Rock Candy

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the sweet and sticky classic "Rock Candy" by Montrose from their 1973 debut album, Montrose. This track, a cornerstone of American hard rock, came together in a spontaneous studio jam, as recalled by vocalist Sammy Hagar in a 2021 interview with Louder. Hagar described how the band was wrapping up rehearsals when producer Ted Templeman asked if they had anything else. In a small room, with Hagar improvising lyrics like “You’re rock candy baby, light, sweet and sticky,” the song took shape. Drummer Denny Carmassi’s iconic intro was inspired by experimenting with alternatives to Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks,” according to Ronnie Montrose in radio interviews. The track’s raw energy landed it in pop culture, featured in the 1976 film A Star is Born during a concert scene at Sun Devil Stadium and later in a 2008 episode of My Name is Earl. Hagar still performs it live, and in 2015, he rocked it with Daryl Hall at his Cabo Wabo nightclub for Live from Daryl’s House. On X, Hagar posted in 2024, “I love and appreciate this record more every year. What a beginning!” celebrating its Billboard 200 entry in 1974.

The song’s gritty charm stems from the chemistry of Montrose’s original lineup: Ronnie Montrose on guitar, Sammy Hagar on vocals, Bill Church on bass, and Denny Carmassi on drums. Hagar shared in the same Louder interview that he approached Ronnie Montrose, fresh off a sold-out Edgar Winter show, to form the band. With songs like “Bad Motor Scooter” already in Hagar’s pocket, they crafted a sound that influenced bands like Van Halen, who covered “Rock Candy” in their early club days. Fans on X still rave about it, with user @mikebd21 calling it a must-mention classic in 2025. The album, produced by Ted Templeman, went platinum in 1986, proving its lasting impact despite initial modest chart performance at No. 133 on the Billboard 200.

Montrose, named after guitarist Ronnie Montrose, kicked off in 1973 in California, a hotbed for hard rock. Ronnie, born in Denver, Colorado, started as a session musician, laying down tracks for Van Morrison’s 1971 album Tupelo Honey and Herbie Hancock. His big break came with the Edgar Winter Group, where he played on hits like “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride” in 1972. This exposure led to forming Montrose with Sammy Hagar, a then-unknown vocalist with a powerful voice. Ronnie’s versatile guitar work, often using a Gibson Les Paul and a Big Muff fuzzbox, blended finesse and power, as noted in a 2025 Guitar World article. His refusal to chase hits, as praised by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen, set him apart, making Montrose a cult favorite among guitarists and hard rock fans.

After the debut, lineup changes and Ronnie’s experimental streak shaped the band’s path. Sammy Hagar left in 1975 for a solo career and later joined Van Halen, but the original quartet reunited for a track on Hagar’s 1997 album Marching to Mars and select live shows in 2003 and 2005. Ronnie formed Gamma in 1979 and continued solo projects until his death in 2012. His legacy lives on through fans and musicians, with Kerrang! ranking the debut as the 4th best metal album in 1989. You can dive deeper into Montrose’s world at the official Ronnie Montrose website, follow updates on the Ronnie Montrose Facebook, or check out Sammy Hagar’s active Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for related posts.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, the Sammy Hagar (The Red Rocker) Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant spot to share love for Montrose’s music. Another gem is the Montrose Fans group, where die-hards swap stories and memorabilia. Fan-run sites like Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker offer tour updates and Montrose nostalgia, while ClassicRockHistory.com dives into the band’s influence. So, crank up “Rock Candy,” let the Zoo Crew keep the vibes flowing, and join the Montrose legacy online!