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08/18/2024

Sammy Hagar "Best Of All Worlds" 2024 Tour at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater on 08/14/24

By Brent Angelo // PHOTOS & REVIEW

Sammy Hagar. The Red Rocker. He has been a staple of rock music since the early 70s. Sammy first got his start in the now highly respected rock band, Montrose, and he would later go on to become a successful solo artist. Sammy was riding high in the early 80s with the success of his 1984 album, VOA and its tour when he would get a call that would change his life. Eddie Van Halen called and asked if he wanted to join the band.

When Sammy Hagar joined Van Halen, he brought a new element of songwriting and inspiration that simply revived Van Halen’s spirits. The band members had a chemistry right from the start and they became the best of friends. There was something special happening in that 5150-home studio and their first album, 5150 was a testament to that time.

Van “Hagar” as it was affectionately known by the fans was good times rock n roll music. Their albums, 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995) included some blazing guitar driven rock songs with some heartful, deep power ballads. Their live shows were next level and something to be seen in person. They were sold out, high in energy, and were always tons of fun. Van Halen, who was already highly successful from the David Lee Roth era of the group soared to even new highs with Sammy in the band.

When the good times sadly came to an end, things were never the same. While the band members would continue with their different pursuits and had later successes, this era of Van Halen was greatly missed by its fans.

When the news broke of Eddie Van Halen’s passing, it devastated the rock community, and his absence is still felt today. Eddie left such an impact on guitar music and influenced so many after him. Fans began calling for a tribute show, but things like COVID and behind the scenes drama plagued it from ever happening.

Sammy and Eddie thankfully reconciled their differences before he passed and from that time on Sammy has always been one pushing for a show in his honor. After numerous years of trying this tour was finally set up. The tour is billed as the “Best Of All Worlds” 2024 Tour. It is a love letter to their time in Van Halen, but the show also pays tribute to the different eras in Sammy’s storied rock career.

Joe Satriani would come on board to try and fill some pretty big shoes. After already having a successful career in rock guitar music of his own and would later include his time with Sammy and Michael Anthony in the supergroup, Chickenfoot, this would be a new challenge for him even with all his talent.

Eddie Van Halen is not one who can simply replace. He was a master at guitar improvisation, songwriting and had incredible tone from years of guitar experimentation and the building of his own gear. He was a true once in a lifetime artist. At the same time, Joe Satriani is also a massive talent with his own unique skill set. We all waited to see how it would play out.

From the start of the “Best Of All Worlds” show, the fun was back. The vibe at this show felt like the old days. Fans wore old school Van Halen shirts, were throwing up banners to the stage and Sammy was once again doing his thing signing stuff for the upfront fanatic fans.

Joe Satriani brought a much-appreciated respect level to Eddie’s guitar work by playing his parts as they should most of the time, but at other times being free to be himself. This tour benefited from his talent level and gave fans missed live tunes like “5150” and “Summer Nights”. Through it all, Joe did a great job and was smiles all night. With that, it would have been nice to once again see Alex Van Halen on drums, get a proper goodbye, but sadly that chance never came. Jason Bonham filled another tough spot, and he was great on drums as well.

Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony. They both have done so much in music, are highly respected and simply loved by the fans. It was great seeing their bond as friends still as strong as ever. Those guys are truly kindred spirits and make great music whenever they are together. They seem happiest when they are on stage and playing music together.

The “Best of All Worlds” Tour was something special to see and experience. The show really paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen. Highlights included “Poundcake”, “5150”, “Summer Nights”, “Best of Both Worlds” and “The Seventh Seal” was a nice surprise in the set. Early Van Halen got its nods with performances of “Panama” and a version of “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” with Michael Anthony on vocals. There were Sammy classics from his Montrose days that included “Space Station #5”, solo favorites like “Heavy Metal” and “I Can’t Drive 55” and Sammy really shined on “Eagle’s Fly”. It was during this time, Joe Satriani put down his signature Ibanez and in a rare moment was seen playing a Fender EVH Frankenstein. Pretty cool.

In the end, “When It’s Love” was a fitting encore and closing track. Seeing Eddie on the screen playing the keyboards in the beginning as seen in the music video brought tears. You could once again feel that love from the past with a renewed love in the air. For those of us who were there back then and took in all those great experiences, we will never forget that time. It was truly a magical era in music. This show brought back some wonderful memories and created new ones in the process. This is a show you can’t miss.

“Best Of All Worlds” 2024 Tour
Ridgefield, Washington
August 14, 2024
Setlist

Good Enough
Poundcake
Runaround
There's Only One Way to Rock
Judgement Day
Panama
5150
Summer Nights
Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love (Michael Anthony on lead vocals)
Top of the World
Best of Both Worlds
Satch Boogie (Joe Satriani)
The Seventh Seal
Right Now
Why Can't This Be Love
Eagles Fly
Mas Tequila
Heavy Metal
I Can't Drive 55
Space Station #5 / Big Foot / Jump
When It's Love

Sammy Hagar -Best of All Worlds Tour - FULL SHOW (fan filmed video)

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