Why Legendary Band LENT This Game-Changer Song to the WORST Soft Drink Ever! | Professor Of Rock
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- čas přidán 18. 01. 2023
- Up next an interview with one of the greatest rock vocalists ever Sammy Hagar on a song that changed everything. Right Now by Van Halen. After joining of the the mighty Van Halen and having back to back #1 albums with 5150 and 0U812, the band needed to evolve with the changing times. Sammy had the lyrics to this song in his head for months but his cowriter Eddie Van Halen wasn’t on board. one night Sammy was playing video games and heard Eddie playing something on the piano instead of the guitar … the Red Rocker walked in and started singing his lyrics over the piano figure and the game changing song was born. It had a legendary music video to go along with it, but the Sammy HATED it until he didn’t;. they put it in on an album he wanted to call the F word. Sammy tells the story in this exclusive interview coming up on Professor Of Rock.
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In 1991 Van Halen released For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Their third album with Sammy Hagar at the helm and their first album of the 90s. Famed producer Ted Templeman came back in to produce, something he hadn’t done since the album 1984. Van Halen had Foreigner’s Mick Jones and Don Landee behind the console for 1986’s 5150 and Landee again on 1988’s 0u812.
Ted was a welcome addition…after their first producer Andy Johns had some issues. Johns had quite a history having worked with everyone from the stones to zeppelin. but Templemen helped get it finished. Van Halen was coming off of two straight #1 albums since Sammy had come aboard and had continued to dominate the concert circuit with sold out shows across the nation. On 1988’s 0U812, the band had two big hits on the radio, as well as on MTV with the top 5 hit When It’s Love: and the bluesy classic Finish What Ya Started just missing the top 10 at #13. the First single off the album, the heaviest of the three was Black and Blue which went to #34 along with Feels so Good the other top 40 hit from the record,. All of those singles from 0u812 were about love and sex.
When Eddie and Sammy reconvened to prepare for the next album, they were looking to do something a little different. A different kind of truth if you will… The album title For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge actually came from Sammy who was thinking about the subject of censorship, with more and more albums at that time getting stickers with the Parental Advisory warning, the red rocker wanted to use a vulgarity as the title to challenge the status quo and was going all in, wanting to name the record, the f word.
Straight up. But as time went on he decided to change course from the very bold idea. He still did it, in a slightly different way. A friend of his, champion boxer Ray boom Boom Mancini told him the F word was an acronym for the phrase For UnLawful Carnal Knowledge, which is actually inaccurate as is the urban legend that it was an acronym for the phrase Fornicating under the consent of the king, from the middle ages. Anyway, the album title was more about an answer to the censor ship of the time than any urban legend and this is a video on Van Halen not the F Word. So moving on . - Zábava
Right Now we still miss Eddie VanHalen
No question.
A rock GOD. ❤
Yes we do.😢
Not at all actually.
@@zamiel3 so why did you even comment other than to be an asshole?
When I was in the Navy, we were producing a video featuring our F-14 squadron on USS Nimitz. We considered using U2s "Bullet the Blue Sky," but couldn't get permission. Van Halen was approached for using Right Now--and they said yes, right away. It was a great boost of morale to the crew!
I think Sammy is Pro Military while U2 clearly is not. I'd like to see that video, though. 😊
The Dreams/Blue Angels video is awesome. Always respected VH for allowing that.
Thank you Patrick for your service from a brother Navy veteran. USS Albany CG 10 Gaeta Italy 77 to 81.
@@fredupstairs8234 No doubt.
I was in a drug/alcohol rehab and this counselor asked us to name a song that we liked and why it was important to us. She would then play a short clip of the song off CZcams. I answered with "Right Now". I said it reminded me that I needed to stay sober Right Now.
Right Now was the song that prompted me to quit smoking and drinking. No other song had that kind of impact on my life. I grew up a Van Halen fan, but this song prompted me to change my work, my choices and my responsibilities. I looked at everything differently. Music should have this level of influence more often. We all need something to inspire us. This song inspires me.
I know what you mean! I feel super jazzed when that song plays….
Right now you are living your life to the fullest, sober. Right now people are believing in rock and roll and music is healing their mortal soul.
Thank u for sharing that. Good for u!
That is great 👍 I think along with video makes it more impactful as well!
That's funny. "Take your whiskey home" helped me quit.
Off topic, but I had the chance to talk to Sammy for a few minutes on an autograph night at the Tower Records on Columbus Ave. in San Francisco in late 2003. It was so great to see how friendly, down to earth and humble he is. I remain impressed to this day by that experience. 🙏
Thanks for sharing that Daniel... I've had the same experience.
Off topic also. Sammy Hagar's son is a fantastic artist and car builder that has NEVER drank or taken any drugs. To me that is one heck of a testament to being a good father. that seems almost impossible to do in that lifestyle and culture. Huge respect to him and his son.
That is great to hear; too many celebs/musicians are not, apparently. I'm not the biggest VH fan, but I actually like more Sammy songs than DLR songs!
He’s a great guy.
I never have meet Sammy but generally if you are a good judge of character. It would be hard for me to believe he isn’t a good person. All the years of interviews and award shows plus internet etc. He is a great guy plus someone commented about his son. I follow him on I believe Instagram and he has always seemed the same. His son has actually made comments back to me . I was vacating in Florida a few years back and had bought a bottle of Sammys tequila. I am fairly sure it was before Sammy sold Company. I told Sammy’s son I was helping him and his dad with dividend checks. Meaning I had bought a bottle on vacation. I don’t remember his response but he made a very nice comment. Seem to be great people.
I have enormous respect for Sammy, he has soul. He has heart and integrity and a great dash of good natured mischief. He bought that to VH and its good he did.
I saw Van Halen at the Pepsi Center in the early 2000s. When they played this song, the entire stadium was in an uproar. At one point in the concert, Sammy was actually singing while sitting on the stage, signing autographs and he never skipped a beat! I was so jazzed, I came into work the next day wearing the t-shirt I bought which stated "Van Halen" (front) "Kicks Ass!" (Back) and was just bouncing off of the hallway walls, exclaiming, "That concert was f***ing AWESOME!" That high lasted for days! One of the best days in my life and I still have that t-shirt!!!
The pepsi center! How appropriate!
Wow, not many people can pull off what he did.
I was at that concert too! A friend of mine came from out of state to see that show with me in Denver.
just an observation but.. one of the 5150 concert T-shirts sold at the venue(s) was exactly as you described. that was '86..
czcams.com/video/U5-Jkkgj70M/video.html Crystal Pepsi. Gross.
Back in the day, Van Halen was my favorite BAND. Sammy was my favorite SOLO artist. When they joined forces? LITERALLY the best of both worlds for this music fan...I loved it ALL.
It’s not always popular to say this but when Sammy joined up with VH, that’s when they started putting out songs that became my favorites and it’s when I started buying their music. With Dav, sure that music was fun to jam with while cruising as a teen but with Sammy, it was the best quality of lyrics and music. I just think Eddie and Sammy created magic together! During those years, Sammys voice was prime!
He took the band to soaring heights.
I've always preferred the Sammy era
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 - VH was already huge. VH1 and 1984 sold over 20M copies each. No VH Hagar album sniffed that. Tho i do like the Hagar years they were never as good as the Roth years. They were more commercial and you heard them on the radio more but they didn't sell more nor were as big.
Nah… It was better with David Lee Roth. Deep down inside you know that. 😂
@@brianstrutter1501 Not sure where you're getting 1984 sold 20M copies. If you look at the sales certifications, 1984 sold 11,775,305 copies and Van Halen "I" sold 11,858,000 copies. Those are the top 2 albums in sales from VH. Number 3 is 5150 (6,896,397 copies).
Gotta love both eras of VH. Nothing but great music and some of the most iconic guitar playing.
Agree 110%
Team Eddie! 🎸
Your are correct!
I've always been a fan of both versions of Van Halen. Grew up loving the wild early side, then loved the new but still with a touch of wild sound Sammy brought in.
There's this great debate about David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar and who was better. Their styles were both very different, yet both very Van Halen. You can't even compare one to the other, or say one was better.
I saw Sammy at the Eddie Money tribute concert in Los Angeles in 2020; he was having the time of his life. He looks so comfortable, so genuinely happy to be doing what he does. I grew up in the Bay Area, where Sammy lives, and locals share stories about how friendly he is and the great stories he shares. He's truly one of the best rock stars of all time. Van Hagar created some incredible music.
That was an amazing show! I was also there. Sad that E$ is gone still, but happy to see his friends get together
I was at that gig! George T’Good was awesomw - Money
Mike Wazz showed up he knows Eddie Money was legit
Sammy Hagar , is the real deal. Seen him at winterland with Montrose. Solo shows before Van Halen . 5150 tour at the cow Palace. And then Rapid City, South Dakota. I think 1999. Sammy, in my opinion is one of the great rock and roll voices. And a damn good guitar player.
Get on your bad motor scooter and ride !!!
He can’t drive 55! 🎶
I saw the cow palace show when Sammy gave out the phone number to a music critic that was bashing him. I lived in the Bay area from 84 to 94 and saw alot of shows at the moo.
This song is still incredibly relevant today. As you said, Prof, the world needs a wake-up moment. But on a personal level, several of my friends and I have been talking a lot about our inability to live in the moment. So many times we catch ourselves saying, "If I can just get through this winter/theholidays/this year/fill in the blank, then I'll be okay." We spend so much time looking to the future for peace or happiness, we miss the moments of joy and calm in our lives RIGHT NOW. Thanks for another great video!
I look at these 2 songs as "Dreams" as what could be, and "Right Now" as what is and Eddie will always be an incredible human being alive or in spirit Rock In Peace EDWARD 😢
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??! I LOVE this song, we listened to it for wrestling practice in middle school, it's been on my short list for most of my life. One of the best guitar solos ever recorded, in my top ten for sure. But no one ever talks about it!! SO glad you did a video on it, even with Sammy! Thanks, guys 👍👍❤️
One of their best for sure, Sammy's sentimental soul glides right in with Eddie's sentimental playing. The perfect blend.
Professor, I LOVE this channel. I will be 53, actually here in a few days. The stories you cover, are right in my wheelhouse.
Your videos, feel like I am sitting with a friend talking about these subjects. And as a drummer myself, who spent alot of years in bands...this most DEFINITELY is something that I like to discuss/debate/talk shit (😀) about.
Thank you for your hard work you do, to bring us these gems!
From one 80's kid to another....continued success brotha!! 🤘❤🤘
I agree
Hoping for the happiest of birthdays 🥳
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 ❤😀❤
Amen. A-men.
Sammy is such a nice guy and a gentleman. I, for one, appreciate both eras of Van Halen. I enjoy Sammy Hagar's Rock And Roll Road Trip Show. He still looks good for his age and his vocals are top notch. You can tell he is having so much fun and enjoying life. You can tell at this point in life Sammy has no feet on the brakes and both feet on the gas. Another top notch interview.
Well said!
Of course Sammy has no feet on the brakes and both feet on the gas! He can't drive 55! 😄
@@ProfessorofRock I always love the shirts you wear, but you outdid yourself this time; Red Rocker 55?! YEAH!
@@LazyIRanch 🙂
Sammy looks fantastic for his age! This man is 75 years old, looks younger than me and I'm only 61.
It's really a standout for them. Mature subject, a song with an urgency and positivity that was able to stand up through the (much-needed) Grunge hurricane. Even if taken in the hokiest way, its earnestness helps it endure. A nice combination of musical craft on both piano and guitar for EVH, too.
Right Now to me is a perfect song. Great intro and melody, meaningful lyrics, awesome solo…just an all around terrific song construct.
Sammy was the perfect company for Eddie when Eddie decided to go deeper into songwriting. Sammy had the vocal capacity, the musical appreciation, and the capacity to write deep and meaningful lyrics when the job called for. Songs like Dreams, 5150, and Mine All Mine were precursors to his excellent lyrics on For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. He is one of my favorite living human beings on this planet.
He’s very legendary.
Same
Dave is the better songwriter . Sam is a better pop songwriter . He helped Van Halen transform into Journey 2.0
Dave’s exit was Eddie’s musical liberation. The Wildlife soundtrack was the first sign. Second sign was Eddie looking for a “singer” who could match this new layered and sophisticated music-not a Dave 2.0 who tried to mask Eddie’s intentions with vaudevillian banter. Sammy appreciated Eddie’s genius and complemented him.
@@gokhanersan8561 until it went to Sammys head and started trying to boss Eddie around
In my opinion, this is the best song lyrically that Sammy Hagar ever wrote. I am a huge fan. Have seen him live several times and have most of his records. The video makes it even more impactful!
I appreciate you giving this song the credit deserves
Amazing how often legendary songs don't crack the Billboard Top 40.
"Beautiful Girls" only reached #84 in 1979. "Hot for Teacher" peaked at #56 in 1984. "Hot for Teacher" in particular was one of MTVs most popular videos ever, and obviously an incredible song.
True!
I LOVE that video. It’s a masterpiece, and a reminder to those out there: Look beyond the Hot 100.
That just goes to show the pop music world always had a strong resistance to rock! Look at all the stellar rock artists that had no top 40 hits, or just one or two.
Jethro Tull, still criminally snubbed by the HoF, and only had 2 top 40 hits (Living in the Past & Bungle in the Jungle, #11 & #12, respectively). Yet, two of their arguably most well-known songs, Aqualung & Thick as a Brick, never made the Hot 100 at all!
Thin Lizzy only charted on the entire Hot 100 twice: The Boys Are Back in Town went all the way to #12, yet their only other song to chart was Cowboy Song, which peaked at a paltry #77. But in the UK, they had a string of hit singles, and more than one top 10!
Rush only made top 40 with New World Man (#21), but their iconic Tom Sawyer (#44), Spirit of Radio (#51) & Limelight (#55) did not! Rush was such a popular band - especially throughout the 80s - that all of these, and a few more, should’ve charted higher, some MUCH higher!
Emerson, Lake & Palmer had a half dozen top 10 albums, but only managed to crack the top 40 with one single, From the Beginning (#39). Not their iconic Lucky Man (at least it came close, at #48) or Karn Evil 9.
Any rock fan worth his salt knows Jimi Hendrix had a huge catalog of stellar music, some of which was still being released well past his death. But if you went exclusively by the pop chart, you’d think he was a one-hit-wonder, as only his cover of Bob Dylan’s All Along the Watchtower reached top 40, peaking at #20! No Purple Haze, no Voodoo Chile, no Wind Cries Mary, I could go on and on.
Finally, bands like Black Sabbath never had a hit single, but had several great songs that became classics on rock radio, were completely ignored by top 40. Likewise, Ozzy’s solo career just grew bigger and bigger throughout the 80s & 90s, but he only managed one hit as a solo artist, Mama, I’m Coming Home (#28), and a duet with Lita Ford (on HER album, not an Ozzy album, Close My Eyes Forever, #8). But not Crazy Train or I Don’t Know or Flying High Again or Over the Mountain! Nothing featuring Randy Rhoads! I wonder if Ozzy’s followup singles after Randy passed would’ve been more successful, had he not died. I think probably not.
I could go on and on with rock’s under-representation on the singles chart.
Fitting that Sammy and Michael played it as a tribute to Eddie at a show right after his death. For an intro Sammy asked for a moment of silence right before.
Did they get actual silence?
@@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812 absolutely
the video took on new meaning for me in the mid 1990s..i had moved away from home and was miserable..the shot of the old lady kissing and waving to the camera with the words 'right now your parents miss you' made me cry. i really was missing the safety and security of having them close-by (i wasnt living at home prior to the disastrous move, but was still in the same area).
whenever i watched MTV back in the day i would switch the channel as soon as eddie's piano opening hit...it was too emotional. and now 30 years on, with both of my parents gone forever, it's still too much.
And the guy holding up the food sign!
Refreshing song as it diverted from the norm with VH. Some hard core VH rockers had issues with it, just like some did with the move from DLR to Sammy, but I liked the evolving and maturing of the band- especially Eddie. He, and Sting, Benatar, and Steve Perry for example all moved toward mature, refined songs as they (and I) moved through adulthood.... And Sammy is still doing it with his excellent song "Father Time." Good show, PoR!
You'r exactly right. I need to do a piece on the Perry album ...love of strange medicine. Interesting stuff.
Gary Cherone is never remembered.
Poor Gary.
@@ProfessorofRock I remember being slightly disappointed with the FTLOSM album when it came out in '94 (too many slower tunes for me), but the title song is epic, and stands up there with the other great SP solo and Journey songs.
@@ProfessorofRock ... Any time VanHalen comes up, it makes me sad that Eddie had to go so soon. We're fortunate that he worked so much, for so long, that we have the memories that span those years. Just wish he could have kicked back and relaxed a while before the finale.
I love how they tried a new style with Right Now.
The album, “Balance” was my favorite Van Hagar album. There was amazing guitar playing, deep meaningful tunes & stuff that would rip your face off.
Honestly it's my least favorite with Sammy. It's too dry sounding for me. It has some killer songs though.
@@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812 Too dry sounding? There's so much production on that album that you could go swimming in it.
I was around 3 the first time I heard it on MTV... It's one of the first songs to grab into my little soul because I was barely learning how to speak Portuguese, my native language, but I screamed "waiiiittt noouuuu" around the house for hours... Omg, my mom will tell this song over and over again, cause she thinks it was hilarious... I would also play air piano on the TV rack every single time it started playing... And still one of the most beautiful video clips I've ever seen!
'Right Now' the whole world continues to mourn Eddie Van Halen.
You got that right!
He is IMMORTAL. No one will ever forget him.
Yep...my childhood favorite musician from 78 to 85.
Eddie Van Halen was a brilliant musician and wrote the music to the youth of millions of people. I feel so fortunate to have their music in my life. Van Halen was simply the best!
So true. Thank bill.
One of the greatest men to pick up a guitar.
For me as well and would put Van Halen top 3 bands of all time. Possibly for me #1. Both eras I have no problem. Know we have no VH anymore which sucks. RIP EVH
There are so many thoughts and memories that come up when hearing this song. Watching this video and reading some of the comments really helps to put some things in perspective. For me, Van Halen was two different bands...with the same name, and I was a big fan of both, just like Black Sabbath. The change from Dave to Sammy mirrored my life in some ways, Dave was the teenage party time, and Sammy was the time to grow up and get serious time. Maybe if I wasn't already a Hagar fan or Dave hadn't recorded "Eat em and Smile" I would not have been as receptive...but "the rest is history" for me. After leaving VH, Sammy put together "Marching To Mars" which is not only a top three solo album, but reassured Eddie and the world that Sammy doesn't need anyone. What an incredible career he's had and should be in the hall of fame as a solo artist. The decision to grant use of "Right Now" by Pepsi was a good one in hindsight because how many "new" fans were potentially reached by those commercials. On a personal side note...I never knew the album was released on my 21st birthday which adds some meaning for me.
One of a long list of great songs from one of the greatest bands in rock music. To be able to create a song that is so inspiring, compelling and moving takes a lot of talent and authenticity...and the fact that VH did that more than once??? Well, that's just a testament to their greatness.
This album takes me back as it was the first concert I ever saw. It was at the Nassau Coliseum, NY. My friends and I had seats up behind the stage and every now and then the guys in the band would run up along a catwalk and give us some attention. We were standing on the edge of the wall of our section in plain site and during “When it’s love” Michael Anthony points right at us when Sammy sang “You look at every face in a crowd”. Definitely the best part of the night and a memory I still have to this day. I’m a huge VH fan of both eras, but Sammy reminds me of high school and it’s such great nostalgia! Thanks for this video!
“Right Now” is my favorite song of all time. Thanks Professor.
I used to jam to Sammy Hagar when I was a kid still jamming to Sammy Hagar, I watch when he interviews other artists from all genres, he seems like really down to earth guy
5150 to me is just one of their best. Sammy Hager really added so much more to the band including his voice, and he could play guitar! I would pick this over 1984, or even their debut album for that matter.
I agree. Best for me too.
I agree. Roth is a showman. Hagar is a musician and showman. I enjoyed Van Halen’s music with Roth, but Hagar added something that was missing. I’ve seen VH fronted by both and, I may be in the minority, but I preferred VH live with Sammy. I never got into Roth’s ramblings on stage. I guess I matured along with Van Halen and enjoyed how they matured. For me, Roth was perfect for me as a teenager and Sammy fit better as I got older. I’ve had the good fortune to meet both Sammy and Dave. They really show the difference of maturity the band showed. Dave loved to talk about himself. Don’t get me wrong. He was very interesting. Sammy asked me a lot about me and what I was doing. He told a few stories, but always made me feel like I was part of the conversation, not just listening to a monologue.
5150 was not just an album but it was a monumental pop culture touchstone.
I love the guitar solo. Still gives me goosebumps . One of Eddie’s best. It’s a mini masterpiece within the song .
Layering sparse power chords on top of piano was pure genius. The piano still comes through but overdriven chords give the song rock cred. No one accused them of becoming a synth pop band. (They had other songs for that.)
IMHO, this was your most meaningful episode. Sammy is one of the best pure rock voices of all time. Not to mention a guitar maestro as well. Time always changes people and things and hindsight points out our flaws and missed opportunities. Take the time, "Right Now!" to Love harder to Forgive more and Appreciate whatever Time we have left on our Sojourns through this world. Peace to you ALL!
I am so proud and fortunate to say my first concert was Sammy Hagar. I love Sammy's entire career, and at 33 years old his music has been a part of my entire life. Runaround and Poundcake have always been top pump up songs for me. I'll always remember blasting Dreams when I got my Power Rangers Movie Soundtrack cassette. Professor of Rock does it again! This is THE premier music channel.
Van Hagar is awesome!!!
I would assume you have listen to the first Montrose album. Sammy was the front man and what a killer album that is.
Re your profile name, did you see INXS in concert too? I did, wonderful experience!
@@littlecatfeet9064 My biggest musical regret is not seeing them. I was 8 when Michael passed away, so I never had a fair shot. I was essentially born 20 years late, as my musical taste is that of someone who was born in 69 not 89.
Same... 3 Lock Box tour, Billings, MT... 1983 maybe?
I got cold chills when you said Sammy walked into the room where Eddie was playing, it’s amazing how songs are created ❤
Runaround is one of the greatest songs ever written, But I love that album, it's immense
Right now, I'm tearing up because today is my Youngest's birthday, in four days it would have been her mom's 54th, and soon, it'll be four years since she passed away, leaving only me to be the parent to two young adult kids, and then you had to post a shot of "Right now, your parents miss you." Kind of the opposite but the sentiment's the same.
We needed this segment "Right Now" :-) Lifelong Van Halen fan and yes, this was a game changer. Saw Van Halen twice in concert. It was just amazing to watch Eddie play any instrument. Was there anything Eddie's fingers could not do? The perfect VH mash for me would be "Right Now" and "Dreams" I crank up both every time I hear them. "Dreams" is the better of the two. Truly inspirational. Another great segment Adam, Thanks. The Red Rocker jersey looked great also.
He was a phenomenal guitarist.
I can't help but appreciate the evolving narrative that Sammy provides for so many of the historical elements of Van Halen history. His narrative is constantly updated based on how he sees the events through the lens of maturity.
I enjoy watching him tell stories a lot.
Roth is great for their start but Hagar created an evolution for them.
@@Thomasmemoryscentral Evolution and Revolution. They were a much better band with Sammy no matter what the DLR fans say.
@@WickedPrince3D truth! Roth was a novelty act & Sammy was a real musician/frontman & singer
to put it another way, as my late father used to say, Never let the truth ruin a good story.
"Right Now" is definitely one of the band's best songs and deserving of it's accolades and awards. However, it wasn't one of my personal favorite VH songs. It wasn't even my favorite song on that album, to be truthful. But, I was happy to see Van Hagar finally being taken seriously, so yeah. Good video! Enjoyed the interview. :)
Michael Anthony bass runs on
Pleasure Dome,,,👌🏆
How can you not like Sammy Hagar's voice,,,
Mr. Professor, your commentary is absolutely spot on. Thank you for articulating exactly what I have felt about this epic song for the past 4 decades. The level of inspiration and intensity this song projects is extremely rare and powerful. People need songs like this to give them the energetic nudge to pick themselves up and go for the gold and kick depression and negativity to the curb.
Awesome Professor! Loved Sammy with Montrose! Loved Sammy solo! And loved Sammy with Vanhalen! Hes always been one of my favorites! Awesome interview Professor! Thanks for keeping the music alive!
Love Sammy, great singer and guitar player and writer! Liked him in Montrose, solo with VH and what he’s been doing since (Chickenfoot). Don’t understand the big debate over the Sammy era and the Roth era of VH. I like both equally and yes they are different but both fantastic in their own right. Yelled at Mr. Hagar at a stop light in the SF EastBay while I was heading back home after Mt. Biking sev yrs ago. He was driving a red Ferrari with another long haired guy (couldn’t see his face) . I yelled Sammy!, and he gave me a thumbs up and off they went. Thanks for that personal memory Mr Hagar! Rock on!
It’s funny, I always thought he said “Right now, we’ll show them tomorrow!” Miss heard lyrics can be a trip!
Great song. Great storytelling. Van Halen was "my band" when I was coming of age in the mid 80s to early 90s. This song was definitely impactful to me for all of the reasons you mentioned. Thanks PoR for another great episode and making our music live on!
In my opinion, right up there as one of the greatest starts to any song, ever. The perfect balance between building and exploding.
Thanks for all your work! And for showing that emotion on such a meaningful thought, the world REALLY needs that right now!
Right Now was the song that immortalised the brilliant talent of this line up of Van Halen. Sammy Hagar had sadly not been given the recognition he deserved for his talent as a vocalist and song writer. Great episode.
My daughter is 19. My husband and I introduced her to Van Halen, mainly dlr. of course, jump is in several movies and a cartoon, despicable me. She was a fan at age 10. But by 15 years old, she got into Floyd. She declared she didn’t like VH or AC/DC anymore because the songs seem as if they were written by middle school boys. That’s when I played her a few SH songs and showed her videos. Higher, with the planes, plus others. She was hooked.
Yes, but she is to be commended for becoming a PF fan! Does she enjoy other prog bands, such as Yes, ELP, Genesis and perhaps even Kjng Crimson? And maybe even those who dabbled in prog, such as Rush, or Jethro Tull? IMHO, she needs to be able to appreciate the full spectrum of rock to understand how magnificent it really is!
Screwy, she is sorta-into the whole genre thing. We will go on a drive in the country and she is in charge of music. She will choose the genre, which she has cued in her phone. Anything from blues rock, to psychedelic, to prog, to alternative, post punk, folk rock, etc. She has come to re-appreciate the hair era of the 70/80s again, just not choosing the hormonal silly songs.
So yes to yes and all of that. Would moody blues be considered prog, cause that usually falls in there too?
So, I brag, can’t help it. It’s what moms do. She is freaking cool
Right Now is such an iconic song and the whole album is amazing. One song I’ve always been so intrigued about and would love to learn the back story of I’d Pleasure Dome. Musically it is absolutely amazing. Alex’s drum riffs are intense and again demonstrates what an incredible drummer he is. The bass line is solid and of course Eddie shreds. Can you do a video on the origins of this song?
Right Now has always been one of my favorite Van Halen songs!
It's as if it was meant to be by the song and voice coming together the way it did. Packed with a message you can't deny. It grabs you and forces you to sit up and listen. Eddy and Sammy are amazing on this!! Love it!! Thank you Professor!! ❤️
My favorite is Pound Cake. Talk about energy!
I always liked Hagar with Van Halen.
Van Halen is great either way
Great voice with that guitar.
You're so right.
Me too 😊
He was a perfect fit.
Sammy would later have his F-bomb album, "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge." 😂
THat's what the show is about! Thanks Bill.
I keep imagining “F**k Unlawful Carnal Knowledge”. 😧
As per usual YOU rock this discussion man!
This is the first album I walked into a music store and bought with my own money. I still love it to this day.
Right Now, is in my Running Music Playlist. It is the highest honor that I can give a song.
Van Halen had a lot of great songs. I never understood the pointless debate about Hagar v Lee Roth. Jump is one of the most astonishing records released and sounds so fresh today almost 40 years later. A great radio song or on any good music speakers. Can't Stop Loving You is one of their best tracks in my opinion, and the video is very moving. Great guitar work as usual. They did well in Britain but not as much as might have been expected given how huge they were in America.
I like both sides of the band.
Me too. Both were great assets to the band. But I do prefer Sammy’s solo work.
We were so lucky to have the The Mighty Van Halen here in America. Got to see them many times in all three incarnations. They were stellar to say the least. VH didn’t seem to focus as much on getting out of America and that’s a shame for the rest of the world.
I agree that both lead singer's have their own merits.
I remember when their first album came out in 78, it still sounds fresh today. Wore that tape out in my car in HS, until one day it was missing in my case.
Thanks for another excellent episode, Adam!
FunFact: guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert (Racer X, Mr. Big) was actually using a power drill in solos back in the late 80s. Lots of great clips here on 'The Tube!
Thanks for sharing.
Did you know you can get a similar sound by using a coffee grinder in conjunction with a guitar’s pickups?
He also uses it differently
Your research is simply amazing. Finding the links of snippets of music is really cool, especially the obscure ones like the soundtrack.
Dreams is my favorite Van Halen song and in my top 10 favorite songs of all time. Great video Adam
Sammy did the near-impossible. He replaced an iconic frontman in an already established and insanely popular band.
The only other person to do this is Brian Johnson with AC/DC in my lifetime.
I've been blessed to see Sammy many times. Sammy is in his 70s and when you see him live....he always BRINGS IT. He always starts his show with "at your service!!" and he truly is at our service! What an incredible performer!!!
Maybe Kelly Hanson with Foreigner?
He looks flawless for his age too.
Quite honestly, we need this song again. Thanks for the great review and bringing it back into the light! (not that it ever left) And yes, I sure do remember Crystal Pepsi. I can still remember the taste.
This is your best video yet, and earned my subscription. Thank you.
@15:30 Most rock critics like Elvis Costello because they look like Elvis Costello....what a brilliant quote!!!
Great interview, and VH is always one of the bands that has set the tone for music history. Every 80s headbanger wanted to play electric guitar like Eddie!
We all aspired to be Eddie in one form or another!
Interesting segment. Bands, like people need to grow and evolve to keep the creative spirit burning and this was an important step for VH. Your comments about music critics remind me of that classic joke: The music critic asks the musician "Do you want my opinion on your music?" The musician of course says "yes". The critic replies "it's worthless". The musician replies "I know. But tell me anyway." Thanks, Adam!
Thanks Robster. Love seeing you on here.
Brush off those critics!
What a tremendous song and video they made.. the kind that really knows how to hit you in the feels
This channel has not only shown me new music that I enjoy. But it has reminded me of the great songs that I forgot about
Van Halen's songs always did better than their position on the charts. Sammy did a great job in the band and on his own. Like many young men I watched TV to see Valerie and thought it was awesome when Eddie and Valerie married, wish it could have lasted for them. So cool to see you spend so much time with Sammy Haggar, he seems like he has matured and is just as awesome in concert.
Those vocals on Dreams tho!!!!!!!!😮😮😮
AWESOME video as usual. Your honesty and insight is amazing!
I agree with you man, it is one of the best Van Halen songs imo as well as one of my top 5 favorite rock songs of all time too. So powerful and meaningful. So glad you did a deep dive into its making.
For my money, the third one is the best of the Sammy Era. Thanks, professor. I needed to hear this. I have finally taken a step to improve my life and the life of my family. Something I should have done years ago. This song is great inspiration.
Thanks for watching Jimmy!
That is awesome to hear.
Loved the Hagar Era because I was right when I heard that Van Halen hired him, Sammy brought Wonderful ideas 💡 and killer guitar 🎸 playing where Dave just wanted everyone to focus on him, Sammy allowed the band to grow in every way. R.I.P. EVH.
The biggest difference...Dave was an entertainer while Sammy was a musician. Van Halen suddenly went from a party band, stumbling from gig to gig, playing half-assed renditions of their songs, to a damn fine live band. I love both eras of the band but these are simply the cold hard facts.
Get up get up… and make it work, make it work. .. there’s just a fire in me, that’s how I’ll always be…. Hold your head up high, look em in the eye, never say die…!” I never understood why it isn’t okay to have rock just inspire…. Doesn’t make it “lame” or “pop”…Been a couple years since I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Sammy live…. Incomparable pipes that guy has….
Fave DLR tune with VH: Ain't Talkin' About Love
Fave SH tune with VH: Why Can't This Be Love
Fave DLR solo tune: Damn Good Times
Fave SH solo tune: Mas Tequila
Both singers iconic in their own way. Thanks, Adam!
Agreed Fred!
All great ones.
I remember when he joined the band. We kept calling them Van Hagar and apparently they hated that. lol I never understood why, I thought it was a creative nickname. I liked Sammy as a solo artist but I wasn't sure about him joining Van Halen. He won me over though, they did really well together.
I liked the nickname!
I’m fine with some Van Hagar!
Isn't it ironic how the PMRC's attempt to censor music had quite the OPPOSITE effect? Those Parental Advisory stickers on albums worked more like a Good Housekeeping seal of approval! They certainly boosted sales of the targeted groups and songs.
It's so true. It def boosted sales!
...funny you mention that, Madonna, Janet, GNR, & MJ, were ALL being hit with PA stickers around that time, and they were placing them ON Jewel cases...that can be REPLACED! ...So much for getting the message out! ...ha-HAA!
@@RBS_The religious/ conservative right are not exactly renowned for their intelligence. Co-writer of Like a Virgin Billy Steinberg has said that they completely misunderstood the lyric which was not what they thought it was. He was serious in saying this, not tongue in cheek like The Shamen for instance, when they insisted E's are good meant Ebeneezer Good is a good person rather than how everyone else understood it as E's are good! ( to be clear, they are not). Religion often has an unerring knack of driving people away from it as well as boosting record sales in America in the 1980s!!
People only wanted more of these records.
"Beauty Professor"..
Great closing in your music & societal takes of today's landscape.
"Long Live Rock"...
PoR. I can't tell you the emmense joy I have felt and the memories I have relived from my 80s... The beginning of the 80s I was starting highschool and at the end of the 80s, I was in the Army, leaving Panama to become a Drill Sgt. Wow... Thank you for everything you do.
Thanks WEs. That means a lot.
Amazing.
Van Halen, whether you are on the original band fence or the VanHagar fence, or both / and - They were/are game changers and set the stage of rock that had to be heard, regardless of time, band members, or the changes within the industry... VH rocks...period...and Sammy is an amazing artist wherever he lands.
There was no weak spot during their tenure.
This song never would have gone anywhere without the video.
I VIVIDLY remember an interview with Sammy in the 90s, answering the Pepsi criticism. He said, "People don't understand how advertising works. They can get studio musicians to record the song and use it in the ads without our permission. We didn't want some studio musicians playing our music on TV, so we just let Pepsi use the song."
The Video was LIGHTS OUT>
I’m glad he was okay with that.
@@ProfessorofRock What do you mean? Van Halen don't have a song called "Lights Out." Peter Wolf does. The video song about the commercial was "Right Now."
One of my favorite bands of all time (granted bias to pre-Hagar). I’ve heard this song 100 thousand times, never thought about the lyrics. Thanks Prof!!
Awesome!!! Looking forward to this one. Sammy wasn't my favorite back in the 90s, but I've grown to appreciate the Red Rocker much more in my maturity. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge is a great album!! I'm gonna watch the vid, now..thanks, Professor!!!
Thanks for watching.!
@@ProfessorofRock almost to the end of the vid now. Really great stuff, man!! Thank you, thank you!! I look forward to seeing your vid pop up 6 out of 7 days of the week..and watch em even if it's not one of my favorite artists/songs. You make anything entertaining and knowledgeable, which I appreciate. Keep up the great work, I'll keep commenting and giving likes. Btw..I remember those Crystal Pepsi commercials, but do y'all remember the Crystal Gravy sketch from SnL??!!! Lol!!!
Sammy has always said Balance was the Van Halen album that was dark because the band was not getting along, and probably his lease favorite. But I've always said it was criminally underrated and the song " Take me Back (Deja Vu)" is a deep song. My favorite era was the Hagar/Van Halen era. Thanks for this great video Professor!
never put it together until this day the anacronym for the album title.......... learning so much from the Professor again..... and to this day still crank up all the VH albums from both eras.....
Aloha - This is my favorite Van Halen album because it hit the charts the year I entered high school and about 2 years into guitar lessons. I tried the drill on the guitar strings like Eddie did in the Poundcake video. Right Now was a good song that was quite complementary to the salient message of Grunge scene...almost a call to action rather than just complaining about all the "wrong" in the world and make a way for dreams and joy. Thanks for the interview.
Another huge inspirations for me was Eric Clapton's return to the top after the death of his son, journey to sober living, and release of his MTV Unplugged album. I would love to see you interview Mr. Clapton.
Proud to say VH with Sammy was the very first concert I brought my daughter to in Calgary Alberta. We cherish the memories.
Prof:
I believe the whole DLR/Van Hagar experience demonstrates that incorporating a great solo artist into a great band is more beneficial and welcomed than a frontman of a great band going solo.
I truly didn't know anything more about "Right Now" other than I loved the song.
Thanks for the awesome online liner notes, Professor! I am so jealous you got to talk with Sammy Hagar!
I felt the same as you, Adam, when I first heard the song. I bought the cassette single of it and really thought it was awesome, kinda like a bubblegum tune that doesn't lose its flavor on Billboard's bedpost overnight.
Great show, best to you!
That was great!!
Thank you!!
Subscribed!!
Had to rewatch the video. I remember the impact it made on me as a kid. Watching it reminded me so much of my school years. This song and the video really captured the spirit of that age.
One of my favorite VH songs, I am a big fan of Sammy and the lyrics and vocals on this song are amazing, and the piano and guitars are spot on.