Did you know that one of the most iconic—and polarizing—hits of the 1980s almost never made it to the airwaves?

Starship’s “We Built This City” is a song that’s been blasted at parties, mocked by critics, and stuck in our heads for decades, but its backstory is even wilder than its synth-heavy beats.

From last-minute rewrites to bizarre studio antics, here are five mind-blowing secrets behind the song you never saw coming.

1. The Song Was Almost Scrapped—Twice

Before it became a chart-topping anthem, “We Built This City” was a demo called “Keyboards” by songwriter Bernie Taupin (yes, Elton John’s lyricist).

Starship’s producer initially hated it, calling it “the worst song I’ve ever heard.”

Even guitarist Craig Chaquico admits the band nearly vetoed it until a last-minute rewrite saved the day.

2. That Bizarre “Marconi” Line? It’s a Radio In-Joke

Ever wondered why the lyrics mention “Marconi plays the mamba”?

Turns out, it’s a nod to radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi—and a cheeky dig at how corporate radio was becoming in the ’80s.

Songwriter Martin Page later revealed the line was a sarcastic jab at how DJs were losing creative control.

3. The Band Hated the Final Version

Despite its success, Starship’s members were split on the song.

Lead singer Mickey Thomas called it “a little too fluffy,” while Grace Slick famously mocked it as “built this city on rock and roll? More like built this city on *adult contemporary*.”

Ironically, it became their biggest hit.

4. The Music Video Was a Fever Dream

If you’ve seen the video—with its neon skyscrapers and Slick in a bedazzled space suit—you know it’s peak ’80s chaos.

What you *don’t* know? The band filmed it in a single day, fueled by “creative differences” (and possibly caffeine).

The director later admitted half the props were borrowed from a nearby sci-fi convention.

5. Critics *Despised* It (But That Made It Bigger)

Rolling Stone once ranked it the “Worst Song of the 1980s,” and yet, it climbed to No. 1.

The backlash became part of its legend, with fans embracing its so-bad-it’s-good charm.

As Thomas later joked, “Hate us all you want—we’re still cashing the checks.”

So, is “We Built This City” a masterpiece or a guilty pleasure?

Maybe it’s both.

Next time you hear those opening synths, remember: this song survived vetoes, mockery, and a glitter-filled video shoot to become an unforgettable slice of music history.

Now, go forth and impress your friends with these trivia gems—preferably while air-guitaring to that iconic chorus.