Never Give Up

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the uplifting anthem "Never Give Up" by Sammy Hagar from his 1982 album Three Lock Box for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a high-energy rock number, captures Hagar’s relentless drive and optimism, with lyrics like “Gotta see how far I can go / Gonna make it to the late show” reflecting a go-getter attitude perfect for the station’s vibrant vibe. In a 2020 social media post, Hagar hinted at the song’s personal resonance, emphasizing the importance of unlocking one’s “physical, mental, and spiritual potential” to achieve greatness, a philosophy that ties into the album’s title track and its “three lock box” metaphor of mind, body, and spirit. While specific interviews about “Never Give Up” are scarce, Hagar has noted in discussions about Three Lock Box that the album marked a pivotal moment, boosted by the “MTV Effect” that propelled his visibility, with the album’s hit “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s infectious determination made it a fan favorite in Brazil, where, according to fan comments on Hagar’s official site, it rocked pub music halls alongside other album cuts like “I Don’t Need Love.”

Sammy Hagar, known as The Red Rocker, kicked off his musical journey in the early 1970s with the hard rock band Montrose, but his roots trace back to his hardscrabble upbringing in Fontana, California. Born Samuel Roy Hagar on October 13, 1947, he grew up in a working-class family, an experience that instilled a fierce work ethic. As he shared on his website, the humiliation of poverty drove him to succeed: “I was willing to work hard to ensure I was never poor again.” While playing in a San Francisco cover band, Hagar was discovered by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, leading to his role as the frontman for Montrose. He appeared on their debut and sophomore albums, penning his first song, “Bad Motor Scooter,” which showcased his raw vocal power and songwriting knack. After clashing with Montrose during a European tour, Hagar was fired but took bassist Bill Church and drummer Denny Carmassi with him to launch a solo career. Under Capitol Records, albums like Nine on a Ten Scale and the hit “Red” earned him his “Red Rocker” moniker. By the time he joined Geffen Records for Standing Hampton and Three Lock Box, Hagar was a platinum-selling artist, cementing his status with relentless touring and anthems like “I Can’t Drive 55.”

Fans can dive deeper into Hagar’s world through his official channels and vibrant fan communities. His official website offers tour updates, merch, and personal blogs, like his recent reflections on the 41st anniversary of Three Lock Box. On Facebook, Hagar shares tour photos and engages with fans, while his Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes glimpses of his performances and entrepreneurial ventures, like Santo Tequila. His X account is a treasure trove of anniversary posts and fan interactions, including his 2023 celebration of “Never Give Up” and its enduring message. For fan-driven content, check out the Three Lock Box The Ultimate Sammy Hagar Tribute Facebook page, where over 2,000 fans celebrate Hagar’s legacy with posts about tribute band performances. The Red Rocker website also hosts a fan community where “Redheads” swap stories and concert memories, amplifying the Zoo Freaks’ love for Hagar’s timeless rock spirit.