In the early 1980s, Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve, consisting of notable members from highly influential bands, formed a supergroup that failed to live up to expectations.
Despite the core members consisting of lead vocalist Sammy Hagar from Montrose and later Van Halen, lead guitarist Neal Schon of Journey, bassist Kenny Aaronson, who played with Joan Jett and Billy Idol and drummer Michael Shrieve of Santana, the band was later identified as a “Flash-in-the-Pan” supergroup.
The band’s short-lived run later earned them recognition as one of rock’s most notable “failed supergroups” of all time.
In a report cited by BBC Music, Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve, also known as HSAS, was among the nine supergroups that failed to recreate the same spark and success they had achieved with their original bands.
Formed in 1983, the quartet released their debut album, Through the Fire, in 1984.
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Having this as their only album, HSAS managed to highlight their unique sound through a blend of progressive and arena rock.
Among the standout tracks was “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” a cover of a song by the British rock group Procol Harum.
Making this their only chart-hitting single, the song peaked at No. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Another signature song by the four-member band was “Top of the Rock.” It is widely considered their anthem.
Meanwhile, “Missing You” was the band’s fan-favorite single, which featured the undeniable chemistry between Schon’s impressive guitar work and Hagar’s striking vocals.
Unfortunately, following the one-and-done album, HSAS officially disbanded less than a year after their debut.
Apart from the album, the band never went on a full tour. Shrieve once spoke about his frustration with the supergroup, especially regarding touring.
“A band like that should go on the road like real men do,” the drummer told Ultimate Classic Rock, adding, “They go out on the road and you take it everywhere. That’s how you do that. And that was the reason why, in my opinion, it didn’t do what it should have done.”
Moreover, Shrieve thought that it would be best for the band to perform “all around the country,” but others “didn’t want to do it.”
“They felt that they could sit back in their armchairs and sell records just by putting out a freaking video,” he added, referring to bandmates Hagar and Schon.
After HSAS, the members returned to their respective bands. Hagar went on to pursue a solo career and later joined Van Halen in 1985.
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