Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy

The Zoo Crew is spinning Sammy Hagar’s “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” from his 1982 album Three Lock Box, and Zoo Freaks, this track’s got some wild stories behind it! In a December 2022 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Sammy revealed the song was inspired by Eddie Money’s hit “Think I’m in Love” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” Geffen Records’ head of promotions challenged Sammy to craft a Top 40 hit in that upbeat, catchy pop-rock vibe, promising to push it into the Top 10. Sammy delivered, and the song soared to #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, his highest-charting solo single. He’s noted it’s a fan favorite live, sparking the loudest singalongs and getting folks dancing. The track’s infectious energy, with its cheesy yet charming keyboards, captures a sweet, intense love story about a protagonist enamored by a partner who treats him like a child and pushes him to the edge.

Another cool tidbit comes from Sammy’s own posts on X. On November 29, 2019, he celebrated the 37th anniversary of Three Lock Box, highlighting “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” as his top-charting Top 40 solo hit. The song’s music video, featured in a throwback post from August 1, 2019, was a big deal during MTV’s early days, with Sammy performing it at a 1983 concert. Fans got a thrill in May 2023 when Sammy crashed a Las Vegas performance by the tribute band Three Lock Box, joining them for “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” and Montrose’s “Rock Candy” at the SOAK Pool at Palms. The band’s frontman, JC Martinez (aka Sin City Sammy), was floored, shouting to the crowd, “How often does this happen?”

Sammy Hagar, known as the Red Rocker, kicked off his career in the late 1960s, singing with various California bands like Skinny, the Fabulous Catillas, Justice Brothers, and Dust Cloud. Born in Salinas, California, he initially pursued boxing before music took over. His big break came in 1973 when Ronnie Montrose invited him to join the hard rock band Montrose, where he built a solid rep in the California scene. Montrose’s debut album, featuring hits like “Rock Candy,” laid the foundation for Sammy’s high-energy style. After leaving Montrose, he launched a solo career, with his self-titled “red album” going gold. By 1981, albums like Standing Hampton cemented his solo stardom, leading to Three Lock Box and his later role as Van Halen’s frontman from 1985 to 1996.

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into Sammy’s world through his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, music, and his latest ventures like Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and Santo Tequila. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. Fans also gather at the Red Rocker Community on his site and the Sammy Hagar Redheads Facebook group, where Redheads share their love for his music, from Montrose to The Circle. The tribute band Three Lock Box also has a site for fans craving that live Sammy vibe.