1. “Funky Town” by Lipps Inc.
This one was everywhere in 1980, and roller rinks were no exception. The robotic groove and disco-fueled beat practically begged you to lace up and hit the floor. Skaters loved the futuristic vibe, and it gave everyone a chance to show off their spins or race around the rink with big smiles. Even if you weren’t the best skater, “Funky Town” made you feel like you belonged in the middle of the action.
The track stayed popular long after its chart-topping year, cementing its place as one of the ultimate rink anthems. Parents knew it from the radio, and kids associated it with Friday night skating sessions. It didn’t matter if you were skating solo or hanging onto a friend for dear life, this one made the whole room move. For a lot of people, “Funky Town” instantly brings back the memory of neon lights, the smell of popcorn, and that rush of cool air as you glided across the floor.
2. “Maniac” by Michael Sembello
Known best from Flashdance, “Maniac” carried its high-energy tempo straight into roller rinks. Released in 1983, the driving rhythm encouraged skaters to pick up the pace and maybe even try something daring. It wasn’t just a background song, it demanded attention, making laps around the rink feel cinematic. DJs loved using it to boost energy on a slow night, and it always worked.
Everyone remembered skating to this track and feeling like they were in their own personal movie montage. The pounding beat made it perfect for racing friends or doing laps with confidence. Even those clinging to the rails would loosen up once the chorus hit. It was motivational in its own way, and it gave the rink a shot of adrenaline every time it played.
3. “Gloria” by Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan’s powerhouse vocals made “Gloria” a hit in 1982, and roller rinks quickly adopted it. The song’s pulsing rhythm matched the glide of wheels on wood, and people couldn’t help but belt out the chorus while skating. It had a celebratory feel that made everyone feel like part of the moment.
Groups of friends often skated together, linking arms or making long chains while shouting the lyrics. It was one of those songs that created a shared experience. Even now, hearing “Gloria” can bring back memories of bright lights, loud laughter, and the joy of being surrounded by friends at the rink.
4. “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats
“Safety Dance” was quirky and fun, which made it a natural for roller rinks. Released in 1982, the offbeat lyrics and playful beat had everyone laughing as they skated. It didn’t matter if you were a pro or just trying to stay upright, this song made the rink feel lighthearted and silly.
People even tried to mimic the dance moves from the video while balancing on their skates. The rink lights often strobed to the beat, adding to the playful chaos. It was goofy, unforgettable, and part of what made skating in the ’80s so much fun.
5. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Few songs captured the spirit of the ’80s like Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Released in 1983, it became an anthem for freedom and joy. At roller rinks, it was impossible not to smile and skate a little faster when it played.
Groups of teens would shout the lyrics together, adding to the song’s celebratory feel. The upbeat rhythm was perfect for both casual laps and silly dances on skates. It was a track that embodied fun, laughter, and youth—all the things roller skating was about.
6. “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire
“Let’s Groove” was practically made for skating. Released in 1981, it combined disco and funk into a futuristic-sounding anthem. The synth-heavy opening instantly made people get on their feet—or skates.
This was one of those songs that made even shy skaters feel confident enough to join the crowd. Its infectious beat brought energy to the whole room, and the call-and-response vocals echoed off the walls. To this day, many remember this track as the one that made the roller rink feel like a cosmic dance party.
7. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” wasn’t just a rock anthem, it was a roller rink favorite. Released in 1981, the piano intro always caught everyone’s attention as the lights dimmed slightly. By the time the chorus hit, the whole rink was belting it out.
It wasn’t about fancy moves, it was about skating with heart. Teens especially loved circling the rink together during this one. It created a sense of unity, and for a few minutes, everyone felt like part of something bigger.
8. “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
“Footloose” was built for movement, and the roller rink was the perfect place for it. Released in 1984 along with the movie, its energetic beat got everyone’s wheels moving. DJs knew it would always spark excitement.
Kids loved mimicking the dance moves from the film while skating in circles. The song practically demanded you kick up your heels—or in this case, wheels. It was one of those tracks that always filled the floor with energy and laughter.
9. “Obsession” by Animotion
“Obsession” was a pure slice of synth-pop drama, and roller rinks ate it up in 1984. The pulsing beat and back-and-forth vocals made skating to it feel theatrical. It was catchy, flirty, and fun.
Couples loved it for its playful energy, while solo skaters took it as a chance to be dramatic with their spins. The neon lights flashing across the rink seemed made for this song. It was bold, stylish, and exactly what the ’80s felt like.
10. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
No roller rink was complete without Wham!’s infectious “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” Released in 1984, its cheerful beat and upbeat lyrics made the rink feel like a party.
Groups of skaters often sang along loudly, pumping their arms as they glided past. The colorful, bouncy vibe of the song matched the neon socks and bright outfits of the era. It was pure joy on wheels.
11. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive
If there was ever a song written for roller skating, it was this one. Released in 1984, “You Spin Me Round” was fast, flashy, and totally over the top. The title alone felt like a wink at every kid trying to twirl on skates.
The driving beat pushed everyone to pick up the pace. Skaters laughed, sang along, and felt like they were flying. For many, this is the song most closely tied to memories of roller rink nights.
12. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
By 1988, roller rinks were embracing rock hits too, and “Sweet Child o’ Mine” was everywhere. That iconic opening riff immediately brought kids rushing to the floor.
It wasn’t as fast as pop tracks, but it gave skaters a chance to glide with swagger. Couples especially loved skating to it, singing the chorus to each other as they circled. It was the kind of anthem that made skating feel larger than life.
13. “99 Red Balloons” by Nena
Released in 1983, “99 Red Balloons” brought a bouncy, lighthearted energy to rinks. Even when DJs played the German version, kids sang along as best they could. It was all about the rhythm and joyful chorus.
Groups of friends often mimicked floating balloons with their arms while circling the rink. It created a playful, fun vibe that everyone remembered. The track felt just as carefree as skating itself.
14. “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
By 1986, “Walk Like an Egyptian” was everywhere, and roller rinks couldn’t resist it. The quirky beat and catchy hook had everyone smiling. Kids loved to exaggerate the “walk” move while skating.
It wasn’t just a song, it was a moment of fun that lit up the whole floor. The rink became a playful stage, and everyone wanted to be part of it. It’s impossible to think of ’80s skating without this tune.
15. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Of course, Michael Jackson ruled roller rinks, and “Thriller” was the ultimate showpiece. Released in 1982, its spooky vibe and legendary groove made the rink floor feel like a stage. The second those opening notes hit, everyone rushed to skate.
Sometimes rinks would even dim the lights and let the disco ball take over during this one. Kids tried to copy the zombie moves from the video—even while on skates. It wasn’t just a song, it was an event, and it turned an ordinary night at the rink into something unforgettable.
