45 years ago McDonald's debuted its popular McRib. Now, it's back again after countless rereleases.

McDonald's McRib is a limited item that appears on the menu irregularly. Erin McDowell/Business Insider

When bidding fans a final goodbye, the McRib appears to be taking cues from rock bands like The Who and KISS. The bands are known for farewell tours that didn't stick. The iconic McDonald's sandwich is also pulling a fast one with fans.

In 2022, McDonald's said the barbecue-slathered boneless pork hoagie would say goodbye to fans in an event billed as the McRib's farewell tour . But the McRib returned to select McDonald's locations in November 2023, and has made similar returns every year since.…