Sammy Hagar

Sammy Hagar, also known as the Red Rocker, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, entrepreneur and philanthropist from Salinas, United States. Born in 1947, he is associated with hard rock, pop rock and rock, with his career also closely linked to heavy metal.

Early career and Montrose

Hagar rises to prominence in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of Montrose. He joins the band in 1973, appearing on its debut album Montrose and its second album Paper Money. He also contributes songs such as “Bad Motor Scooter”.

Before that, he teaches himself guitar as a teenager and forms his first band, the Fabulous Castilles, at 14. After high school he plays in several local groups, including the Johnny Fortune Band, Big Bang, Skinny, Dustcloud, Cotton, Jimmy, the Justice Brothers and Manhole, before relocating to San Francisco.

Solo work

After leaving Montrose, Hagar begins a solo career in the late 1970s. He records for Capitol Records and later Geffen Records, and releases albums including Nine on a Ten Scale, Street Machine, Standing Hampton, Three Lock Box and VOA. His solo hits include “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” and “I Can’t Drive 55”, the latter becoming a major 1984 hit. Other solo studio albums include I Never Said Goodbye, Marching to Mars, Red Voodoo, Ten 13, Not 4 Sale, Livin’ It Up!, Cosmic Universal Fashion, Sammy Hagar & Friends, Lite Roast, Space Between, Lockdown 2020 and Crazy Times.

He also writes songs for other artists, including Rick Springfield’s “I’ve Done Everything for You” and Bette Midler’s “Keep on Rockin’” and “Red”.

Van Halen and other groups

Hagar joins Van Halen in 1985 after David Lee Roth leaves the band. With him as lead vocalist, the group releases the multi-platinum albums 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and Balance, and scores nine number 1 Mainstream Rock hits. The period is often called “Van Hagar”. He leaves in 1996 after disputes over recording and management, then returns from 2003 to 2005 for The Best of Both Worlds and touring. He is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen in 2007.

He also works in several other groups and collaborations. In 1983 and 1984 he forms HSAS with Neal Schon, Kenny Aaronson and Michael Shrieve, releasing Through the Fire. In 1993 he forms Los Tres Gusanos with David Lauser and Michael Anthony, playing a mix of solo songs, Van Halen material and covers; the group reunites periodically from 2002. In 1996 he forms Sammy Hagar and the Waboritas with Lauser, Vic Johnson, Jesse Harms and Mona Gnader, touring and releasing live recordings. In 2002 he forms Planet Us with Schon, Joe Satriani, Anthony and Deen Castronovo. In 2008 he forms Chickenfoot with Anthony, Chad Smith and Satriani, releasing a self-titled debut in 2009. In 2014 he establishes Sammy Hagar and the Circle with Anthony, Johnson and Jason Bonham; the group performs songs from his solo career, Montrose, Van Halen and Chickenfoot. Their releases include At Your Service and Space Between, which reaches number 4 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on multiple Billboard charts.

Business and philanthropy

Outside music, Hagar founds four spirits brands and 13 restaurants. In 2008 he establishes the Hagar Family Foundation with his wife, Kari, focusing on children’s causes and hunger relief.