ROCK MOMENT – Sammy Hagar ‘There’s Only One Way To Rock’
By the early 1980s, Sammy Hagar was no stranger to the rock world. As the former frontman of Montrose, he had already proven his chops with tracks like ‘Rock Candy.’ But his solo career, while building steadily, hadn’t yet delivered the defining anthem that would push him into arena headliner territory. That changed in 1982 with the release of Standing Hampton and its standout single, ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock.‘
The song grew out of Hagar’s frustration with how rock music was being packaged at the time. He wanted to write something simple, direct, and uncompromising—an anthem that said what every fan already knew: rock at its best is loud, powerful, and alive. With its pounding riff, sing-along chorus, and no-nonsense lyrics, ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock’ captured that spirit perfectly.
Produced by Keith Olsen, Standing Hampton was Hagar’s first album with Geffen Records. The label gave him more promotional support than he’d ever had before, and the timing was ideal. MTV was on the rise, and the video for “There’s Only One Way to Rock”—featuring Hagar’s high-energy performance—went into regular rotation. Suddenly, the “Red Rocker” had a national platform, and his fan base expanded dramatically.
On tour, the song became a centerpiece of Hagar’s setlists, a declaration of his identity as a performer. Its success helped Standing Hampton go platinum and gave Hagar the credibility to headline larger venues. Even after joining Van Halen in 1985, he carried the song with him, performing it with his new bandmates during the 5150 tour.
Decades later, ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock’ remains more than just a signature hit—it’s Hagar’s mission statement. A celebration of volume, attitude, and passion, it continues to be a highlight of his live shows. Today, with his supergroup The Circle—featuring Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson—Hagar still unleashes the anthem as a staple of the setlist. It stands as a bridge across eras, connecting his early solo triumphs to his Van Halen years and his modern-day career.
More than forty years after its release, the song still defines Sammy Hagar’s outlook: bold, unapologetic, and built for the big stage. Simply put, when Hagar declares ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock,’ fans know exactly what he means—and they’re ready to shout it back.
