Hina

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Hina" from David Lee Roth's 1988 album Skyscraper! This track is a gem, and we've got some juicy trivia to share. In a 2012 interview with the Van Halen News Desk, guitarist Steve Vai revealed that "Hina" was originally titled "Tahina" during its development. Vai noted that the song's ethereal lyrics, penned by Roth, were inspired by Hina, a Polynesian moon goddess, reflecting Roth's soft spot for Tahiti. Vai's guitar work on "Hina" is a standout, with a unique delay effect that ping-pongs between speakers, creating a dreamy, immersive sound. He described it as one of his favorite tracks from the album, praising its esoteric flow and the spontaneous, one-take solo he laid down, which Roth insisted on keeping.

Another tidbit comes from the fan community at The Diamond David Lee Roth Army, where fans have long speculated that "Hina" is one of Roth's most personal songs, possibly about a childhood love. A 2013 post on the forum claimed it should've been a single over "Stand Up," with even Vai skeptics praising his playing on this track. Vai himself, in a 2022 Louder interview, called "Hina" his favorite from Skyscraper, highlighting its creative chord changes and the innovative way he played off the delay effect. The song's atmospheric vibe, paired with Roth's poetic lyrics about a fleeting, almost mythical love, makes it a fan favorite, as echoed in a 2025 X post by @TBonesPrimeCuts, who ranked "Hina" among their top tracks from the album.

Now, let's rewind to how David Lee Roth kicked off his legendary career. Born October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, to a Jewish family—his father an ophthalmologist and his mother a teacher—Roth spent his youth in New Castle, Indiana, before moving to Swampscott, Massachusetts, and later Pasadena, California, in his teens. His hyperactive nature led his parents to enroll him in therapy and send him to a horse ranch for troubled teens to instill responsibility. While at Pasadena City College, Roth crossed paths with brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Their shared love for music sparked the formation of a band, initially called Mammoth, which became Van Halen in 1974. Roth's wild, energetic stage persona and knack for showmanship helped Van Halen rise to fame, blending hard rock with a party vibe that defined their early albums.

After leaving Van Halen in 1985 due to creative differences, Roth launched a solo career with the EP Crazy from the Heat, followed by the smash hit Eat 'Em and Smile in 1986, featuring Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette. Skyscraper followed, showcasing a more experimental sound. Roth's larger-than-life persona carried him through a multifaceted career, including stints as a radio host, EMT, and even a tattoo skincare entrepreneur with INK the Original. He rejoined Van Halen in 2006 for a record-breaking tour and a 2012 album, A Different Kind of Truth. Roth was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Van Halen in 2007, cementing his legacy as a rock icon.

Stay connected with David Lee Roth through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates and his signature humor. Fans can dive deeper at The Diamond David Lee Roth Army, a vibrant fan forum, or join discussions on the David Lee Roth Fans Facebook group. For more Van Halen-era love, check out the Van Halen Fan Club. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and let "Hina" take you to the moon!