimi Hendrix behind-the-back move and a Chuck Berry duckwalk.