Unchained

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you're tuned into THE ZOO, where the Zoo Crew is spinning the wildest tracks for all you free spirits out there! Right now, we've got the electrifying "Unchained" from Van Halen's 1981 album Fair Warning blasting through your speakers. This song is a straight-up rock anthem, and it's got some killer stories behind it. Did you know that David Lee Roth originally called this track "Hit the Ground Running"? That’s right, our man Diamond Dave had a vision of charging forward with no holds barred, and that energy is all over this tune. The song’s monster riff, cooked up by the legendary Eddie Van Halen, is drenched in the iconic MXR M-117 flanger effect, which sent guitar nerds rushing to music stores to cop that sound. Fun fact: the flanger’s popularity exploded because of this track, and there’s even a preset for it on the EVH Flanger MXR pedal!

Here’s a gem from the studio: during the recording of "Unchained", producer Ted Templeman stepped up to the mic for his one and only vocal cameo with Van Halen. You know that part where Dave goes, “Hey man, that suit is you! You’ll get some leg tonight for sure!”? Ted chimes in with, “Come on, Dave, gimme a break!” and Dave fires back, “One break, coming up!” That bit was born when Ted showed up to the studio in a sharp suit for a meeting, and Dave started riffing on him. Some say it was spontaneous, others think it was rehearsed, but either way, it’s a peek into the band’s playful vibe, even as tensions were brewing between Eddie and Dave. The story goes that Eddie was pushing for heavier, darker sounds on Fair Warning, while Dave leaned toward pop, so this album was a battleground of creative wills. Oh, and Rolling Stone readers voted "Unchained" as their favorite Van Halen song in a 2011 poll, beating out classics like "Jump" and "Hot for Teacher". That’s how much this track resonates with fans!

Let’s talk about how Van Halen came to be the rock gods they are. Formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973, the band was a powerhouse from the start, with brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in the Netherlands, bringing their musical chops to the table. Eddie was a guitar wizard, and Alex laid down thunderous drums. They teamed up with the charismatic showman David Lee Roth on vocals and Michael Anthony on bass, creating a lineup that would dominate the rock scene. The band started as a cover act, playing backyard parties and local bars under names like Genesis and Mammoth before settling on Van Halen. Their big break came when they caught the ear of Warner Bros. Records in 1977, thanks to gigs at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go. Their self-titled debut album in 1978, featuring tracks like "Runnin’ with the Devil" and "Eruption", sold over 10 million copies and changed rock forever with Eddie’s groundbreaking guitar work. By the time Fair Warning dropped in 1981, they were already one of the biggest bands in the world, known for their high-energy live shows and Eddie’s virtuosity.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with the legacy of Van Halen through their official channels. Check out their official website at vanhalenstore.com for merch and news. They’re active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where fans still share love for the band’s epic catalog. For the diehards, the Van Halen News Desk is a killer fan site with deep dives into the band’s history, and you can join the Van Halen Fans Facebook group to connect with fellow freaks who live for that classic Van Halen sound. There’s also the Dave & Dave Unchained podcast for all things Van Halen, covering the band and solo careers of its members. So crank up "Unchained", let loose, and keep rocking with the Zoo Crew!