ROCK MOMENT – Sammy Hagar ‘There’s Only One Way To Rock
Sammy Hagar’s “There’s Only One Way to Rock” is one of the most enduring anthems of early 1980s hard rock, encapsulating his no-nonsense approach to music and life. Released in 1982 on Hagar’s album Standing Hampton, the track quickly became his signature solo song before his years with Van Halen.
The song was born out of Hagar’s frustration with the music industry’s tendency to overcomplicate rock and roll. In interviews, he explained that he wanted to write a straightforward anthem celebrating the purity of loud, powerful rock music. The result was a riff-driven track with a pounding rhythm, fiery guitar work, and a chorus that demanded to be shouted by audiences. Lyrically, “There’s Only One Way to Rock” rejects trends and gimmicks, instead reaffirming that real rock is about energy, honesty, and passion.
Standing Hampton, produced by Keith Olsen, was Hagar’s first album with Geffen Records and marked a turning point in his career. With ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock‘ as its standout single, the album went platinum, giving Hagar his first major commercial breakthrough. The song peaked on rock radio charts and became a staple of MTV, thanks to its energetic performance video, which introduced Hagar to a wider audience.
The track’s legacy grew even larger when Hagar joined Van Halen in 1985. He frequently performed it live with the band, and later with his solo projects and Chickenfoot, ensuring that new generations of fans experienced its raw power.
Today, ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock‘ remains a quintessential hard rock anthem. It captures Sammy Hagar’s philosophy perfectly—direct, powerful, and built for the stage. Its timeless message continues to resonate with fans who believe rock and roll should always be loud, bold, and unapologetically fun.
