What They Gonna Say Now

The Zoo Crew is spinning What They Gonna Say Now by Sammy Hagar from his 1987 album I Never Said Goodbye, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, closing out the album, has a soul-funk vibe that some critics, like those at mikeladano.com, compared to Van Halen’s Inside, noting it wasn’t quite strong enough to be a Van Halen cut. Interestingly, the song features Eddie Van Halen on bass, with his playing described as groove-focused but not flashy. In a 2012 interview with In The Studio for the album’s 25th anniversary, Sammy shared that the album was a contractual obligation to Geffen Records, recorded in just ten days as he transitioned to Van Halen, giving tracks like this one a raw, urgent energy.

Another tidbit about What They Gonna Say Now comes from its context within the album, which was initially titled Sammy Hagar before being renamed I Never Said Goodbye through an MTV contest. The contest winner, Kim Musgrove, suggested the title and was supposed to be credited, but her name didn’t make it into later pressings due to an oversight. Fans on Sammy’s official site have noted the album’s unique place in his discography, with Eddie’s bass work adding a special layer, though some, as mentioned in a blog review, felt the song was a weaker closer compared to hits like Give to Live. Sammy himself has called the album a snapshot of his shift from solo artist to Van Halen frontman, reflecting his versatility.

Sammy Hagar, born Samuel Roy Hagar on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California, kicked off his music career in the early 1970s. Known as The Red Rocker, he first gained fame as the lead singer of the hard rock band Montrose, where his songwriting shone on tracks like Bad Motor Scooter and Rock Candy. After clashing with band founder Ronnie Montrose, Sammy left after two albums and launched a solo career that took off with hits like I Can’t Drive 55 in 1984, as detailed in his Genius bio. His high-energy performances and knack for arena-rock anthems led to a string of gold records and packed tours. In 1985, after a chance connection through his Ferrari mechanic, Sammy joined Van Halen, replacing David Lee Roth and leading the band to chart-topping success with albums like 5150 and OU812. His time with Van Halen, along with his solo work, earned him a 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

You can keep up with Sammy Hagar through his official website, where he shares tour dates, news, and merch. He’s active on social media, posting about music and his ventures like Santo Tequila on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or Redheads as they’re called, gather at sites like Red Rocker, which hosts forums and fan content. There’s also a vibrant Redheads Rock Facebook group where fans share concert stories and celebrate Sammy’s music. For Van Halen-era nostalgia, check out the Van Hagar Instagram, co-run by Sammy and Michael Anthony, featuring rare footage and throwbacks.