Eagles Fly

Zoo Freaks, get ready to soar with some wild trivia about "Eagles Fly" by Sammy Hagar from his 1987 album I Never Said Goodbye, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track almost became a Van Halen hit, but Alex Van Halen dismissed it as sounding like "John Denver" when Sammy played it acoustically in the studio. Sammy didn’t let that stop him; he included it on his solo album, where it became a fan favorite. Alex later regretted his comment after hearing the polished version, admitting it should’ve been a Van Halen track. Eddie Van Halen, who played bass on the album, also added a brief, uncredited guitar solo in "Eagles Fly," featuring his signature finger-tapping chimes, revealed years later in a 2015 interview. Sammy has shared on his X account that the song stirs deep emotions, often bringing tears due to its spiritual vibe about being born and connecting with nature’s freedom.

The song’s lyrics, inspired by the idea of consciousness right after birth, capture a universal longing to break free and chase dreams, as Sammy explained in a 2012 In The Studio interview. He wrote "Eagles Fly" before joining Van Halen, demoing it as a follow-up to his 1984 album VOA, but Van Halen rejected it for their 5150 album, calling it too folksy. Despite this, Sammy performed it live with Van Halen during their 1993 and 1995 tours, and it’s been a staple in his solo shows. In a 2025 X post, Sammy shared a four-part series diving into the song’s emotional impact, describing the chills and goosebumps it evokes. The track peaked at #82 on the Billboard Hot 100 but hit #22 on the Album Rock Tracks chart, proving its rock radio staying power.

Now, let’s rewind to how Sammy Hagar, the Red Rocker, kicked off his legendary career. Born Samuel Roy Hagar on October 13, 1947, in Colton, California, Sammy initially pursued boxing before music took over in the late 1960s. He honed his craft singing with local California bands like Skinny, the Fabulous Catillas, Justice Brothers, and Dust Cloud, building a solid rep in the hard rock scene. His big break came in 1973 when guitarist Ronnie Montrose invited him to join Montrose, where Sammy’s powerful vocals shone on their debut album. After two albums, he went solo in 1976, taking Montrose bassist Bill Church with him. His 1984 hit "I Can’t Drive 55" skyrocketed his solo career, and by 1985, he replaced David Lee Roth in Van Halen, cementing his status as a rock icon. Sammy’s relentless energy and optimism, evident in "Eagles Fly," have fueled his career across decades, from Montrose to Van Halen to supergroups like Chickenfoot and The Circle.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Sammy through his vibrant online presence. Check out his official website at redrocker.com for tour dates, news, and merch. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and live performance clips. His X account is a goldmine for personal anecdotes and updates, like his recent reflections on "Eagles Fly." Fans can also join the Official Sammy Hagar Redheads Facebook group to connect with fellow Redheads, share stories, and celebrate the Red Rocker’s legacy. Dive into these communities to keep the Zoo Crew spirit rocking!