Sammy Hagar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sammy Hagar
Hagar performing in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Sam 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
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

Sam Roy Hagar (born October 13, 1947), also known as the Red Rocker, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He became famous in the early 1970s with the hard rock band Montrose. Later, he started a successful solo career, with a big hit in 1984 called "I Can't Drive 55". He also had great success as the lead singer of Van Halen from 1985 to 1996, and again from 2003 to 2005.

In 2007, Hagar was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen. His music is mostly hard rock and heavy metal. Sammy Hagar is also a successful businessman, having started several brands and restaurants. With his wife, Kari Hagar, he created the Hagar Family Foundation in 2008. This charity helps children and fights hunger.

Early Life and Music Discovery

Sam Roy Hagar was born in Salinas, California. His family moved around a lot when he was young. He lived in nine different homes in Fontana, California. To earn money, Hagar picked fruit, delivered newspapers, and mowed lawns.

He was a good student and found his love for music in high school. He taught himself to play guitar on an instrument he bought for $40. At 14, he led his first band, the Fabulous Castilles. When he was 17, Hagar went to see the Rolling Stones play in San Bernardino, California. He also often went to concerts by surf guitarist Dick Dale. After high school, Hagar moved to Riverside. He played in local bands and worked in a music store. During this time, he met drummer David Lauser, who became a long-time friend and music partner.

Musical Journey

Montrose: The Beginning (1973–1975)

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

Solo Success: The Red Rocker (1976–1987)

By the late 1970s, Hagar was doing well as a solo artist. He released albums like Nine on a Ten Scale. His hit song "Red" helped him become known as "the Red Rocker". Hagar felt his record label wanted him to make pop hits, but he saw himself as a "heavy-metal guy". He later moved to Geffen Records.

His first album with Geffen, Standing Hampton, sold very well. It became a platinum album. The next album, Three Lock Box, gave him his first Top 40 pop hit, "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy". This song reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Hagar continued to have success in the 1980s. His most famous song, "I Can't Drive 55", came from his 1984 album VOA. This song reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. It also played a lot on rock radio stations. By this time, Hagar was a headlining act in many places. In 1987, he had his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks with "Give to Live".

HSAS: A Short-Lived Supergroup (1983–1984)

In 1983 and 1984, Hagar formed a supergroup called HSAS. He joined with guitarist Neal Schon from Journey, bassist Kenny Aaronson, and drummer Michael Shrieve. They released one album, Through the Fire. HSAS was meant to be a short project, and it ended after a brief tour.

Van Halen: A New Era (1985–1996)

In 1985, after their singer David Lee Roth left, the band Van Halen asked Sammy Hagar to join. Eddie Van Halen was a big fan of Montrose. Hagar quickly became their new lead singer. With Hagar, Van Halen released four very successful albums. These albums reached number 1 on the Billboard charts. They also had many hit songs. Fans often called the band "Van Hagar" during this time.

Hagar left the band in 1996 due to disagreements. He wanted to record a new studio album, but the band wanted to record only two new songs for a greatest hits album. Hagar felt it was not the right time due to personal reasons. There are different stories about how he left, but Hagar said he was fired. Eddie Van Halen said Hagar quit.

Los Tres Gusanos: The Three Worms (1993–1996, 2002, 2005–present)

In 1993, Hagar, drummer David Lauser, and Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony formed a band called Los Tres Gusanos. This means "The Three Worms" in English. They played Hagar's songs, Van Halen songs, and cover songs at clubs. The band has played together many times over the years.

Sammy Hagar & the Waboritas (1996–2005)

After leaving Van Halen in 1996, Hagar released more solo albums. In 1997, his song "Little White Lie" reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. 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, Hagar teamed up with David Lee Roth for a tour. It was called the "Song For Song, the Heavyweight Champs of Rock and Roll Tour". This tour was very popular. Michael Anthony often joined Hagar's Waboritas during these shows.

Planet Us: Another Supergroup (2002–2003)

In 2002, Hagar formed another side project called Planet Us. He joined with guitarists Neal Schon and Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony on bass, and Deen Castronovo on drums. They recorded two songs and played live a few times. The band broke up when Hagar and Anthony rejoined Van Halen.

Van Halen Reunion (2003–2005)

In 2004, Van Halen went on tour with Hagar again. They also released a greatest hits album with three new songs featuring Hagar. However, the tour had problems. The relationship between Hagar and the Van Halen brothers became difficult. They even traveled on separate planes. The tour ended with a famous final show where Eddie Van Halen broke his guitar. This made it clear that a new album with Hagar would not happen.

Sammy Hagar & the Waboritas (2005–present)

After the Van Halen reunion, Hagar continued to play with the Waboritas. Michael Anthony also joined him on tour. In 2006, Hagar released a live album and DVD called Livin' It Up! In St. Louis. Hagar has a special connection with fans in St. Louis.

Chickenfoot: A New Supergroup (2008–present)

In 2008, Hagar formed a new supergroup called Chickenfoot. The band included Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and guitar player Joe Satriani. Their first album came out in 2009 and was very successful. They released a second album, Chickenfoot III, in 2011.

Sammy Hagar and the Circle (2014–present)

Hagar started another supergroup in 2014 called Sammy Hagar and the Circle. This band features Michael Anthony, Waboritas guitarist Vic Johnson, and drummer Jason Bonham. Hagar said the band brought him "full circle" in his career. They play songs from his solo career, Montrose, Van Halen, and Chickenfoot. They also play Led Zeppelin songs because Jason is the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

Sammy Hagar and the Circle started touring in 2014. They released a live album in 2015. Their first studio album, Space Between, came out in 2019. It was very popular, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Other Ventures and Interests

Television Appearances

• In 1998, Hagar appeared in the TV show Nash Bridges.
• In 2007, he was in commercials for NAPA car parts. The ads used his song "I Can't Drive 55".
• Hagar appeared on Celebrity Ghost Stories, sharing a personal story.
• In 2010, Chickenfoot appeared in an episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
• Hagar was a guest on American Restoration in 2012.
• He had an animated appearance in The Simpsons in 2014.
• In 2016, Hagar started his own TV show, Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar, on AXS TV. He travels and talks with other musicians.

Business Interests

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

• In the 1990s, Hagar owned bicycle stores.
• Hagar owns a famous nightclub and restaurant called Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He often performs there for his annual "Birthday Bash". He also opened other Cabo Wabo Cantina locations.
• In 2009, Hagar opened "Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill" in St. Louis and Las Vegas. He donates all the profits from these locations to local charities.
• Hagar created Cabo Wabo Tequila. In 2007, he sold a large part of his tequila company for $80 million. He later sold the rest of his share.
• In 2011, Hagar launched Sammy's Beach Bar Rum.
• In 2009, Hagar and chef Tyler Florence opened a steakhouse called El Paseo.
• In 2015, Hagar started a weekly radio show called Sammy Hagar's Top Rock Countdown.

Author

In March 2011, Hagar released his autobiography, Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock. It became a No. 1 best-seller on The New York Times list. In 2015, Hagar released a cookbook called Are We Having Any Fun Yet? – The Cooking & Partying Handbook.

Personal Life

Sammy Hagar married Betsy Berardi in 1968, and they had two sons. They divorced in 1994. He married his current wife, Kari Hagar, in 1995. They have two daughters together. In 2008, they started the Hagar Family Foundation, a charity that helps children and families in need.

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

Backing Bands

Sammy Hagar has played with many musicians during his solo career. His longest-running group is the Waboritas, formed in 1997. When Hagar joined Chickenfoot in 2009, he put the Waboritas on hold. However, he still plays with them often.

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–)

Former Band Members

Guitar

• David Lewark (1976–1977)
• Gary Pihl (1977–1985)
• Glenn Ross Campbell

Bass

• Bill Church (1976–1985)
• Jonathan Pierce (1993, 1997)

Drums

• Scott Mathews (1976–1977)
• Chuck Ruff (1977–1980)
• Denny Carmassi (1977, 1997)
• Billy Carmassi

Keyboards

• Alan Fitzgerald (1976–1979)
• Geoff Workman (1980)
• Jesse Harms (1984–1985, 1987, 1997–2003)

Equipment

Hagar has used guitars from Yamaha, Washburn Guitars, and Gibson Guitars. He has signature models with Yamaha and Gibson. He uses Blackstar and Marshall amplifiers.

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

• 

  Hagar performing in 2005

• 

  Hagar with Van Halen, 2004

See Also

In Spanish: Sammy Hagar para niños