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The band Sammy Hagar thought could have been “the American Led Zeppelin”
Sammy Hagar said his early band Montrose had the potential to become “the American Led Zeppelin”, but that internal tensions prevented it from reaching that level. He believed the group was close to breaking through, making its unrealised promise a notable part of 1970s hard-rock history.
Montrose formed in 1973 around guitarist Ronnie Montrose, with Hagar on vocals, and its self-titled debut produced enduring songs including ‘Bad Motor Scooter’ and ‘Rock Candy’. Hagar said Ronnie Montrose became fearful that he was taking over the band, and Hagar was later dismissed; the singer has connected those tensions with Ronnie’s wider personal struggles before his death in 2012.
In short
- Hagar believed Montrose could have rivalled Led Zeppelin.
- Internal conflict ended the band’s early momentum.
- Montrose’s 1973 debut remains influential.
Explained simply
Montrose was a hard-rock band that formed in 1973 around guitarist Ronnie Montrose and singer Sammy Hagar. The group's self-titled debut album produced hits including 'Bad Motor Scooter' and 'Rock Candy', establishing itself as a promising force in 1970s hard rock.
Tensions within the band undermined its early trajectory. Ronnie Montrose became concerned that Hagar was taking on too central a role in the group, a conflict that resulted in Hagar being dismissed.
Hagar has since reflected on what the band might have achieved. Montrose remains a notable example from rock history of talented musicians whose potential was constrained by internal discord.