Right Now

The Zoo Crew is spinning Van Halen's iconic track "Right Now" from their 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song has some fascinating stories behind it. According to a podcast by Eric Senich on the Van Halen News Desk, "Right Now" originated from an Eddie Van Halen composition initially intended for a 1984 film soundtrack, showcasing his knack for crafting memorable melodies. Sammy Hagar, the band’s lead vocalist at the time, shared in a German Wikipedia entry that he wrote the lyrics, but Eddie struggled to find the right music until Hagar heard him playing a piano melody one day. Hagar instantly knew it was perfect, despite Eddie mentioning he’d played it for him back in 1988 for OU812, only for Hagar to dismiss it then. This happy accident gave birth to a song that won the 1992 MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, cementing its cultural impact.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s production. The Van Halen News Desk notes that the opening drill sound in "Poundcake," another track from the album, was a spontaneous addition, and a similar experimental vibe carried into "Right Now." The song’s piano-driven intro, a departure from Van Halen’s guitar-heavy roots, was a bold move that paid off, with its anthemic chorus resonating with fans. Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, in a 2024 VHND post, praised the album’s remastered sound, with Hagar calling For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge possibly their greatest record song-for-song. The track’s enduring popularity is evident, as Hagar and Anthony still perform it live with their band The Circle, as highlighted in a 2019 X post by @sammyhagar.

Van Halen’s journey to rock stardom began in Pasadena, California, in 1972, when brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in the Netherlands, formed the band originally called Mammoth. According to Wikipedia, they recruited bassist Michael Anthony and charismatic frontman David Lee Roth, renaming the group Van Halen by 1974. Their early years were spent honing their craft in local clubs, with Eddie’s virtuosic guitar playing and Roth’s flamboyant stage presence drawing crowds. Their 1978 self-titled debut album, featuring hits like "Runnin’ with the Devil," exploded onto the scene, selling over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone and establishing them as hard rock pioneers. After Roth’s departure in 1985, Sammy Hagar joined, ushering in a new era with chart-topping albums like 5150 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, where "Right Now" became a standout.

Fans can stay connected with Van Halen through their official website, which offers news, merchandise, and tour info. Their social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where updates about releases like the 2024 Expanded Edition of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge are shared. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Van Halen News Desk is a go-to fan site with detailed articles and podcasts. Fans can also join the Van Halen Fans Facebook group to connect with others, share stories, and celebrate the band’s legacy. Whether you’re rocking out to "Right Now" or exploring their discography, Van Halen’s music continues to electrify audiences worldwide.