This Planet's on Fire (Burn in Hell)

"This Planet's on Fire (Burn in Hell)" from Sammy Hagar's 1979 album Street Machine is a high-energy rock anthem that captures the frenetic pace of modern life with lyrics like "Canceled flights, limousines, Hustle bustles, crazy scenes." The song was later covered by Megadeth for their 2022 album The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!, with Hagar himself providing guest vocals. In a 2022 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Megadeth's Dave Mustaine revealed he initially asked Hagar to contribute both vocals and guitar, but Hagar declined to play guitar, humbly stating, "I ain't playing guitar because I heard you two shredders and you just leave the stuff like it is." Mustaine noted he was flattered by Hagar's respect for his guitar work, highlighting Hagar's reputation as a skilled guitarist in his own right.

The track, written solely by Hagar, reflects his knack for crafting hard-hitting rock with a rebellious edge. On his official website, redrocker.com, a fan comment describes it as one of Hagar's favorite jams, emphasizing its enduring appeal among his audience. The song's raw energy stems from Hagar's self-production on Street Machine, his first album without producer John Carter, who had pushed for more pop-oriented hits. Hagar shared in his 2011 memoir, Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock, that he was already headlining shows in the Bay Area for promoter Bill Graham, but struggled to get radio play, making songs like "This Planet's on Fire" a bold statement of his heavy metal roots.

Sammy Hagar, born Samuel Roy Hagar on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California, kicked off his music career in the late 1960s after abandoning a brief stint as a boxer. He performed with various California bands, including Skinny, the Fabulous Catillas, Justice Brothers, and Dust Cloud, building a solid reputation in the local hard rock scene. His big break came in 1973 when guitarist Ronnie Montrose invited him to join the band Montrose. Hagar recorded two albums with Montrose, including their debut featuring the track "Bad Motor Scooter," which he wrote. After creative differences with Montrose led to his departure, Hagar launched his solo career in 1976, taking bassist Bill Church with him. His self-titled "red album" went gold, cementing his nickname, "The Red Rocker."

Hagar's career soared with hits like "I Can't Drive 55" in 1984 and his tenure as Van Halen's lead vocalist from 1985 to 1996 and 2003 to 2005. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of Van Halen, he has amassed 25 platinum albums and sold over 50 million records worldwide. Beyond music, Hagar is a savvy entrepreneur, founding the Cabo Wabo Cantina and Tequila brand, and a philanthropist through the Hagar Family Foundation, focused on children's causes and hunger relief. His official website, redrocker.com, offers fans tour dates, news, and merchandise, while his social media presence keeps the Zoo Freaks connected.

Fans can follow Hagar on his official Facebook page, which boasts over 1 million likes and shares updates like the expanded edition of Van Halen's For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. His Instagram account provides glimpses into his performances and personal life, while his X account engages fans with real-time posts about tours and projects. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive on platforms like the Official Sammy Hagar Redheads Facebook group, where fans discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate his legacy. Another fan site, sammyhagar.com, offers a hub for news and fan interactions, keeping the spirit of "This Planet's on Fire" burning bright.