John McEnroe - Pop-culture Appearances

Pop-culture Appearances

McEnroe's fiery temper led to him being parodied in pop culture.

• In 1982, British impressionist Roger Kitter made a record called "Chalk Dust: The Umpire Strikes Back" in which he parodied McEnroe losing his temper during a match. Kitter made the record as "The Brat" and it reached the UK Top 20.
• His bursts of rage were parodied in the satirical British program Spitting Image, on which he and wife Tatum frequently screamed and threw things at each other. He was also lampooned in the Australian The Paul Hogan Show, in which Paul Hogan played "John MacEnhoax" who used a handshake to fling his opponent, destroying a tennis court.
• Punk band End of a Year references his famous temper in the song "McEnroe".
• He took part in Rock Aid Armenia campaign by playing guitar in the remake of the Led Zeppelin classic "Rock and Roll". Released in 1991, this featured Roger Daltrey from The Who on lead vocals, Steve Harris and Nicko McBrain from Iron Maiden on bass and drums and Pat Cash and Andy Barnett in addition to McEnroe on guitar.
• Hip Hop band House of Pain, also of Irish Heritage, who made a point of shouting out Celebrities of Irish descent, referenced McEnroe in their 1992 hit single "Jump Around".
• He mocked himself in a PETA ad promoting spay and neuter, by launching into one of his famous tirades when challenged about his decision to have his dog fixed.