Behind The Song: Why Van Halen Took Their Time with “Right Now”
Podcast Information:
- Title: Behind The Song
- Host: Janda Lane, The Drive | Hubbard Radio
- Episode: Why Van Halen took their time with “Right Now”
- Release Date: January 11, 2023
In this captivating episode of Behind The Song, host Janda Lane delves deep into the creation and legacy of Van Halen's iconic track “Right Now,” exploring the intricate processes, personal struggles, and creative decisions that shaped its development and enduring impact.
1. The Evolution of Van Halen Post-David Lee Roth
Janda begins by setting the stage for the band's transformation following the departure of their charismatic frontman, David Lee Roth, in 1985. The remaining members—Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Michael Anthony—faced a pivotal moment in their career, grappling with whether to continue without their original lead vocalist.
"By 1991, this era of Van Halen had silenced critics and fans who wondered how the band would work after the 1985 departure of David Lee Roth." [02:30]
Enter Sammy Hagar, formerly of Montrose, whose recruitment was serendipitously orchestrated by the band's mechanic, Claudio Zampoli. Hagar's seamless integration was fueled by shared passions, particularly for sports cars, and his proven success as a solo artist.
"Van Halen fans can thank that mechanic, Claudio Zampoli, for his help getting the Red Rocker in the band." [04:15]
Hagar's arrival marked a new chapter for Van Halen, bringing a fresh dynamic that resonated in subsequent albums like 5150 and OU812, both of which soared to number one on the charts.
2. The Genesis of “Right Now”
The heart of the episode focuses on the intricate creation of “Right Now,” a song that diverged from Van Halen’s typical party anthems to deliver a more profound, reflective message.
Sammy Hagar, amidst personal turmoil stemming from marital issues, sought to pen lyrics that transcended superficial themes. During a moment of introspection on a beach, he conceived the impactful line:
"Right now it's your tomorrow." [09:45]
These lyrics were then paired with an instrumental piece Eddie Van Halen had composed in the early to mid-80s for the Cameron Crowe film The Wild Life. Initially intended for a collaboration with Joe Cocker, the melody found new life with Hagar’s evocative words.
"He realized they were both working on the same song with the lyrics that had come to him on the beach and 'Right Now' came alive." [12:20]
The collaboration perfectly melded Hagar's lyrical depth with Eddie's instrumental prowess, resulting in a song that reflected both personal and global consciousness, particularly in the wake of significant events like the fall of the Berlin Wall.
3. Crafting the Music Video: A Contentious Path to Success
The creation of the music video for “Right Now” presented its own set of challenges. Directed by Mark Fenske, the video was envisioned to tackle contemporary issues through innovative text overlays, juxtaposing societal themes with diverse imagery such as explosions, dogs, and even Fenske's mother.
"Using themes of politics, religion, loneliness and more messages laid on top of footage of the band." [17:00]
Sammy Hagar initially resisted this concept vehemently, fearing it would dilute the song’s meaningful lyrics and confuse fans accustomed to Van Halen’s more carefree image.
"Hagar was furious about the concept. To his way of thinking, the director's idea would take away from the lyrics that he had actually written." [19:30]
His frustration led him to take an abrupt vacation, only returning after intervention from Warner Bros. Records' chairman. Unfortunately, his mood was further dampened by pneumonia, a fact that unintentionally lent authenticity to the video's intense scenes where Hagar appears visibly distressed.
Despite the rocky start, the video proved to be a triumph, earning three awards at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Video.
"He has had to admit that that idea was a great one, though." [25:50]
4. Commercial Ventures and Public Perception
“Right Now” also found its way into the commercial realm, notably in advertisements for Crystal Pepsi. This partnership sparked controversy among fans who accused Van Halen of "selling out."
"They had to do it because Pepsi was going to either use the song or get a sound-alike group to record a version." [29:10]
While some fans were disillusioned, the band chose to embrace the opportunity, ensuring they received proper compensation and exposure. The ads themselves became a cultural footnote, even being parodied on Saturday Night Live, yet this did not significantly tarnish the song’s reputation or success.
5. Chart Success and Lasting Legacy
Ultimately, “Right Now” rose to prominence, securing the number two spot on the Billboard Rock chart. The accompanying album, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, achieved the number one position on the Billboard 200, underscoring Van Halen’s successful evolution.
"For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge went to number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. Another success for Van Halen." [33:40]
This period marked Van Halen's transition from party rock stalwarts to a band capable of delivering thought-provoking music that resonated with a broader audience.
6. Conclusion: An Anthem for the Ages
Janda concludes the episode by reflecting on how “Right Now” embodies Van Halen’s growth and the band’s ability to craft meaningful anthems. The song serves as a motivational reminder to seize the present moment, encouraging listeners to navigate their own challenges with resilience and mindfulness.
"They evolved into a band who also wrote meaningful, thought-provoking songs about being present in the moment." [35:10]
Closing Remarks
As the episode wraps up, Janda extends gratitude to contributors like Christian Lane for the podcast’s musical backdrop and invites listeners to engage with the show across various platforms, including TikTok and local radio stations.
"I'm Janda and this has been Behind The Song." [37:00]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "Sometimes the right time is worth the wait." [00:12]
- "Right now it's your tomorrow." [09:50]
- "Hagar was furious about the concept." [19:30]
- "He has had to admit that that idea was a great one, though." [25:50]
- "They had to do it because Pepsi was going to either use the song or get a sound-alike group to record a version." [29:10]
- "They evolved into a band who also wrote meaningful, thought-provoking songs about being present in the moment." [35:10]
This episode of Behind The Song offers an in-depth exploration of how Van Halen’s “Right Now” transcended its era to become a timeless anthem, highlighting the collaborative spirit, personal struggles, and creative risks that contributed to its legacy.
For more insights into classic rock’s most iconic tracks, tune into Behind The Song, available wherever you get your podcasts, and follow along on TikTok and local radio stations.