Sammy Hagar: This Song Is Van Halen’s ‘Stairway To Heaven’

YouTube, @Van Halen.

While Led Zeppelin has recorded countless popular songs, most people would agree the band’s defining track is “Stairway to Heaven.” But what song is Van Halen’s “Stairway.” Former frontman Sammy Hagar has answered that question, and his response might not be what you’d expect.

The Red Rocker says his pick is “Right Now,” from the 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. “The funny thing about ‘Right Now’ is it’s like one of those songs like ‘Stairway to Heaven’ for Led Zeppelin,” Hagar says. “’Stairway to Heaven’ wasn’t, like, a number one single or anything. It wasn’t even really a single. But it becomes one of their biggest songs. I believe it peaked in the 20s – the video got great awards and won three MTV music awards and all that. But the song itself wasn’t a giant radio hit or anything.”

Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony agrees, saying he believes professional sports teams helped make the track popular. “All of a sudden, you had different sports – basketball, the Lakers – different sporting events would start playing bits of that song.”

 

Win!

Stay connected

 

Subscribe to The Bone's weekly eblast to get the latest on contests, events and exclusives from your favorite 107.7 personalities and artists.

Headlines

49ers thoughts as calendar turns

As the calendar turns to August, a new climb is underway in Santa Clara. Up off the mat come your 2024 San Francisco 49ers. Wounds, both physical and emotional, have healed and are healing. Opening kickoff is 40 days away, a six week crawl that may only be magnified by the perpetual mediocrity of the…

Listen to Soundwaves FM #118 – 5/18/24

Celebrating the Bay Area rock scene … past, present and future! Hosted by Dennis Willis. Originally broadcast on 107.7 The Bone on May 18, 2024 MUSICIANS – SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC HERE: https://www.1077thebone.com/soundwaves/ PLAYLIST: Destroy Boys – “Plucked” Earth Quake – “Everywhere I Go” Eric Martin Band – “Sucker for a Pretty Face” Swamphammer – “Voodoo…