As rock music shifted toward psychedelia and counterculture in the mid-1960s, Paul Revere & The Raiders adapted their sound and recorded "The Great Airplane Strike," a comedic pop-rock single that drew inspiration from a genuine industrial dispute. The song marked a defining moment for the band, showcasing their ability to blend contemporary musical trends—bubblegum pop, psychedelic rock and studio effects—into an accessible hit that captured the spirit of the era.

The track was inspired by a 43-day strike by machinists at Los Angeles International Airport in July 1966, which grounded five major domestic airlines and disrupted 60% of US commercial air traffic. The song recounts a humorous narrative of the band attempting to board a flight during the strike, featuring absurd scenarios such as reserving seats on the aircraft's wing. Released in September 1966, "The Great Airplane Strike" peaked at number 20 on the Hot 100 and has since gained renewed appreciation, appearing in Quentin Tarantino's *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*.