Sammy Hagar
Biography
After spending several years as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the mid-'70s hard rock band Montrose, Sammy Hagar began a solo career that produced several hits and made him an album rock favorite. Hagar became a true star once he joined Van Halen in 1985, but he was a popular hard rocker ever since his first album with Montrose.
After giving up a boxing career, Hagar began singing in the late '60s, performing with various California bands including Skinny, the Fabulous Catillas, Justice Brothers, and Dust Cloud. During this time, he built up a solid reputation in the California hard rock scene. Former Edgar Winter guitarist Ronnie Montrose asked Hagar to join his band, Montrose, in 1973. Hagar recorded two albums with Montrose before going solo in 1976, taking the group's bassist, Bill Church. Montrose's drummer Denny Carmassi later joined Hagar's band, along with keyboardist Geoff Workman.
Hagar's self-titled "red album" was his first chart entry; it eventually went gold. In 1979, he created a new supporting band featuring Workman, Church, guitarist Gary Pihl, and drummer Chuck Ruff. This lineup played on Hagar's most popular solo album, 1981's platinum Standing Hampton, plus 1982's gold Three Lock Box with only one member missing -- drummer Ruff was replaced by David Lauser.
Selected Discography
Livin' It Up!
2006
The Essential Red Collection
2004
Hallelujah (Live)
2003
Not 4 Sale
2002
Ten 13
2000
VOA
1984
Standing Hampton
1981
Sammy Hagar has always been a bad man. What about his album "Rematch" with songs like "Plain Jane", "Trans Am" and "A Crack in the World". Maybe not top 40 but still awesome. Anyway, top 40 is decided by 12, and 13 year old girls with a mouth full of bubble gum and a telephone. Those of us who really know and appreciate music are busy with life.
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Love Sammy!!!! Saw him in Glendale AZ. when CheapTrick opened for him. He is one of the most social artists I've ever seen. Plan on taking Sammy's Cruise to Cabo Wabo to his bar in 2010.
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Saw Sammy first with Montrose at the Paramount in Portland as they opened for Humble Pie. I just wish he would get into his music a bit. Please. This guy is a fire ball. To this day he is a live wire. We have Chickenfoot coming and I intend to see him with this band. Satriani, Anthony, and Chad on drums. Look at the bands they are from. This is going to be great. Kick it Sammy.
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here in AZ it seems like people either drive 40mph or 75 on the highway
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Sammy rocks! I've been going to Cabo for 10 years to help him celebrate his birthday in Cabo Wabo. He puts on the BEST shows down there - for free! and he rocks the joint every time! What a great musician, entertainer - everything. Keep livin' it up, my man!
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he doesnt need f**kin van halen! hes f**kin successful on his own! f**k ya, sammy hagar f**kers!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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love some of sammy's solo stuff but the only way to have van halen is with diamond dave so stay away van hagar you're done.
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right on mstkelsey! now theres a kid on the right path ... lol.
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im jealous wade!finally got to see sammy hagar past summer (aug 1, 2008) when he did a show with the scorpions in kelseyville, c a . a n d omg, it was f**kin rockin!im only 25, but i love this guy!and hell ya, he knows how to put on a good show for his fans!awesome lights and stage presence, confetti getting blown out into the crowd, drinks... incredible!" h e a v y metal" was closer to the end of the show and by that point everyone was on their feet yelling along!got plenty of pics too luckily.woot woot!
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You see I had all access pass that night. I was helping Dennis Callahan pack camera equp. Check it out Dennis is listed on the albums as photgrfor on the back of the albums
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I saw him melt the wireing system at the santa cruz civic auditorium, then his technitions rewired the auditorium, and played for 4 more hrs.He started out with TURN UP THE MUSIC. That's where the saying 50,000 watts of power in the song heavy metal comes from.
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Sammy Hagar is oner of the best rockers of all time. I've seen them all!! Sammy puts on the best shows , makes sure his fans get what they came for. A real ROCKING experance!!! !
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Check out Hagar and Satriani with there new group "Chickenfoot " coming out soon...No BuLL ShooTING!
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I perfer his tequilla over his music. I respect him but just not a fan of his music. But Cabo Wabo tequilla is outstandingl y smooth!! Boarderline, dangerously smooth! Peace!
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I like Hagar solo, Montrose, and Van Halen with Roth. Never cared for Van Hagar.
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the red rocker was alway's good by himself.when he was with van halen he always shined brite.cabo wabo
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I saw Sammy in 1985 his "I can't drive 55" tour with Dokken as the warm up band. It was great! He's a great performer.
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sammy's , vocal talent, is a gift to this culture, few have learned to hone it as well as he has!! i say keep it coming sammy,
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Hey, all you know-it-all- w a n n a - b e e s ! ! Hagar's a star long before Halen came around the scene ! DIG IT !!!!!
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Sammy definitely knows how to rock. I have to thank my big bro for introducing me to Montrose back in the day. I have been a true Red Rocker fan ever since. I do have one question...I have All Night Long on vinyl and am unable to find it here or on CD. I love the version of Young Girl Blues on this album. Anyone else have any luck finding this?
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Sammy has always inspired great times with his songs. You can not help but to sing along to songs like Turn Up the Music, I Can't Drive 55. Crusin and Boozin, Three Lock Box, Trans AM, Red, and more. What could be more fun than turning up your favorite song, driving a fast car, and hanging out with your friends. Party On!
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Iagree 100% withdr. The Red Rockerrocks like only Sammy can do.He did shine with Van Halen. But he started kickin a** way before hewas in V> H. Keep on rock us Red Rocker popsritch
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Just saw Sammy this weekend in Mountain View, and the man is awesome as ever. I had to make him my kids' first concert and they were well impressed and inspired. No one like the red rocker for sure!
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I have followed Sammys career since Montrose and the man can ROCK. Van Halen truly became Van Hagar and yes he pulled their butt from the fire with his kick butt vocals. ROCK ON SAMMY I have owned every album and cd of his that has come out.
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What would the 1980's rock scene be without the awesome talents of Sammy Hagar? Alone he was sensational. With Van Halen he ROCKED!
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what do you mean "became" with van halen? ...ummhelloo o o o o o the Red Rocker? ...Rock Candy? Bad Motor Scooter..etc ? . . . s o r r y . . . S a m m y was a rock legend before they allowed the "title" to be given to him then I guess....hey Sammy? the bars in Sac Town are callin ya my brother..we know who and what you are..besides yer "folkz" are here ;)...we love ya..come do some shotz o Cabo ...:)
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"Sammy...... . . . . . . . . w h e n I saw you at the Beach on "South Padre"---I have some Great pictures,,,o f you (if I am not mistaken-alm o s t as if you wanted me to take them )---"Should I find A time, so when I'm in Cabo,,,U get to see!!!!!-Get back with Me on this........ . . . s i n c e r e l y ; Luvchic'
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Standing Hampton is a great album. MAX Velo thinks System of a Down is the next Led Zepplin? Wow, I think they are more of a heavy metal version of Meat Loaf. Overblown incoherant babble. To each his own...
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