Sammy Hagar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sammy Hagar
Hagar performing in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Samuel Roy Hagar
Also known as	The Red Rocker
Born	(1947-10-13) October 13, 1947 (age 77) Salinas, California, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock heavy metal glam metal pop rock
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter musician
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	1972–present
Labels	Capitol Geffen MCA Cabo Wabo Beyond Music Loud & Proud Roadrunner Silverline earMUSIC 33rd Street

Samuel Roy Hagar (born October 13, 1947), also known as the Red Rocker, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is also a successful businessman and helps others through charity work.

Sammy Hagar first became well-known in the early 1970s. He was the singer for the hard rock band Montrose. Later, he started a very successful solo music career. One of his most famous songs, "I Can't Drive 55", became a big hit in 1984. He then joined the famous band Van Halen as their lead singer. He was with Van Halen from 1985 to 1996, and again from 2003 to 2005.

In 2007, Sammy Hagar was honored by being included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was for his work as a member of Van Halen. His music style is mostly hard rock and heavy metal.

Beyond music, Hagar has started several businesses. He has created different drink brands and opened many restaurants. In 2008, he and his wife, Kari Hagar, started a charity. This group, called the Hagar Family Foundation, helps children and people who need food.

Sammy Hagar's Early Life

Sammy Hagar was born on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California. His parents were Robert and Alberta Hagar. He was named after his grandfather, Sam Roy Baio. Sammy has said his family has Irish and Italian roots.

His family worked hard in lettuce fields. They lived in a labor camp for a while. Later, they moved to Fontana, California. His father worked at the Kaiser Steel Mill. Sammy remembers his family moving often when he was young. When he was ten, his mother and siblings moved away from his father.

As a child, Sammy earned money by picking fruit and delivering newspapers. He was a good student in school. He found his love for music in high school. He taught himself to play guitar on an instrument he bought for $40. His first band, the Fabulous Castilles, started when he was 14. At 17, he saw the Rolling Stones play live. He also went to many concerts by surf guitarist Dick Dale.

After high school, Sammy wanted to leave Fontana. He moved to Riverside and played in local bands. He also worked in a music store. During this time, he met drummer David Lauser. David became a lifelong friend and music partner. Sammy then moved to San Francisco.

Later, Sammy returned to Fontana to focus on music. He had a strange experience one night. He felt like he was visited by "creatures" who communicated with him. This experience made him visit a psychic. The psychic told him to go back to San Francisco, where he would find fame.

Sammy Hagar's Music Journey

Starting with Montrose (1973–1975)

While playing in a band in San Francisco, Sammy Hagar was asked to join Montrose. This was a new band started by famous guitarist Ronnie Montrose. Sammy sang on their first two albums. One of these albums included "Bad Motor Scooter", the first song Sammy ever wrote. After some disagreements, Sammy left Montrose. Other band members, like bassist Bill Church and drummer Denny Carmassi, later joined Sammy's solo band.

Solo Music Career (1976–1987, 1997, 2008, 2013–2014)

In the late 1970s, Sammy Hagar began to find success as a solo artist. He released albums like Nine on a Ten Scale. His song "Red" helped create his "Red Rocker" image. He felt his record company wanted him to make pop hits, but he preferred heavier rock.

Sammy also wrote songs that became hits for other artists. He wrote "I've Done Everything for You" for Rick Springfield. Bette Midler also recorded two of his songs.

In 1978, Eddie Van Halen told Sammy that Montrose was his favorite band. Eddie said he was influenced by Montrose's guitar style.

Sammy later signed with Geffen Records. He brought in his friend David Lauser as his drummer. His first album with Geffen, Standing Hampton, was a huge success. It sold over a million copies. The album had popular songs like "There's Only One Way to Rock". His next album, Three Lock Box, gave him his first Top 40 pop hit. This song, "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy", reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1983.

Sammy continued to have success in the 1980s. His most famous song, "I Can't Drive 55", came out in 1984. It became a big hit and was played often on rock radio. By this time, Sammy Hagar was a headlining act. He performed for large crowds in the United States and Europe.

In 1987, after joining Van Halen, Sammy had his first No. 1 rock hit with "Give to Live". This song was from his album I Never Said Goodbye.

HSAS (1983–1984)

In 1983 and 1984, Sammy Hagar formed a supergroup called HSAS. He teamed up with guitarist Neal Schon from Journey. The band also included bassist Kenny Aaronson and drummer Michael Shrieve. HSAS released one album, Through the Fire. They played a few shows to help charities. HSAS was a short-term project.

Joining Van Halen (1985–1996)

In 1985, the band Van Halen was looking for a new singer. Eddie Van Halen remembered Sammy Hagar from Montrose. Sammy was asked to try out for the band and quickly joined. With Sammy as the singer, Van Halen released four albums that reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. These albums included 5150 and Balance. They also had many hit songs. Fans sometimes called the band "Van Hagar" during this time.

Sammy left Van Halen in June 1996. There were disagreements about recording new songs for a greatest hits album. Sammy wanted to record a full new album later. The band decided to record two songs for a movie soundtrack. This process was difficult. Only one song, "Humans Being", was finished. This led to Sammy leaving the band.

Los Tres Gusanos (1993–1996, 2002, 2005–present)

Hagar performing in 2005

In 1993, Sammy Hagar, drummer David Lauser, and Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony formed a band called Los Tres Gusanos. This name means "The Three Worms" in English. They played a mix of Sammy's songs, Van Halen songs, and cover songs. They often played at Sammy's club, Cabo Wabo. The band has continued to play together many times over the years.

Sammy Hagar & the Waboritas (1996–2005)

After leaving Van Halen in 1996, Sammy Hagar released more solo albums. In 1997, his song "Little White Lie" reached No. 1 on the rock charts. In 1999, he formed a new band called the Waboritas. This band included David Lauser on drums, Jesse Harms on keyboards, Vic Johnson on guitar, and Mona Gnader on bass. Their tours were known for being fun and spontaneous.

In 2002, Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth (Van Halen's original singer) went on a tour together. It was called the "Song for Song, the Heavyweight Champs of Rock and Roll Tour". This tour was very popular. Michael Anthony often joined Sammy's Waboritas during these shows. Sammy released a live album and a documentary about the tour.

Planet Us (2002–2003)

In 2002, Sammy Hagar joined with guitarists Neal Schon and Joe Satriani. They formed a new project called Planet Us. Michael Anthony and Deen Castronovo were also in the band. They recorded only two songs and played live a few times. The band stopped when Sammy and Michael rejoined Van Halen.

Back with Van Halen (2003–2005)

Hagar performing with Van Halen in 2004

After his successful tour with David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar thought about his old bandmates in Van Halen. In 2004, Van Halen went on tour with Sammy again. They also released a greatest hits album with three new songs sung by Sammy.

However, the tour had problems. The relationship between Sammy and the Van Halen brothers became difficult. They finished the tour using separate planes. The tour ended with a final show in Tucson, Arizona. Sammy said that Eddie Van Halen had changed. This made it impossible to record a new album together.

Sammy Hagar & the Waboritas (2005–present)

In 2005, Sammy Hagar continued to tour with the Waboritas. Michael Anthony also joined them. Sammy's 2006 tour included a part where he and Michael Anthony played as "the Other Half". This was a nod to them being half of Van Halen. They played songs from both Sammy's and David Lee Roth's time with Van Halen. Sammy released a live album and DVD called Livin' It Up! In St. Louis. He has a strong connection with fans in St. Louis.

Chickenfoot (2008–present)

In 2008, Sammy Hagar formed another supergroup called Chickenfoot. This band included Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and guitar player Joe Satriani. Their first album, Chickenfoot, came out in June 2009. It quickly reached No. 4 on the Billboard Music Chart.

Sammy Hagar and the Circle (2014–present)

In 2014, Sammy Hagar started a new supergroup called Sammy Hagar and the Circle. The band includes Michael Anthony, Waboritas guitarist Vic Johnson, and drummer Jason Bonham. Jason is the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Sammy said this band brought his career "full circle." They play songs from his solo career, Montrose, Van Halen, and Chickenfoot. They also play Led Zeppelin songs to honor Jason's father.

Sammy Hagar and the Circle began touring in 2014. They released a live album called At Your Service in May 2015. In 2015, Sammy said the band was thinking about making a studio album. He wanted to create a new sound, like "American folk rock, with a heavy edge." Their first studio album, Space Between, was released on May 10, 2019. It was a big success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Other Activities

TV Appearances

• In 1998, Sammy Hagar appeared on the TV show Nash Bridges. He played a bartender in one episode.
• In 2007, he was in commercials for NAPA auto parts. He changed the words to his song "I Can't Drive 55" for the ads.
• He appeared on The Biography Channel to share a personal story about his father.
• In 2010, Sammy Hagar and Chickenfoot appeared on the cartoon show Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
• In 2012, he was on American Restoration. He asked them to make a special rum dispenser.
• Sammy Hagar had an animated appearance in an episode of The Simpsons in 2014.
• In 2016, he was a mentor on the 11th season of The Voice.

Business Ventures

Exterior view of Hagar's Cabo Wabo restaurant and nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

• In the 1990s, Sammy Hagar owned a mountain bike store. He even designed his own "Red Rocker" mountain bike.
• Sammy owns a popular nightclub and restaurant in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It is called Cabo Wabo Cantina. He often performs there for his annual "Birthday Bash." He also opened other Cabo Wabo Cantina locations.
• He created a successful line of premium tequilas called Cabo Wabo. He later sold a large part of his tequila company to Gruppo Campari, a big spirits company. He sold the rest of his share in 2010.
• In 2009, Sammy opened "Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill" restaurants. He has locations in places like Las Vegas and Maui. He donates all the profits from these locations to local charities.
• In 2011, he launched Sammy's Beach Bar Rum in Hawaii.
• In 2009, Sammy Hagar and chef Tyler Florence opened a steakhouse together called El Paseo.
• Since 2015, Sammy has hosted a weekly radio show called Sammy Hagar's Top Rock Countdown.
• In 2016, he started a TV show called Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar on AXS TV. On the show, he talks with other musicians and performs with them.
• In 2019, Sammy Hagar teamed up with Guy Fieri to launch a new tequila brand called Santo.

Author

In March 2011, Sammy Hagar released his autobiography. It was called Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock. The book became a No. 1 best-seller on the New York Times Best Seller list.

In September 2015, Sammy Hagar released a cookbook. It is called Are We Having Any Fun Yet? – The Cooking & Partying Handbook. The book includes recipes, pictures, and stories about his cooking experiences.

Sammy Hagar's Bands

Sammy Hagar has played with many talented musicians throughout his career. His longest-running group is the Waboritas, formed in 1997. When Sammy joined Van Halen, his solo band would sometimes take a break.

Sammy Hagar and the Circle (2014–present)

• Vic Johnson – guitar, backing vocals
• Michael Anthony – bass, backing vocals
• Jason Bonham – drums

The Waboritas (2003, 2004–2009, 2010–present)

• Vic Johnson – guitar (1997–2003, 2004–2009, 2010–)
• Mona Gnader – bass (1997–2003, 2004–2009, 2010–)
• David Lauser – drums (1981–1985, 1987, 1993, 1997–2003, 2004–2009, 2010–)

Personal Life

Sammy Hagar married Betsy Berardi on November 3, 1968. They had two sons. They divorced in 1994. He then married Kari Hagar on November 29, 1995. They have two daughters. In 2008, Sammy and Kari started the Hagar Family Foundation. This charity helps children and families in need.

Sammy Hagar is a big fan of Ferrari cars. He owns a 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1. He also owns the 1982 Ferrari 512BB that was in his "I Can't Drive 55" music video.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Nine on a Ten Scale (1976)
• Sammy Hagar (1977)
• Musical Chairs (1977)
• Street Machine (1979)
• Danger Zone (1980)
• Standing Hampton (1982)
• Three Lock Box (1982)
• VOA (1984)
• I Never Said Goodbye (1987)
• Marching to Mars (1997)
• Red Voodoo (1999)
• Ten 13 (2000)
• Not 4 Sale (2002)
• Livin' It Up! (2006)
• Cosmic Universal Fashion (2008)
• Sammy Hagar & Friends (2013)
• Lite Roast (2014)
• Space Between (2019)
• Lockdown 2020 (2021)
• Crazy Times (2022)

With Montrose

• Montrose (1973)
• Paper Money (1974)

With Van Halen

• 5150 (1986)
• OU812 (1988)
• For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991)
• Balance (1995)

With Chickenfoot

• Chickenfoot (2009)
• Chickenfoot III (2011)

Images for kids

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  Sammy Hagar performing in 2008

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  Sammy Hagar performing in 2005

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  Sammy Hagar performing with Van Halen in 2004

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  Exterior view of Hagar's Cabo Wabo restaurant and nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

See also

In Spanish: Sammy Hagar para niños