During the 1980s, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) experienced a surge in global popularity, leading to a boom in merchandise sales. Action figures, video games, shirts, and even ice cream bars adorned with the likenesses of WWF stars flooded the market.
In 1985, the WWF released “The Wrestling Album,” featuring a song by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper titled “For Everybody.” This track was a cover of the 1981 song “F**k Everybody” by Mike Angelo & The Idols, cleverly disguised with a family-friendly title.
If you listen closely to the song (listen below), Piper seems to go off script with the words sounding more like the original rather than the title of the cover.
Several years ago, a fan named Chaz recounted his encounter with Piper at a convention, where he inquired about the song’s true nature (via YouTube):
“Being a careful listener, I asked him (softly, as this question contained a swear word) if “For Everybody,” based on the lyrics, was actually supposed to be “F**k Everybody”?
His eyes lit up as he declared, “Chaz! That’s exactly right!”*
Piper went on to explain how he had a slight disagreement with the album’s producers. He insisted on recording his vocals last for “For Everybody.” When the time came to lay down his vocals for the chorus, which already had background vocals, Piper gleefully sang “F**k Everybody!” instead.
The person overseeing the recording didn’t notice Piper’s lyrical change until the very end, at which point his eyes widened and his face turned white. Piper finished the take and said, “Sorry, can’t rerecord this, I gotta run.”
This anecdote perfectly encapsulates Piper’s rebellious spirit. He always did things his way, leaving an enduring legacy in film, television, and professional wrestling. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history.
