Music and gaming intersect again in the board game Rock Hard 1977 from Devir (https://devirgames.com/rock-hard).
This game is from Jackie Fox, that played bass in the 70s with The Runaways. Yes, one of those rocking gals behind “Cherry Bomb.” Most probably identify with the two standout stars from the band, Joan Jett and Lita Ford, but laying down that bass for a couple albums was none other than Fox.
And now she has put her story in Rock Hard 1977 — in the form of a board game for up to 5 players.
Slate has a tantalizing interview worth reading: Games: The thrilling new board game you didn’t know you needed. (slate.com): “Rock Hard 1977 is a complex, enjoyable tabletop adventure that was the toast of Gen Con, the annual board-game convention, where her publisher sold out of games the first day. In Rock Hard 1977, you take on the character of an aspiring rocker who’s trying to accumulate chops and songs, quit their day job, and achieve stardom. You just might hook up with a hot fan backstage, increasing your reputation score—but if you take too much “candy,” you might have to head to rehab.”
I asked PGM member and board game aficionado Skullbox686 (PGM Author page: https://playgamesmore.com/author/skullbox686/) if he had seen/heard of this game.
Maybe in 2025 I’ll spend more time playing and exploring more board games. Feel like I’m missing out on a segment of gaming. I bought a yearly sub to Board Games Arena (REVIEW: Board Games Arena – Play Hundreds of Board Games Online Against Others for FREE) and wish I’d checked out more of it this year, but all my unplayed PC games have dominated this year of gaming (2024 Resolution: Play ALL My Unplayed PC Games + How To Create Dynamic Unplayed Steam Collection)
Back to Jackie Fox. Her story of tarnished childhood turned into a creative work inside a board game is a positive spin on what most would think would be a glamorous rock life style (spoiler: it wasn’t for everybody).
How many board games are you playing? How much are board games a part of your gaming? Share in the comments?
Todd, you were the one that introduced me to Rock Hard 1977. It looks interesting, but at $50 I’m not in a rush to get it, but I’ll keep an eye out for a deal on it.
I haven’t taken an inventory on the board games I have, but I would imagine it’s over 100. Board games are a big part of my gaming story. There aren’t a lot of activities that allow us to focus and spend time together, and I think tabletop games still provide this experience which is why it is so important to me personally.
Some games I’ve been playing lately are Fire Tower, Tiny Towns, Trekking the World, and Rummy.
If you have been wanting to get back into tabletop games this time of year is perfect. It’s a tradition in my family to always have a board game under the tree. Perhaps, this is something you want to add to your traditions as well?
When our kids were younger, we played a board game around the holidays. With the grandkids and computers and console games, it’s harder to get them to unplug and play non video games. I think we’ll try and “force” the issue this holiday season, at least for one game. The problem is we only get the grandkids in the afternoon of Christmas day, so they get very limited time with us before going back home. This year Christmas is right in the middle of the week, so back to work for all of us, too. 2025 will be Thursday and the following year (2026!) back into the weekend, which will be nice 🙂