Goin’ Crazy!

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Goin’ Crazy!" from David Lee Roth’s 1986 album Eat 'Em and Smile. This track, a high-energy pop-rock anthem, was the second single from the album, released on October 25, 1986, and peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on the rock chart. According to producer Ted Templeman, the song was originally slated for a feature film Roth wrote and planned to star in, also called Crazy from the Heat, with a $10 million budget from CBS Theatrical Films. The movie never materialized, but the song’s vibrant energy carried over into its iconic music video, where Roth, alongside his manager Pete Angelus, donned fat suits to play the Fabulous Picasso Brothers—two over-the-top record executives watching the band perform. Drummer Gregg Bissonette later shared in a 2016 Guitar World interview that the fat suits and wild costumes were leftovers from the scrapped film, adding a layer of theatrical flair to the video’s chaotic charm.

The song’s creation was a showcase of the stellar lineup Roth assembled post-Van Halen, featuring guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette. Templeman, in his 2020 memoir, noted that he aimed to blend Van Halen’s hard rock edge with the vaudeville vibe of Roth’s earlier Crazy from the Heat EP, making "Goin’ Crazy!" a bridge between the two styles with its catchy riffs and airy keyboards. Fans on Reddit have praised the track’s infectious energy, with one user calling it their favorite from the album for its “insane talent” and flamboyant style, though some noted the video’s fat suit as “nightmare fuel.” A 2015 attempt to reunite the Eat 'Em and Smile band for a 30th-anniversary performance was thwarted by fire marshals due to venue overcrowding, but Roth, ever the showman, quipped to Vai that the cancellation generated more press than the show would have, as recounted by Vai on Brave Words.

David Lee Roth, born October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, kicked off his musical journey in the early 1970s in Southern California. Initially performing with local bands like Red Ball Jet, Roth’s larger-than-life persona caught the eye of brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. They formed Mammoth, which soon became Van Halen, with Roth as the charismatic frontman. His theatrical stage presence, blending acrobatics, humor, and raw energy, helped propel Van Halen to stardom with their 1978 self-titled debut, which included hits like “Runnin’ with the Devil.” Roth’s penchant for showmanship was evident early on, influenced by vaudeville and classic entertainers like Louis Prima. After leaving Van Halen in 1985, he launched his solo career with the Crazy from the Heat EP, a surprise hit featuring covers like “California Girls,” setting the stage for Eat 'Em and Smile.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Roth’s legacy through his official channels: his website at davidleeroth.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at dedicated spaces like the Roth Army fan site, a hub for diehard supporters sharing news and memories. On Facebook, groups like the David Lee Roth Fan Club foster community with discussions about his music and live performances. Whether you’re vibing to “Goin’ Crazy!” or diving into Roth’s storied career, the Zoo Crew invites you to keep the party rockin’ with Diamond Dave’s unstoppable spirit.