Give to Live

The song "Give to Live" by Sammy Hagar from the album I Never Said Goodbye holds a special place in his discography, marked by its emotional depth and widespread appeal. Released in 1987, it became Hagar’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, a milestone for him as a solo artist. The song’s music video, shot atop Mount Baldy in Southern California with director Gil Bettman—who also directed Hagar’s "I Can’t Drive 55" and "VOA"—starts with a humorous scene where a girl on a sofa tells her boyfriend she’s not a Hagar fan, hoping it’s not another car song. This lighthearted moment helped the ballad attract a new audience, particularly female listeners, drawn to its positive lyrics and Hagar’s versatile vocals, which showcased his ability to move beyond his hard-rock persona. In a 2019 social media post, Hagar reflected on the video shoot, highlighting its significance and his wild hair from that era, emphasizing the song’s enduring connection with fans.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s live performances. "Give to Live" was a staple in Hagar’s sets with Van Halen, where it was performed alongside another track from the album, "Eagles Fly." Its inclusion on the live album Live: Right Here, Right Now underscores its popularity among fans. The song’s creation also has a unique story: Hagar has shared that it was written with Bob and Nicole Daspit, his producer at the time, with Nicole’s concept driving the process. In a 2021 post, Hagar noted that writing and singing the song was as fun as performing it, capturing a moment that defined his career’s blend of heartfelt and high-energy rock. The album itself, originally titled Sammy Hagar, was renamed I Never Said Goodbye through an MTV contest, with fan Kim Musgrove’s winning entry earning her a day with the band at Van Halen’s 5150 studio in 1988.

Sammy Hagar, known as the Red Rocker, began his musical journey in the early 1970s, born on October 13, 1947, in Colton, California. His career took off when he joined the hard rock band Montrose as lead vocalist, contributing to their breakthrough success with songs like "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Rock Candy." Tensions with band founder Ronnie Montrose led Hagar to leave after two albums, launching a solo career with his 1976 debut Nine on a Ten Scale. His early solo work, backed by Capitol Records, built his reputation with hits like "Red," earning him the nickname that stuck after a fan encounter in 1978 where he signed a newspaper as "The Red Rocker." By the late 1970s, Hagar was opening for major acts like Boston, often stealing the show, as seen during their 1977 tour. His 1984 hit "I Can’t Drive 55" from the album VOA solidified his status as an arena headliner, paving the way for his tenure with Van Halen from 1985 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2005.

Hagar’s entrepreneurial spirit also shaped his career. After leaving Van Halen, he moved to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he founded the Cabo Wabo Cantina and launched a successful tequila brand, later sold for $80 million in 2007. His philanthropy, through the Hagar Family Foundation started in 2008 with his wife Kari, focuses on children’s causes and hunger relief, reflecting his hardscrabble upbringing. Hagar’s official website, www.redrocker.com, is a hub for his music, tour dates, and ventures, while his social media presence engages fans directly: Facebook boasts over 1 million followers, Instagram shares tour and personal updates, and X offers real-time interactions. Fan communities thrive online, with the Sammy Hagar Wiki providing detailed discography and history, and Facebook groups like Sammy Hagar’s Redheads uniting dedicated “Zoo Freaks” who celebrate his music and legacy.