Why “Hang On Sloopy” Is Going Viral Again — The Surprising History Behind Ohio’s Stadium Anthem

Fans around the world are revisiting the 1965 classic “Hang On Sloopy” after news broke that Rick Derringer—who scored a No. 1 hit with the song as a teenage member of The McCoys—died on May 26 at age 77. The surge of searches and playlists underscores the enduring pull of the two-chord anthem, which originally knocked the Beatles’ “Yesterday” from the Billboard Hot 100’s top spot. Written by Bert Berns and Wes Farrell, the track became a garage-rock staple and later an Ohio institution: in 1985 the state legislature designated “Hang On Sloopy” the official rock song of Ohio, making it the first state to grant any rock tune that honor. Game-day anthem The Ohio State University Marching Band’s raucous halftime rendition—complete with the stadium-wide O-H-I-O chant—cemented the single as a Buckeye sports soundtrack. The song still booms through Ohio Stadium every football Saturday, linking generations of alumni, students, and fans. Social media videos from last season show 100,000 voices belting the chorus, a ritual that is expected to take on added poignancy this fall. Digital spike after Derringer’s passing Within hours of Derringer’s death, streams of “Hang On Sloopy” climbed sharply on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, while the hashtag #HangOnSloopy trended across X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Music historians note similar rediscoveries after the deaths of rock legends, but the song’s built-in Midwest fan base gives this resurgence a uniquely regional flavor. A life beyond one hit Although best known for “Hang On Sloopy,” Derringer cut his own signature track “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” produced albums for “Weird Al” Yankovic, and played sessions with icons from Steely Dan to Alice Cooper. Industry insiders predict renewed attention to his catalog as streaming algorithms surface deeper cuts. Tributes and next steps Promoters in Columbus and Dayton are already planning memorial concerts, and Ohio lawmakers are reportedly considering a commemorative resolution in the next legislative session. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Marching Band has confirmed it will dedicate its season-opening halftime performance to Derringer’s memory—a fitting salute for the man who helped give the Buckeye State its unofficial soundtrack. With fresh ears tuning in and a new generation discovering the simple plea to “hang on,” Derringer’s signature hit is poised to climb charts again—six decades after it first captured the spirit of resilience that still resonates today.