GOP’s Use of “Right Now” Leads to Sammy Hagar-Eddie Van Halen Phone Tag
This just in from RollingStone.com:
Days before Heart served the GOP campaign with a cease-and-desist letter for playing their 1977 hit “Barracuda” to introduce VP pick Sarah Palin (high school alias: “Sarah Barracuda”) at the August 31st Republican convention, Van Halen sounded off against McCain and Co. for blasting their tune “Right Now” at a rally in Dayton, Ohio. “Permission was not sought or granted nor would it have been given [to use the song],” Alex and Eddie Van Halen said in a statement. But not every VH member agreed.
“I got goosebumps from it — my fur went up,” says the band’s ex-frontman, Sammy Hagar, who co-wrote and sang the song — and said he’d be “just as happy” if Obama played it. “I was honored that a potential president of the United States used those words in a positive sense, like, ‘We gotta act now!’ ”
Hagar, who’s tight-lipped on his presidential endorsement (”I vote for the man, not the party,” he says) heard that McCain used the tune via a deluge of phone calls. “I got calls from relatives, friends, doctors, lawyers… everyone thought it was so cool,” he says. “Then I started getting excited. Those words are an old Zen philosophy — it’s totally cool that they’re timeless.” Even former bandmate Eddie rang Hagar up.
“I got a message on my cell phone and it was Eddie’s voice,” Hagar recalls. “He goes, ‘Sam? This don’t sound like you. I got the wrong number.’ And he hangs up! So I hit redial. He didn’t answer, but I left a message: ‘Ed, it’s me. If you would like to talk about the ‘Right Now’ situation I’d love to speak to you about it.’ ”
The two never connected, which raises some lingering questions. “Why didn’t [Van Halen] say no when Pepsi Cola gave us a million dollars to use the song in a Pepsi Light commercial?” asks Hagar. “That’s when you say no. That isn’t the message of this song.” But when a potential future president is using it to bring a message to the world, he says, “I’m going, ‘Hell, yes!’ “
Filed under: Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Van Halen
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September 12th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I love how Sammy never turns down a chance to criticize Eddie. “Why didn’t [Van Halen] say no when Pepsi Cola gave us a million dollars to use the song in a Pepsi Light commercial?” asks Hagar - Maybe because Pepsi was going to use the song with someone else performing it if Van Halen didn’t OK Pepsi using the original version of it. I’m sure Sammy cashed his share of the check from Pepsi.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Hey, Ed and Sammy should look at it like this. It might mean more sales of “Right now”. Regardless of which party uses it.The song is awesome in the first place. Ed and Sammy for President in 2012.(LOL)!That would be interesting.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Sammy is a notorious GOP supporter. That doesn’t make him a bad guy. It just means he’s going to be pleased with this situation.
But the politicians using these songs at rallies rarely even listen to the lyrics or even know the band. I mean, Reagan wanted to use Born in the USA as a running song. Anyone that’s actually listened to it knows the tart tongued cynicism in the lyric. Proving they only hear the hook of the song. It’s gross, really.
If I were in a band, I don’t think I’d be OK with any politician using my music. It white washes them and lets some of the cool out of their badass balloon.
There was nothing lamer than Fleetwood Mac playing for the Clintons with Al Gore and Bill Clinton uncomfortably “jamming” on stage.
I dunno.
Hopefully, it sells them some records…
September 12th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Anyone can use any song at any time as long as they pay the ASCAP fees for playing it.
I am glad Right Now was played it got everyone’s attention from 18 to 80 and that is what they wanted to do. Guess what they succeeded and now everyone’s talking about it from us to Van Halen.
Maybe now Van Halen will get off there buts and do something.
We will see what the next chapter holds in As Van Halen Turns.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Hey Sam,
Since you brought it up, WHY DON”T YOU ANSWER YOUR OWN QUESTION????? You were in the band at that time. You made made 1/4 of the PROFITS just like the rest of the band, yet you act like you know nothing about it.
Hey Sam, riddle me this. Why do you charge $55 to $75 dollars for your TEQUILA? Why did you sell your TEQUILA for $80,000,000.00?
Please Sam get off your High Horse, MONEY makes the world go round, and if ED did call you, PLEASE REMEMBER, Drunk Dialing does not count!!!!!!!! DAVE is still in the band! I think?!
September 12th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Hey Big Al! Quit your whining! Money does make the world go round and Sammy knows it. We’re takling about a potential president using “Right Now” as a campaign song. Thats awesome, any band would be crazy not to be honored by this!
The real reason your mad is cuz you know DLR has no career without VH! Sammy does it own thing and makes money. He’s the only one in the band with a past and a future. Van Halen and Roth are going NOWHERE fast
September 12th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Man, stop hating so much people! It trips me out about artist freaking out when someone uses their song. I don’t think anyone heard Barracuda and went, “Wow, Heart is voting for McCain!” They probably went, “Ha ha, they used to call her Sarah Barracuda…” I am a huge Van Halen fan (all 3 versions) and I actually perked up when I heard them play Right Now the other night. It’s no secret that rock stars and actors that lean liberal are the first to go nuts the minute a Republican uses some of their material. Not to mention politics can be such a dividing element in our society that they don’t want to alienate anyone. Republicans definitely catch more crap, though. Message to Eddie and Alex….Be glad one of your songs is still relevant 17 years later….hopefully it will inspire you to record your first studio album since Gary Cherone graced the mic….yeeesh.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Pav o
I’m sorry, I forgot that you red heads can only get Sammy news at a Van Halen site because he’s so relavent on his own.
I quess you didn’t read how excited Sam was when he thought Ed was finally calling him,read between the lines (PLEASE LET ME IN YOUR BAND CAUSE THE CASINOS AND THEATERS JUST AIN’T CUTTING IT!!!!)
I thought Sam was GREAT in VH, but the difference between you and I. I’m a VAN HALEN FAN you’re a Red Head. I don’t care who sings with Van Halen, you do!
Sam made a statement and YOU HATE THE TRUTH!!!
If you want, when Sam, Mike, Joe and Chad come to a CASINO near you, look me up, we’ll have a good cry together!!!
September 12th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
So there’s no confusion. A good cry isn’t about Sam’s new band.It’s about Pavo whinning about me whinning. I love humor!
September 12th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Right now, “Chickenfoot” is proclaiming that it’s future music sounds like “Led Zeppelin.”
While at the same time, Metallica’s “DEATH MAGNETIC” is rocking my arse BIG TIME!!!!!!!
I love VH, but they don’t have the fortitude that the boys in the great METALLICA have. LONG LIVE VH…while METALLICA rocks on!!!!
September 12th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Sam is a great singer and has very good range….i`m glad that he and Joe are finally going to record something….because they will make a much better sound together than Drunky and him again
September 12th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Sammy has always tended to be politically/socially active with his music from a lyrics point of view whereas, Edward has always tried to steer clear of anything outside of the normal “rock and roll” messages of love, partying and the like.
A lot of the Hagar eras more political or morality play lyric songs made Ed a little uncomfortable according to interviews. So their differing reactions to Right Now being played doesn’t surprise me.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Thanks Sammy. I’m happy to hear someone from the group stepping up and recognizing it for what it is. The message of inspiration of change is what the song is about - we all figured that from the first day we bought the album. And lets face it, both party tickets are speaking the same message right now… As with the Brooks and Dunn song that was used by both parties, its an inspirational song: smile and appreciate it.
Second, as a fan going back to 78, through each of the transitions, I’m just in awe that the odds on favorite next Vice President is also a fan, and not just a passing fan, but her son’s middle name was reportedly a tribute to the band. Not to mention so many of us can picture her in a video from 1984.
Last, I can’t wait for the tbd/Chickenfoot project to come together. I loved Dave’s VH return tour but new stuff from Sammy and Mike with the likes of Satch is going to rock hard. That’s going to be an amazing show.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Politics aside and the use of “Right Now” aside it would be cool to hear that Edward maybe called Sam up to shoot the shit and be amicable again…. like old brothers.
September 13th, 2008 at 7:49 am
The song doesnt make sense with what Mccain is preaching. He may say he wants change but his policies are more of the same. Good for Ed standing up and calling out the GOP. That and Sammy talks too much. at least pepsi asked to use the song.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Damn, why is Sammy going public with Eddie’s call? Sammy keeps hinting that he was always interested in patching things up with Eddie and then he goes off and announces the missed call from Eddie. Who knows if Eddie was calling about the McCain, maybe the call was an “ice-breaker” between the two? ‘
I profess, I saw VH last year and it was awesome. I’m a fan of both Dave and Sammy. It would be cool if Eddie and Sam started talking again. Maybe it would lead to Mike communicating as well.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I’d bet the VH brothers don’t want it used for the same reason they’ve pretended the Hagar years didn’t exist for the last year and a half. They want people thinking Dave, Ed, Al & Wolf when they think Van Halen.
They might also not want to be associated with a political campaign as the use of the song might be misinterpreted as an endorsement.
September 15th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Big Al,
If you calmed down a bit and read for comprehension, you’d realize that Sammy was saying “if” Van Halen thought it was wrong for someone to use the song in a campaign, why would they think it would be okay to sell it for a soda commercial? As in, if you’re offended that someone is using your ‘art’ for their own cause, why is it okay to sell it for commercial benefit?
Sammy is obviously a capitalist (why’d he sell the tequila for $X? Because he could). That’s why he’s the most financially successful (by far) member of the entire VH family.
Anyway, lighten up, lay off the freaking all-caps and relax, okay?
September 15th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I believe that an artist should have the right to dictate how his art is being used. To have a high profile political campaign use it without asking is wrong in my opinion. By doing so, it may imply an endorsement. If an artist chooses to sell his art to someone to use with their permission- it is their right to do so. In this day and age of multiple entertainment sources for kids (and adults) - a commercial could be a way to introduce someone to something they may never get exposed to. Very few good radio stations anymore - which makes it that much harder for new people to discover a band like Van Halen.
Who knows if Eddie was trying to mend the fences with Sammy. Maybe he is going through his steps of recovery and has gotten to the apology portion. If there are bitter feelings still, it would be better for him to get it off his back anyways and maybe he realizes it. I am pretty positive the call was about the use of the song and a perfect excuse to heal some wounds at the same time - not a bad thing.
Dave
September 16th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Don’t know what the big deal is all of a sudden. Both Bush and McCain used it in 2000, not a peep. Bush used it a lot in 04 and Kerry used Dreams, not a peep. Now in 08 its a problem. What gives?
BB
September 18th, 2008 at 6:58 am
I think that in 00′ and 04′ Eddie was cap’t of his ship in a bottle
September 18th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
What is Eddie now, is he sober, dose anyone know.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Van Halen and Heart should ask for money from the GOP. Lord knows they’ll need it to pay their taxes if that liberal jerk-off gets elected!
September 24th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
2 part…
Part 1 - This is for Mikes interview…I hear you only played on 3 songs on “3″. Which songs were they?
Part 2 - As far as Right Now being used by the GOP. Who cares!!!! Musicians and actors should stay out of politics. Nobody really cares what artists think. When musicians and actors start getting involved politically then I personally am turned off by them. Let them all use the song for all I care. As long as they Pay BMI and ASCAP. All artists know that once their song is released it’s fair game as long as all the legal chanels are followed. Actors and musicians should just focus on entertaining us(hint to Edward..hint to Edward get you ass in the studio and record another fucking album). They are entertainers…not political scientists. If you want to get involved politically then get your ass on a ticket (preferably as an independent)
B.B. I agree with you about that liberal jerk off osama (I mean obama). Oh and by the way what he means by “Change” … well that’s all that will be left in your bank account after he raises your taxes to keep social programs such as welfare going.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
B.B.
Whenever anyone uses a song they pay the ASCAP fees and then ASCAP pays the artist who wrote it.
As for the name calling please reframe from it, everyone here tries you should too.
This is to talk about Van Halen, former or current members and things related to them not to voice your opinion on politics.
September 26th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Hey Rob Steinwyle and BB-
You guys must be the richest 1% of Americans. Congratulations. Since you have all the money, yes, when Obama is elected, your taxes will go up. Really surprised actually…I would have thought the majority of VH fans were honeset hard working Americans like myself…..whose taxes will go down.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Chris,
If you believe that, you probably thought that you were a part of Bill Clinton’s middle class tax cut.
You think your taxes are going down under Obama? Wow, Obama voters are more gullible than I thought (which is saying something).
September 28th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Question for Michael Anthony:
There are very few Van Halen songs where your bass can be heard. With the exception of the intro to “Running with the devil”, “Push Comes to Shove”, “So This is Love” (Which by the way, the bass lowers before Dave starts to sing), your bass gets lost in the mix. In a 1980 interview, around the time Fair Warning was released, Edward said you didn’t contribute anything as far as song writing, that he did all the work and you just played whatever he had written, and in numerous interviews, he’s said that he doesn’t understand why the bass can’t be heard on all the VH recordings.
I’ve seen you play bass live and I think your very tasteful and have one hell of a voice (alhough I honestly never cared for your bass soloing) - So, what logical explanation do you have for the missing bass sound? Don’t you listen to your playback in the studio? I mean, I remember the rumours about Ed wanting Billy Sheehan in the band back in the day…so do you think getting fired after all these years justifiable?
Also, if Ed’s such a control freak, how come he didn’t do anything about the “missing bass sound” and complain about it time and time again?
November 20th, 2008 at 1:46 am
About the missing bass sound. The first few albums were recorded old school, bass on the left, guitar on the right..or vice versa. That hard left and right panning made for a crappy sound, and was a decision made by Producer Ted Templeman and Engineer Donn Landee. Ed’s guitar was such an important part of VH that pulling it back a bit for Dave’s vocals wasn’t an option, so Mike was always dropped in the mix, hence the rather crappy sound.