Runaround

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Runaround" by Van Halen from their 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this hard-rocking classic! This track, one of four major singles from the album, captures the band's return to their guitar-driven roots, with Eddie Van Halen's electrifying riffs and Sammy Hagar's powerful vocals. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2021 post by Sammy Hagar on X, where he and bassist Michael Anthony reminisced about filming the "Runaround" music video for MTV's We're With The Band - BackStage with Van Halen 1991. The video shoot was a wild ride, showcasing the band's high-energy vibe and Hagar's charismatic stage presence, making it a fan favorite on MTV during the album's peak. The song itself, with its catchy chorus and blistering solo, was a staple on rock radio and a highlight of the band's F.U.C.K. 'n' Live tour, where fans went wild for its infectious energy.

Another cool tidbit about "Runaround" is its nostalgic pull for fans, as shared in reviews and fan discussions. On the fan site VHND.com, a reviewer recalled a hilarious memory of blasting "Runaround" from a car stereo while doing donuts in a parking lot, nearly getting arrested—an anecdote that captures the rebellious spirit of the era. The song's lyrics, described by fans on Return of Rock as clever and catchy, reflect Hagar's knack for crafting relatable, sing-along choruses that stuck with listeners. Interestingly, the album's production, overseen by Ted Templeman and Andy Johns, aimed to strip back the synth-heavy sound of prior albums, and "Runaround" exemplifies this raw, aggressive edge. Fans on the Van Halen Facebook page often cite it as a standout track that blends Sammy's vocal power with Eddie's innovative guitar work, cementing its place as a beloved piece of the Van Hagar legacy.

Van Halen began in Pasadena, California, in 1973, founded by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, sons of a Dutch musician and an Indonesian-born mother. The family had moved from Amsterdam to the U.S. in 1962, and the brothers' musical talents were evident early on. Initially called Genesis, then Mammoth, the band cycled through names and members, with Eddie handling both vocals and guitar in the early days. They recruited David Lee Roth as lead singer after renting his sound system for gigs, a move that saved cash and added Roth's flamboyant energy. Bassist Michael Anthony joined soon after, completing the classic lineup. Playing backyard parties and high school functions, they honed their explosive live performances, with Eddie's virtuosic guitar skills drawing crowds. By 1977, they signed with Warner Bros. Records, and their 1978 self-titled debut album, featuring hits like "Runnin' with the Devil," went Diamond, selling over 10 million copies. This launched them as hard rock pioneers, blending Eddie's technical brilliance with Roth's showmanship.

The band's journey wasn't without turbulence. Roth left in 1985, replaced by Sammy Hagar, formerly of Montrose, ushering in the Van Hagar era that produced For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Hagar's tenure brought four consecutive number-one albums, though some fans, loyal to Roth, debated the shift. The band later worked with Gary Cherone of Extreme before reuniting with both Hagar and Roth at different points. Van Halen's official website, vanhalen.com, offers tour archives, merch, and news, while their Facebook and Instagram accounts share throwback photos and fan engagement. On X, they post updates and tributes, especially to Eddie, who passed in 2020. Fans connect on sites like VHND.com and the Van Halen Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can dive into discussions, share tour stories, and celebrate the band's enduring legacy. Whether you're a Roth or Hagar devotee, Van Halen's music, like "Runaround," keeps the party rocking.