Sammy Hagar Revisits Van Halen once more
In early 2024, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony pondered the best way to preserve Van Halen’s legacy in a modern context. Hagar had a profound realization, telling Anthony, “It’s in our hands now.” This pivotal moment inspired the creation of the “Best of All Worlds Stays in Vegas” residency at Dolby Live, set to launch on Wednesday and run for nine performances until May 17. Bringing the “Van Hagar” era back to life, Hagar and Anthony enlisted renowned guitarist Joe Satriani, the dynamic drummer Kenny Aronoff, and multi-talented musician/vocalist Rai Thistlethwayte to round out their ensemble.
At the heart of the residency is the extensive Hagar-Van Halen catalog, the exceptional talents of the musicians, and a touch of Hagar’s solo career woven into the performance. Hagar, Anthony, Aronoff, and Satriani recently engaged in a lively group Zoom interview, showcasing an eclectic blend of personalities and talents reminiscent of “The Sammy Bunch.”
Despite his unwavering energy at the age of 77, Hagar admitted to growing weary of the grind of extensive tours and excessive travel. Thus, he resolved to embark on a residency to extend his music career while sparing himself the demanding logistics of touring. Elaborating on the band’s composition, Hagar revealed the deliberate selection of Aronoff and Satriani for the “Best of All Worlds” project, emphasizing their exceptional proficiency in delivering the Van Halen sound and honoring their iconic hits.
Aronoff, known for his lengthy tenure with John Mellencamp and his Strip residency with John Fogerty, found his experience playing Van Halen material to be a remarkable privilege. Filling in for Bonham at short notice during the world tour, Aronoff impressed his bandmates with his remarkable skill and commitment to the music. Hagar commended Aronoff’s seamless integration into the group and his flawless execution of the complex Van Halen repertoire.
Regarding the absence of original members in the current endeavor, Hagar acknowledged David Lee Roth’s “retirement” and his return to the spotlight for the M3 Rock Festival in Maryland, running concurrently with Hagar’s residency. Reflecting on Roth’s multiple “retirements,” Hagar approached the topic with a lighthearted attitude, emphasizing the humor in the situation. Despite former drummer Alex Van Halen’s disinterest in participating in the revival, Hagar publicly extended an invitation for his return and expressed his willingness to collaborate once again.
As the band gears up for their epic Las Vegas showcase, they aim to captivate audiences with a stellar lineup, electrifying performances, and a celebration of the timeless Van Halen legacy. In recapturing the spirit of Van Halen and infusing it with fresh energy, the “Best of All Worlds” residency promises an unforgettable musical journey to fans old and new alike.