When It’s Love

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some sweet trivia about "When It’s Love" by Van Halen from their 1988 album OU812, spinning now on THE ZOO! This power ballad was the first song written and recorded for the album, as shared by Sammy Hagar on his YouTube channel, where he called it one of his all-time favorite love songs. It hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Mainstream Rock chart, becoming a staple at weddings, with countless fans telling Hagar they played it for their big day. Michael Anthony noted it was a blast to perform live, and Eddie Van Halen revealed in interviews that the guitar solo was a nod to Eric Clapton, showcasing his admiration for the legend. The music video, shot in a bar with the band under blue lights, was a grueling 12-hour shoot that left Hagar’s voice shot, but he still felt a spark with the actress featured, though he never got her name.

Another cool tidbit comes from the album’s production. Van Halen News Desk reported that "When It’s Love" started as a piano and drums demo by Eddie and Alex Van Halen, which the band fleshed out in the studio. The song’s catchy “na na na” outro, while loved by some, sparked debate among fans, with Reddit’s r/vanhalen community calling it everything from “corny” to “pure pop-rock perfection.” Posts on X, like one from @mitchlafon, praise Hagar’s spectacular vocal delivery and suggest OU812 deserves a remix and re-release. The song’s live performance in 1995, shared by Hagar to mark the album’s 35th anniversary, showed the band’s tight chemistry, with Anthony planting a playful kiss on Eddie’s cheek during the video shoot, a moment fans still talk about on VHLinks.com.

Now, let’s rewind to how Van Halen got started. Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, moved to Pasadena, California, in the 1960s with their jazz musician father, Jan, who sparked their love for music. Eddie initially played drums while Alex took guitar lessons, but they swapped instruments after Alex outplayed Eddie on a Surfaris track. As teens, they formed bands, playing backyard parties and high-school gigs, eventually hitting L.A. clubs like Whisky a Go Go. Joined by David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony, they honed their sound in the early 1970s. A demo funded by Gene Simmons of Kiss led to their 1978 debut album, Van Halen, which sold over 10 million copies, driven by Eddie’s groundbreaking guitar work on tracks like "Eruption". Their relentless touring, including opening for Black Sabbath, cemented their rise to rock stardom.

Stay connected with Van Halen through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at Van Halen News Desk or join discussions on VHLinks.com, a hub for Van Halen enthusiasts since 1999. The Van Halen Fans Facebook group is another spot where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band’s legacy. Keep rocking, freaks, and let’s keep the vinyl spinning!