7 Montrose Songs That Proves ‘Ronnie Montrose’ Was A Beast Guitarist

When you delve into the heritage of classic rock, you’ll find that Montrose, a rambunctious band from the 70’s, was pivotal in showcasing the electrifying guitar work of the maestro himself, Ronnie Montrose. Not only did this group cast a spotlight on Ronnie’s prowess, but it was also the launchpad for the notable vocalist Sammy Hagar, famously known as the Red Rocker. In the embryonic stage of its existence back in 1973, Montrose was destined to make waves, especially given Ronnie’s preceding success as a guitarist on tracks like Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein.”

The band’s maiden self-titled album, “Montrose,” hit the shelves in 1973, presenting a lineup of Ronnie Montrose unleashing magic on the guitar, Sammy Hagar with his captivating lead vocals, Bill Church bringing it on the bass, and Denny Carmassi hammering it out on drums. At the helm of production stood Ted Templeman, whose name would later be synonymous with the iconic Van Halen albums of the late ’70s and beyond.

7 – Matriarch

Starting strong on their third album, “Warner Bros. Presents,” we’re greeted with “Matriarch,” showcasing a fresh vocal strength with Bob James. The track kicks off with an energy that’s simultaneously vibrant and a salute to the band’s raw edge. A somewhat reminiscent opening riff alludes to the style we recognize from Sammy Hagar’s “Red,” but what unfolds is pure Montrose—full of surging power and a rhythm section, backed by Jim Alcivar on keys, Alan Fitzgerald on bass, and Denny Carmassi’s steady drumming, that propels the song forward into rock immortality.

6 – Make It Last

From their debut album emerges “Make It Last,” penned by Sammy Hagar—the kind of track that spotlights the melding of Hagar’s skillful songwriting with Montrose’s searing guitar. Closing out the album, this track envelops the listener in what can only be described as a quintessential Montrose experience. The opening riff grips you, giving a perfect glimpse into the high-octane energy that the band stood for. The song resonates with a raw passion that hints at Hagar’s later signature sound, but here, it’s the synergy with Montrose’s guitar that makes it unforgettably heavy-hitting.

5 – Paper Money

Talk about setting the tone—“Paper Money,” the namesake track of the band’s sophomore effort, drags us in with a drum and bass intro that hits the gut. Montrose and Hagar’s collaborative genius is on full display here, offering a chorus that digs its hooks deep into your rock soul. Serving as the album’s swansong, “Paper Money” cements itself as a dark, brooding number with layer upon layer of sonic texture that captures the listener in a woven net of eminent guitar mastery and inventive musicality.

4 – Bad Motor Scooter

“Bad Motor Scooter,” the brainchild of Sammy Hagar, was introduced to the world on Montrose’s first album and was later carried on to Hagar’s live performances, capturing the fervor of fans for ages. When our followers chime in on their top Hagar hits, this song rings out loud and clear. The raw energy bouncing off the riffs and the graceful execution of a hard-hitting rock tune like this is proof enough of why Montrose is revered in rock history.

3 – I Got The Fire

When you consider the powerhouse classic rock recipe that yielded the track “I Got The Fire,” one might think to blend the heavy-hitting styles of Led Zeppelin and The Who. The track truly catches fire opening the Paper Money album, radiating a level of rock grandeur we’ve come to cherish deeply. With every beat and riff, Montrose blazes through boundaries, creating a sound that’s potent and undeniably fierce.

2 – Space Station #5

If you’re looking for a track that’s wrongfully overlooked when we chronicle the classic rock era, turn your ears to “Space Station #5.” Found on the premier Montrose album, this song launches with a guitar lick so infectious it could start an epidemic of air guitar performances worldwide. Sammy Hagar’s opening scream has echoes of Roger Daltrey’s power, and the combination of elements just sets the stage ablaze with raw and unapologetic rock prowess.

1 – Rock Candy

Our journey culminates at the feet of the legendary track “Rock Candy,” which not only seals the top spot on our list but is also Montrose’s most renowned anthem. Nothing kicks off a rock and roll trip like that iconic guitar riff paired with Sammy Hagar’s vocal explosion—it’s like lightning caught in a bottle. Featured on the maiden Montrose album in ’73, “Rock Candy” is a timeless testament to Ronnie Montrose’s influential mastery over six strings and continues to echo through the annals of rock with undiminished vitality.