There’s Only One Way to Rock

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "There’s Only One Way to Rock" by Sammy Hagar from his 1982 album Standing Hampton, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song is a cornerstone of Hagar’s solo career, born out of his frustration with the ever-changing trends of rock radio at the time. In an interview with In the Studio With Redbeard, Hagar revealed that he wrote the song as a defiant anthem, asserting that rock music has a singular, timeless spirit, no matter how it’s packaged. Its raw energy and driving rhythm made it one of his biggest solo hits and a staple in his live performances. Interestingly, the song was so iconic that when Hagar joined Van Halen, it became one of only two of his solo tracks—alongside "I Can’t Drive 55"—that the band consistently played live, cementing its status as a signature tune.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s connection to the album’s title. Hagar originally planned to name Standing Hampton after this track, calling it One Way to Rock. However, as he shared in interviews, a British fan introduced him to the Cockney rhyming slang term "Hampton," which refers to a penis, with "Standing Hampton" implying an erection. This cheeky revelation led to the album’s final title and its suggestive cover art, featuring a gentleman eyeing a scantily clad woman. Hagar leaned into the humor, explaining to Sounds magazine’s Phil Bell that the title was a playful nod to the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. The song itself, with its call to "crank up the drums, crank out the bass," embodies that same unapologetic, party-ready vibe that Hagar’s fans adore.

On the production side, Standing Hampton marked a turning point, thanks to Hagar’s collaboration with A&R legend John Kalodner. In a 2022 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Hagar revealed that he wrote nearly 30 songs for the album, with Kalodner pushing him to refine his craft until they had 20 top-quality tracks. More than 20 unreleased songs from this era still exist, but Hagar noted they’re likely on old cassette or DAT tapes, which he’s hesitant to play for fear of damaging them. He’d need professional restoration to preserve these gems, a testament to the creative burst that produced "There’s Only One Way to Rock." Posts on X also show Hagar’s fondness for the song, with a 2024 post reminiscing about performing it at Tokyo Dome in 1989, highlighting its enduring appeal.

Sammy Hagar, known as the Red Rocker, kicked off his musical journey in the late 1960s in California’s hard rock scene. Born Samuel Roy Hagar on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California, he initially dabbled in boxing before finding his true calling in music. Hagar performed with local bands like Skinny, the Fabulous Castillas, Justice Brothers, and Dust Cloud, building a reputation as a dynamic frontman. His big break came in 1973 when guitarist Ronnie Montrose invited him to join the band Montrose. Hagar’s powerful voice shone on their debut album, featuring the track "Bad Motor Scooter," which he wrote. Despite tensions with Ronnie Montrose leading to his departure after two albums, Hagar took bassist Bill Church and later drummer Denny Carmassi with him, launching his solo career in 1976 with the album Nine on a Ten Scale on Capitol Records.

Hagar’s early solo years were a grind, with relentless touring and annual album releases building his fanbase without major radio hits. His 1977 self-titled "Red" album, which went gold, earned him the nickname the Red Rocker and led to opening slots for bands like Boston. After parting ways with Capitol due to creative differences, Hagar signed with Geffen Records in 1981, where Standing Hampton became his first platinum album, propelled by hits like "There’s Only One Way to Rock." His career skyrocketed from there, including a stint as Van Halen’s frontman from 1985 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2005, earning him a 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hagar’s entrepreneurial spirit also shone through, founding Cabo Wabo Cantina and its tequila brand, which he sold in 2010, and launching ventures like Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill.

Fans can stay connected with Sammy Hagar through his official website, where updates on tours, like his 2025 Las Vegas residency at Park MGM, and news, such as his 2024 Key to the Las Vegas Strip for Cabo Wabo Cantina’s 15th anniversary, are shared. His social media presence is vibrant, with over 1 million followers on Facebook, where he posts about projects like the expanded edition of Van Halen’s For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. On Instagram, Hagar shares personal moments and performance clips, while his X account offers throwbacks, like a 2017 post recalling a 1997 medley of "Marching to Mars" and "There’s Only One Way to Rock" at Cabo Wabo Cantina. Fan communities thrive online, including the Official Sammy Hagar Redheads Facebook group, where fans discuss his music and share concert experiences. Another fan hub, Red Rocker Community, on his official site, connects Zoo Freaks and Redheads worldwide, celebrating Hagar’s legacy.