1982 G.I. Joe Machine Gunner Code Name: Rock and Roll
By: Karl Stern (@dragonkingkarl, @wiwcool, karl@whenitwascool.com)
1982 G.I. Joe Machine Gunner Rock and Roll
I don't remember exactly when I first got a G.I. Joe Rock & Roll action figure as a kid but I'm pretty sure it was 1983 with the swivel arm battle grip. I'm also not sure whatever happened to that figure. I must have traded him off to a friend or something but I don't remember having him for a long time. I'm not sure why I never cared too much for Rock & Roll. I like his character in the Marvel Comics series. He is exactly what a kid wants in an Army soldier action figure- a dude with a big machine gun. But for whatever reason, as a kid, Rock and Roll never stuck with me as one of my favorites.
I got this version a couple years ago when I got on a kick about getting a 1982 version of all the G.I. Joe's. The figure itself is great. The bullets crossing his chest made him stand out from all the others of that year. While he uses the same head as Breaker and Clutch, he still stands out from them due to his bright blonde hair. The biggest draw back with 1982 Rock and Roll, and all the 1982 figures really, is the lack of swivel arms which was corrected a year later. It is extra prohibitive with this figure as there is absolutely no way for him to hold his big machine properly without it.
Like Stalker, Rock and Roll was one of the few figures that did not come with a backpack accessory.
Rock and Roll also did not come with a cool backpack to peg into his back screw hole. Also, if you are looking for this figure complete, make sure the machine gun comes with the bi-pod which is detachable from the gun.
Rock and Roll's unique chest sculpt helps him stand out from the other 1982-83 G.I. Joe Figures
Here he is with the 25th anniversary update renamed SSGT. Rock 'N Roll. This is one of my least favorite 25th anniversary G.I. Joe figures as his arms and hands are very awkward and it remains difficult to pose his gun correctly.
