Missing You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt track "Missing You" by Hagar, Schon, Aaronson, Shrieve (HSAS) from their sole album Through the Fire, and Zoo Freaks, this one’s got some stories behind it! Fans on platforms like Reddit have shared nostalgic memories of catching the band’s live performance on MTV back in 1983, with one listener recalling cruising in a 1977 Grand Prix, t-tops off, blasting the cassette. The song’s bridge, powered by Sammy Hagar’s soaring vocals, has been called “perfect” by devotees. Online discussions, like those on SonicHits, praise the track as one of Hagar’s best, lamenting its lack of radio play despite the band’s tight chemistry. The semi-live album, recorded over two nights at San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre, had guitar overdubs added later, but the raw energy of “Missing You” still shines through, capturing the band’s brief but fiery collaboration.

Another tidbit from the Zoo Crew’s crate-digging: “Missing You” was part of a setlist that included unreleased tracks like “Tough Enough” and “Hope and Fear,” which never made the album but were aired during a Westwood One radio broadcast. MTV also taped the November 14 and 15, 1983, shows in San Jose, but sadly, this footage remains unreleased on official VHS or DVD, leaving fans clamoring for a vault release. Comments on SonicHits highlight the band’s pedigree—Schon and Shrieve’s Santana roots, Aaronson’s Billy Squier connection—and call for a reunion, noting the song’s timeless power. One fan even burned their worn-out cassette to CD, a testament to the track’s enduring pull. The lyrics, starting with “I remember the first time, and I remember the last,” hit hard, blending Hagar’s emotive delivery with Schon’s shredding solos, making it a standout for classic rock lovers.

Now, let’s rewind to how HSAS came to be. Sammy Hagar, the Red Rocker, kicked off his career in the early 1970s with Montrose, fronting their self-titled debut in 1973, which included hits like “Rock Candy.” His high-energy vocals and stage presence made him a standout, leading to a solo career with albums like Three Lock Box by 1982. Neal Schon, a guitar prodigy, was just 15 when he joined Santana, playing at Woodstock and contributing to their early albums. He co-founded Journey in 1973, crafting their signature sound through the ‘70s and ‘80s. Kenny Aaronson, a versatile bassist, cut his teeth with Dust and later backed artists like Billy Idol and Joan Jett, bringing a gritty edge. Michael Shrieve, another Santana alum, was a drumming powerhouse, famous for his solo in “Soul Sacrifice” at Woodstock. Their paths converged in 1983 when Hagar and Schon, fresh off solo and Journey commitments, formed HSAS, recruiting Aaronson and Shrieve for a quick but potent supergroup stint.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, the band’s legacy lives online. Sammy Hagar’s official site, RedRocker.com, covers his HSAS days alongside his Van Halen and Chickenfoot eras. Neal Schon’s Journey site, JourneyMusic.com, nods to his side projects, including HSAS. Social media keeps the vibe alive: follow Sammy on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares throwbacks. Neal Schon is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, often posting about his guitar work. Kenny Aaronson’s Facebook and Michael Shrieve’s Facebook offer glimpses into their current projects. Fan communities thrive too—check out the Sammy Hagar Fan Club on Facebook or the Neal Schon Fan Site for HSAS love. The Sammy Hagar Reddit also buzzes with fans swapping stories about “Missing You” and beyond.