The Zoo Crew is spinning the wild vibes of "¡Loco Del Calor! (Goin’ Crazy!)" by David Lee Roth from the album Sonrisa Salvaje, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the heat! This track is the Spanish version of "Goin’ Crazy!" from Roth’s 1986 solo debut Eat 'Em and Smile. The idea to record the entire album in Spanish came from bassist Billy Sheehan, who noticed that over half of Mexico’s population was between 18 and 27, a prime market for rock records. Roth, ever the showman, took on the challenge with a Spanish tutor in the studio, re-recording his vocals to appeal to Spanish-speaking fans. However, the album faced criticism for its "gringo Spanish," with some lyrics taking liberties that didn’t quite land with native speakers, leading to Sonrisa Salvaje tanking commercially and becoming a rare collector’s item until its 2007 CD reissue.
One juicy piece of trivia about "¡Loco Del Calor!" is its connection to Roth’s larger-than-life persona. The song’s lyrics, like the English version, paint a vivid picture of a carefree, rebellious night—dancing on a pier, getting drunk, and tangling with the mayor’s daughter. According to a review on El Portal del Metal, the track’s epic, keyboard-heavy vibe and Steve Vai’s stratospheric guitar solo make it a standout, evoking the spirit of Van Halen’s 1984. Roth himself has said his performances transcend language, telling the Toronto Sun that fans don’t need to speak English—or Spanish—to get the energy of his music. The music video for the song, available on YouTube, captures Roth’s flamboyant energy, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, high-octane playlist.
David Lee Roth’s journey to rock stardom began in Bloomington, Indiana, where he was born on October 10, 1954. His father’s love for music—think Al Jolson and Frank Sinatra—sparked Roth’s early interest. By his teens, after moving to California, he was hooked on rock, idolizing bands like Led Zeppelin and Alice Cooper. Roth started singing in local bands, including the Red Ball Jets, gigging alongside another Pasadena up-and-comer called Mammoth. That band, soon renamed Van Halen, recruited Roth as their frontman in the early 1970s. His acrobatic stage antics, wild charisma, and party-hard persona helped propel Van Halen to global fame by the late ’70s, with their 1978 debut album earning gold and platinum status.
After splitting with Van Halen in 1985, Roth launched his solo career with the surprise-hit EP Crazy from the Heat, blending lounge covers with his signature flair. This led to Eat 'Em and Smile and its Spanish counterpart, Sonrisa Salvaje, showcasing his willingness to take bold risks. You can catch up with Roth on his official website, where he shares updates and tour info. He’s also active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, posting about his music and larger-than-life adventures. Fans, or Zoo Freaks vibing to his tunes, can connect on fan sites like David Lee Roth’s Fan Club or join discussions in Facebook groups like David Lee Roth Fans, where diehards share stories and celebrate Diamond Dave’s legacy.
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