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Sammy Hagar Turned Back Time Saturday in Saint Louis

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

 

–by Sean Derrick

Humans have for centuries dreamed of having a time machine to travel back in time to relive a magical moment. While Saturday night at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis wasn’t a time machine, Sammy Hagar made his best effort to replicate one.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

In town for the Best of All Worlds Tour finale Hagar took fans back in time to relive Van Halen songs from the time he fronted the iconic band and to celebrate guitarist Eddie Van Halen, who passed away from cancer in 2020.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Hagar (along with fellow Van Halen alum bassist Michael Anthony) have always included 4-6 Van Halen songs in their many tours together. However, Hagar wanted to make it a focus for the fans, who don’t get to hear those songs (or any Van Halen) songs from any remaining members. Sammy and Michael are the ONLY ones who are performing those songs.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Prior to the start of the tour Hagar reached out to Eddie’s brother Alex, but Alex, understandably distraught over his brother’s passing, recently sold all of his drum gear and has refused to play with anyone besides Eddie. He also invited vocalist David Lee Roth, even though he retired a few years ago. And Eddie’s son, Wolfgang, who performed with the band since 2006, has only performed a few Van Halen songs since his father’s passing (for the Taylor Hawkings benefits concerts in 2022) but has expressed excitement about this tour. Hagar reached out to all three to invite them to join him onstage for the fans. The best hope for any of that is if Wolfgang joins the band on one of their three shows in Japan later this month.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Even so, Hagar and Anthony were joined by guitarist Joe Satriani and Jason Bonham for the tour, and also added a keyboardist, Rai Thistlethwayte, to capture the intricate keyboards from Eddie. Three shows form the end Bonham had to leave to attend to a family emergency and Kenny Aronoff filled in. (Hagar dedicated “Eagles Fly” to the Bonham family.) Aronoff has played with Hagar in Chickenfoot and has fit in like it was meant for him all along.

Kenny Aronoff performing with Sammy Hagar at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

This show also set a record for the venue as Sammy has become the first artist to play there 20 times (Solo and with Van Halen, Chickenfoot never performed there.) It also marked the 51st show the Red Rocker has performed in Saint Louis, over all the bands he has played in (Montrose, Solo, Van Halen, Chickenfoot, and The Circle) which it has been figured out by ticket sales that more than 700,000 fans attended those shows. Hagar even joked about doing a residency in St. Louis, his adopted hometown.

Joe Satriani performing with Sammy Hagar at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Sammy has normally played between 4 and 7 Van Halen songs in his sets over the years after Van Halen. This tour showcased 14 songs, although they played 15 in Saint Louis as Sammy started an impromptu acapella version of the “Cabo Wabo” off of the OU812 album.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Most of the Van Halen songs were, of course, from the time period Hagar fronted the iconic band. And to his credit he could have just performed those songs and fans would have been happy, but in showing his true love for Van Halen fans they performed three songs from the David Lee Roth era; “Jump”, “Panama”, and “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love”, the latter of which Anthony sang lead.

Michael Anthony performing with Sammy Hagar at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

The show was electric from start to finish. The anticipation in the sold-out crowd, along with the numerous vintage Van Halen t-shirts, drove the energy up to great heights. Honestly, this was one of the most electric shows of the year. From the first screams of “Hello Baby!” from “Good Enough” the crowd was on their feet and remained there for two hours and fifteen minutes.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

No intermission, no breaks, no fake goodbye while waiting for the obligatory encore cheers, just 135 minutes of rock.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Sammy’s voice sounded great (at nearly 77 the ageless wonder is showing no signs of slowing down. I wish I had that energy.), Anthony was a beast on bass, Satriani was awesome in his attempt to play Eddie’s classic riffs, while keeping his own signature on the songs, instead of just trying to be a copy machine with no soul. Kenny Aronoff was a pro in his stint and sounded like he had been with them the entire tour.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

A thank you for the fans and gave the opportunity for those who never got the chance to see Van Halen, in any iteration, live from 2 former members. They performed several deep dives including “Summer Nights which hadn’t been played in St. Louis since Van Halen performed it in July 1986 during a three night run at The Arena.

Michael Anthony performing with Sammy Hagar at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

For many fans it didn’t matter if it was “Jump” or “The Seventh Seal”, or “Judgement Day”, or “Right Now”, they were just happy to hear the songs again by artists who recorded them.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

The tour has been a major success, and Hagar has talked about continuing the tour in Europe and South America, though no dates have been announced yet, other than the three Japan dates later this month. Hagar knows his time is limited and has stated he doesn’t know how much longer he can perform these songs. So, that happens and you have a chance to go, DO IT. Because this will be the last time you will be able to experience these songs live from the artists who recorded them, and when they are gone the entire experience will be gone.

Sammy Hagar performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Some in the audience understood the assignment as they brought their kids, or grandkids to take in the experience.

Loverboy performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Saint Louis Saturday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Loverboy opened the show with a solid set. Mike Reno still has the chops to hit the notes he needs to. Drummer Matt Frenette several times stood on his stool and leaned out over the drums while playing (I’d probably break my other leg if I attempted that.) A fan of Loverboy next to me was definitely living his best life seeing his favorite band for the first time (and probably losing 10 pounds in sweat as he was having his own party.0 Rock on, dude! Rock on!

Be sure to check out the complete gallery of shots from the evening below, after the setlist.

Sammy Hagar Setlist:

Good Enough (Van Halen song)

Poundcake (Van Halen song)

Runaround (Van Halen song)

There’s Only One Way to Rock

Judgement Day (Van Halen song)

Panama (Van Halen song)

5150 (Van Halen song)

Summer Nights (Van Halen song)

Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love (Van Halen song, Michael Anthony sang lead)

Top of the World (Van Halen song)

Best of Both Worlds (Van Halen Song) (with a chorus of “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang)

Satch Boogie (Joe Satriani song)

The Seventh Seal (Van Halen song)

Right Now (Van Halen song)

Why Can’t This Be Love (Van Halen song)

Eagles Fly

Mas Tequila (with snippet of “On the Road Again” from Canned Heat)

Heavy Metal

I Can’t Drive 55

Space Station #5/Big Foot/Jump (Montrose/Chickefoot/Van Halen songs medley)

When It’s Love (Van Halen song)

Cabo Wabo (Van Halen song, acapella, impromptu)

21 thoughts on “Sammy Hagar Turned Back Time Saturday in Saint Louis

  • Ron Sweet

    Just FYI…the song Cabo Wabo is not from the 5150 album like you claimed in the article. It’s from the OU812 album.

    Reply
    • Sean Derrick

      Thank you for the catch. That’s what I get for trying to write the review when I am tired, haha

      Reply
      • Stephen

        Wolf wasn’t playing in the band in 1998.. He was like 8 or 9 in 1998. He joined the band in like 2008 or 2009 when they had their big press conference when they let the whole world know Michael Anthony was out. But this was a good read. The wife and I saw them in Phoenix a few weeks ago and it was nothing short of amazing. Loverboy knocked their portion out of the park.

        Reply
        • Sean Derrick

          Damnit! I really need to get more sleep before I write haha. Thanks for catching that.

          Reply
        • I so wanted to see them here in Phoenix , however I just cannot take 115 degree heat. I don’t understand why they didn’t hold the concert at one of our indoor arenas. Back in 2016 we did drive to Indo, Ca to see them at Fantasy Springs Hotel and Casino and with 3700 fans! I absolutely love the smaller venues. In any case I am glad that you had a good time.

          Reply
  • It was the greatest Sammy show I’ve ever saw or maybe comparable to the Fox . And I e saw him 20 times. Joe Satriano played those Eddie Vanhalen riffs he was kick ass . Of course Mikey is always great singing and also back up he’s a talent . The crowd was one of the best I’ve been apart of everyone stood when they came out and never set down the whole show .. that’s what it’s supposed to be like.

    Reply
  • Sammy Geib

    Was There in saint louis and let me tell you one of the best shows i’ve ever seen.And I have been to many, many, many concerts over the years.
    Agree, if you have a chance to see them or Sammy. Do it before time passes on one hell of a show spot on.

    Reply
  • Cheryl

    Saw him at Riverbend (Cincinnati)
    He was amazing. Great concert!!!

    Reply
  • Rick robinson

    Wow is all I can say , I was at the ST. Loius concert and I took my two sons and my niece to show them what I always talk about the old Van Halen concerts. My son is named Vann if it was a girl she would of been Halen. When Eddie died I told everyone you would never see them songs played again live and I’m glad I ate them words What a show what a great great concert almost felt like my life was complete when it was over thank you Sammy.

    Reply
  • Rick Wright

    I’ve never seen any of the bands Sammy was in or even solo and that also goes for Van Halen. Just one of life’s loss chances. However going to concerts since 1967 I’ve seen some of the best personnel and bands and even played drums in three decent bands but that was over fifty years ago and now I am 72 I can’t say enough of Sammy’s strength, drive, physically doing what he still does and keeping his sanity on the road!!!
    Really tough enough guy!
    Rock on, Rock on🀘🎼🎢🎢🎢

    Reply
    • Wendy Kuhns

      that’s because Sammy never did drugs and never liked to drink while on the road…he didn’t want to be hungover and thought it would affect his voice as well

      Reply
      • TAMMY DEE

        πŸ˜‚πŸ€£πŸ˜…

        Reply
  • Wendy Kuhns

    Is Sammy playing any shows in the Chicago/Rockford area?

    Reply
  • I believe I read when Sammy was in van Halen him and Micheal used to drink jack Daniels by the bottle when performing.

    Reply
  • T. O.

    I saw this tour at The Woodlands in Houston Texas. NOTHING NEGATIVE about the entire show. Simply Awesome! I had seen Van Halen back in the ninetees in the same arena. Eddie was present along with Alex, Michael and Sammy. I was so happy to go back and see this show. My wife and daughters gave me this show as a Christmas Present back in 2023 and what a Gift!
    I still had my original Van Halen Tour shirt I wore to the show and of course purchased other shirts from show. In all Sammy and Michael still have their voices to sing while Joe Satriani and Jason filled in to assist and play all the classics tunes. As for Loverboy as an opening act OMG WOW!!
    Mike Reno can still sing and the band to carry the music. First time seeing Loverboy and WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. To both bands Thank You! Thank You for A SUPERIOR SHOW performed at The Woodlands in Houston, TX from Brownsville Texas.
    P.S.
    To Sammy I hope you made it to the coast once again and found a place in The Texas Coast. Yes sir as you said Texas is Hot πŸ”₯ yet all Texans would WELCOME “THE RED ROCKER” to South Padre Island, Texas.

    Reply
  • Jeannie cagle

    Awesome πŸ‘Œ show in Nashville, TN. It’s been a week and I want to go back. Take me back Deja’vu! Best show ever!!

    Reply
  • Martin

    I’ve seen Sammy many times in all bands he played in all the way back to Montrose. This was a great show. I seen him a few years back when he did the FOUR DECADES OF ROCK. That was a awsome tour also.

    Reply
  • Scott

    When YALL HEADING DOWN SOUTH TOO BILOXI MS HARDROCK COME ON SAMMY CANT LEAVE US OUT WE
    ROCK YOUR ASS OFF !!!!!

    Reply
  • CSteck

    Seen the Sammy Hegar and Loverboy Concert a couple of weeks ago at the Cynthia Woods Pavillion. What a phenomenal show it was! One of the best concerts we have been to!

    Reply
  • Michael Henderlight

    Sammy Hagar was great I love him always have Keep it up Sammy you’re the best

    Reply
  • John Ziperski

    I was in St. Loius, I knew I needed to see it, as a big Sammy and VH fan. It was simply the best concert I ever have witnessed. I have seen some awesome concerts, but this one, from a 76 year old? He looked like he was barely half that age. Joe was amazing, I could watch this concert monthly and get my kicks, but being there, you could feel it.

    Reply

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