Heavy Metal

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume at THE ZOO radio station, spinning "Heavy Metal" by Sammy Hagar from the Heavy Metal: Music From the Motion Picture soundtrack, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This high-energy track, co-written with Jim Peterik of Survivor, was crafted specifically for the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal. In an interview, Hagar revealed he was approached to write a song about heavy metal music for a movie, but after seeing the film, he found it far different from his expectations, packed with sci-fi and cartoon nudity that earned it an R rating. The writing session with Peterik in San Francisco was initially challenging until Hagar’s manager mentioned the film’s production, sparking the idea for the song.

Another cool tidbit comes from a 2013 live performance in Chicago, where Jim Peterik joined Hagar and his band, the Waboritas, to perform "Heavy Metal". Peterik has also played it at his solo concerts, showing the song’s lasting impact. On X, Hagar posted in August 2020 about a 1983 live performance at The Checkerdome in St. Louis, urging fans to shout “HEAVY METAL” as loud as they could, capturing the song’s electrifying spirit. Interestingly, the version on the Heavy Metal soundtrack is a remixed version, distinct from the one on Hagar’s 1981 album Standing Hampton, and some fans argue it’s superior for its raw energy.

Sammy Hagar, known as the Red Rocker, kicked off his career in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist for the hard rock band Montrose. Born Samuel Roy Hagar on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California, he joined Montrose in 1973, debuting with their self-titled album featuring the song "Bad Motor Scooter", which Hagar wrote. His time with Montrose was pivotal, but conflicts with guitarist Ronnie Montrose during a European tour led to his departure. Hagar then launched his solo career with the 1976 album Nine on a Ten Scale, building his persona with hits like "Red", earning him the nickname the Red Rocker. His early solo work, under Capitol Records, leaned into hard rock and heavy metal, though his label initially pushed for pop hits, which Hagar felt didn’t suit his style.

Hagar’s career skyrocketed in the 1980s with albums like Standing Hampton and the hit "I Can’t Drive 55" in 1984. He later joined Van Halen in 1985, replacing David Lee Roth, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of the band. Beyond music, Hagar is an entrepreneur, founding Cabo Wabo Tequila and a restaurant chain. You can keep up with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at sites like Sammy Hagar Wiki and the Redheads Rock! Sammy Hagar Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow Red Rockers.