With a legendary name like Sammy Hagar (Van
Halen, Chickenfoot, Montrose), one can only be left wondering if this seasoned rock
star, who must be old enough to have fathered this twenty-four-year-old
journalist, can live up to his nickname after so many years…
These days, the “Red
Rocker” has
traded in his locks for charity. And,
for his past three solo efforts, respectively, Marching to Mars (MCA), Red
Voodoo (MCA), and Ten13 (Cabo Wabo/Beyond), he has embraced a team of incredibly
talented artists. In support of the
latter, Hagar has embarked on the first leg of his birthday bash tour, which was
inspired by the release’s title.
TPRS.com first caught up with
Hagar and his band members, who are best known as the Waboritas, in
Cleveland, Ohio on this first leg of the tour.
Since the performance was recorded by a local radio station, it
took place at an intimate club and unfortunately was only one hour long.
Interestingly enough, the show was scheduled for an early 5:00 p.m.
and the audience was completely comprised of contest winners, who were
enthusiastic and clearly happy to be there.
Though he most likely gave a rather big
shock to both the radio and the club audience, Hagar spun off song after song
from his most recent solo albums, including new favorites like “Serious JU JU”
and “High and Dry,” and most of what was in between, as well as classics
like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Rock Candy,” “Heavy Metal,” and “One Way
to Rock.”
Honestly, it was very disappointing to
see such a short performance, especially since Hagar is know for taking
his time on stage. In fact,
his set lists typically include close to twenty-five songs and last around
two and a half hours. Knowing
that he has often been asked to break his show into two parts with an
intermission in between, it was necessary to keep in mind that Hagar would
return to the stage the next evening for a full set at the somewhat nearby
Akron Civic Theater.
While his first night in Ohio seemed
more like a dress rehearsal, Hagar came out in full force at the Akron show
kicking things off promptly at 7:30 p.m.
As many know, Hagar now travels with a
miniature Cabo Wabo that hosts a ramp for special guests, and thanks to a
few accommodating members of Hagar’s road crew, TPRS.com was able to hop
on stage along with a handful of local contest winners to bring you the
play by play.
The evening kicked off with a burst of
adreneline as the band moved ahead like a steamroller, churning out high energy
rockers like “White Lie” “Shaka Doobie,” and “Sally Drive” as well
as those mention above which were performed at both shows.
 And while this set was not as restricted,
it was pleasing to find that Hagar is still sticking to more solo songs
both new and old instead of using the Van Halen hits as a crutch.
While many favorites from the Van Halen years did not make the set,
which is obviously impossible unless Hagar would make each show a day long
event, the absence of some songs like the extended “Right Here, Right
Now” left room for more tracks. With the introduction of his own
record label Hagar has found a new independence. In fact, he even sells his
own Cabo style drinks at the shows, and brings the intimacy of his Mexican
club to the sold out performances by talking to the crowd and signing
autographs when fans approach the stage with merchandise and a sharpie.
So, if you haven’t already figured it out, the answer posed at
the start of this review has only one clear answer:
the Red Rocker is rocking harder than ever and once summer comes
you’d better buy your tickets early, because there most likely won’t
be an empty seat in the house.
Hagar is currently doing a short tour in the United States
and plans to do a second round as tradition dictates, during the summer
months. For more information visit Hagar’s official site at: http://www.redrocker.com. |
