Love Walks In

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as we spin the cosmic sounds of Van Halen's "Love Walks In" from their 1986 album 5150. This power ballad, the third single from the album, hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart. What's wild about this track? It's not just a love song—it's about aliens! Sammy Hagar, the song's writer and Van Halen's lead singer at the time, revealed in interviews that the lyrics were inspired by his belief in extraterrestrial encounters. He claimed to have been contacted by aliens multiple times, even experiencing a moment where they "downloaded" his brain information when he was around 19 or 20. Hagar told Guitar World, "I'm a firm believer—have seen, have felt, have been contacted three or four different times." He wrote the lyrics on the spot one night after Eddie Van Halen played a piano riff that gave him goosebumps, recording the vocals live with a handheld mic, which made it onto the final track.

Another cool tidbit comes from Hagar's 2024 X post, where he shared that "Love Walks In" was inspired by automatic writing and referenced Ruth Montgomery, a journalist known for her books on extraterrestrial communication. Hagar mentioned this in a three-part story time series, diving deep into the song's otherworldly origins. The recording process was spontaneous—Hagar sang backup vocals, and the rest of the band overdubbed their parts later. Fans on Reddit have mixed feelings, with some loving the keyboard-driven ballad for its nostalgic '80s vibe, while others found it too soft compared to the band's earlier, harder-edged sound. One fan on Songfacts called Hagar's vocals "sublime," noting the background harmonies still give them goosebumps. The music video, directed by Daniel Kleinman, captures the band performing live, with Hagar's energy hyping up an enthusiastic crowd.

Now, let’s rewind to how Van Halen got their start. Formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973, the band was built around the virtuosic guitar skills of Eddie Van Halen and the drumming of his brother, Alex Van Halen. The original lineup included lead vocalist David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. They honed their craft playing backyard parties and local clubs, blending hard rock with a flair for showmanship. Their big break came in 1977 when producer Ted Templeman caught their set at the Starwood Club and signed them to Warner Bros. Records. Their self-titled debut album in 1978, featuring hits like "Runnin' with the Devil" and "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love," sold over 10 million copies in the U.S., earning Diamond certification. Eddie’s innovative guitar techniques, like two-handed tapping, set them apart, while Roth’s flamboyant stage presence made their live shows legendary. By 1985, Roth left for a solo career, and Sammy Hagar, formerly of Montrose, joined after a chance meeting with Eddie through a mutual car mechanic. This "Van Hagar" era, starting with 5150, brought a more melodic, keyboard-heavy sound, broadening their audience.

Stay connected with Van Halen through their official website and official social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Sammy Hagar keeps the flame alive on his website and socials: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at Van Halen News Desk, a dedicated fan site with news, interviews, and trivia. Join discussions on the Van Halen Fans Facebook group or the r/vanhalen Reddit community, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band’s epic legacy. Keep rocking, and let "Love Walks In" take you to the stars!