Sammy Hagar: Livin' It Up

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Sammy Hagar Live July 16, 2006 Photo taken by Gary Ash

Sammy Hagar’s musical career spans more than three decades. Over the years he has seen tours of duty within the ranks of Montrose, HSAS and Van Halen, and also enjoyed an extensive solo career. Hagar has also been successful as a nightclub and restaurant owner and markets a highly successful line of premium tequilas.

One can only wonder at what fuels Hagar. Where does his drive come from? Approaching 60 hasn’t slowed down the energetic “Red Rocker,” whose youthful looks beguile his age. Hagar carries a swagger that musicians half his age and half his talent never will achieve.

In his stint Van Halen, his vocal ability, guitar playing and songwriting skills complimented and drove the band to levels of success that may not have been possible with his predecessor. Say what you will, but who has their shit together these days? Sammy, Eddie or Dave? There is only one answer. See paragraph #1.

Hagar was born in 1947 and was following in the footsteps of his father as a professional boxer before pulling himself out from his father’s shadow and launching his career as a musician. With over 30 releases under his belt along with years of steady touring, Hagar has placed himself in an exclusive club that encompasses bands like Aerosmith, Kiss, Rolling Stones and Tom Petty — just to name a few — who have managed to stay relevant as the music landscape has changed and new generations have embraced their music.

Hagar’s music has substance, it is emotional, it is energetic and fun and this is not lost in the studio setting but is magnified in the live performance of Hagar and his band The Waboritas. Following the debacle of Van Halen’s reunion tour, Sammy has set out again on tour with his band and special guest Michael Anthony (Van Halen) to deliver music to audiences across the U.S. Fans are once again treated to some of Hagar’s greatest songs as well as a second set with Michael Anthony that pays homage mostly to the Hagar fronted Van Halen and treats us all to Michael’s over-the-top bass solo.

Sammy Hagar & his Waitresses Live July 16, 2006 Photo taken by Gary Ash

Hagar’s traveling road show is a circus of epic portions, featuring a Cabo Wabo style village complete with bar (serving Hagar’s brand of tequila), bikini clad waitresses, fans gracing the back of the stage throughout the two-hour concert, confetti, loud guitars, the monstrous sounds of Michael Anthony, the spot on guitar work of Vic Johnson and the man directing the directing the “fun in the sun” with sponsorship from his company (helping to keep ticket prices down, plus a little advertising) the “Red Rocker” himself, Sammy Hagar.

Whether or not Sammy Hagar gets the respect he deserves, that may or may not matter to him. His success is wrapped up in his achievements over the years and that something that can’t be denied. The Van Halen vs. Van Hagar debate will always be ongoing. Hagar has proven that he is a survivor and is able to reinvent himself and find success outside of his music career. His latest studio release Livin It Up will be released July 25, and so his legacy continues …

 

 

Discography:

Sammy Hagar Live July 16, 2006 Photo taken by John Kindred

• Nine on a Ten Scale
• Sammy Hagar
• Musical Chairs
• All Night Long
• Street Machine
• Danger Zone
• Turn Up the Music
• Red Hot
• Live 1980
• Standing Hampton
• Rematch (And More)
• Three Lock Box
• VOA
• Through the Fire
• I Never Said Goodbye
• Unboxed
• Marching to Mars
• Red Voodoo
• Ten 13
• Not 4 Sale
• Live! Hallelujah
• The Essential Red Collection
• Let Me Take You There (Single; On-Stage Fanatics only)
• Livin' It Up
• 1973 Montrose - Montrose
• 1974 Montrose - Paper Money
• 1986 Van Halen 5150
• 1988 Van Halen OU812
• 1991 Van Halen For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
• 1995 Van Halen Balance
• 1993 Van Halen Live: Right Here, Right Now
• 1996 Van Halen Best of Volume I
• 2004 Van Halen The Best of Both Worlds
• 1996 Van Halen Twister

July 14, 2006 Sammy Hagar and the Waboritas w/ special guest Michael Anthony, Verizon
List: Mas Tequila - 3 Lock Box - One Way to Rock - Rainy Day Women - Shaka Doobie - Girl Gets Around -
Rock Candy - Fall in Love Again - I Love This Bar - Sam I Am - Little White Lies - I Can't Drive 55 - Heavy Metal
Intermission
Michael Anthony's bass solo - Runnin' With the Devil - Top of the World - Why Can't This Be Love - Good Enough
Summer Nights - Right Now - Finish Whatcha Started - Best of Both Worlds - Fight for Your Right (to Party)

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