Touring No Longer Appeals to Me
After an impressive journey spanning over five decades in the music industry, Sammy Hagar, the legendary former frontman of Van Halen, has hinted that his extensive touring days may be coming to a close. In a candid discussion with the Miami Herald, Hagar shared, “I don’t think I want to go on tour anymore.” He expressed his concerns about disappointing his dedicated fanbase, saying, “I hate to say that, because I don’t want to piss my fans off.” His honesty reflects the challenges artists face as they balance their passion for performance with the toll of constant touring.
Last summer, Hagar embarked on a successful nationwide tour themed around Van Halen called the Best of All Worlds, captivating audiences across the United States. However, he is now shifting his focus towards more manageable performance formats, such as residencies and one-off shows. He is set to debut a refreshed version of the Best of All Worlds concert in a nine-date residency in Las Vegas, starting on April 30. This strategic move allows him to maintain his connection with fans while reducing the physical demands of extensive touring.
During the interview, Hagar expressed his preference for this residency format, stating, “I keep telling my manager, ‘Don’t take any tours, let me do this residency.’” He elaborated on how this approach could extend his career, saying, “If I like it enough, I’ll do another one. And if that’s successful I’ll do another one.” He emphasized the benefits of this arrangement, noting that it minimizes travel stress, as he no longer has to deal with the burdensome routine of packing and unpacking, which has become increasingly taxing on his body at his age. “You know, at my age, it hurts my shoulders to do all this. And I have to perform. I’m a performer, at the end of the day,” he remarked.
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In an exciting twist for his upcoming Las Vegas residency, Hagar has promised to refresh the set lists, ensuring a unique experience for concertgoers. He will be sharing the stage with a stellar lineup of musicians, including Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, Kenny Aronoff, and Rai Thistlethwayte. This collaboration is set to create an electrifying atmosphere that fans won’t want to miss.
One highly anticipated addition to the set list is the challenging track “Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do),” the lead single from Van Halen’s 1995 album Balance. Hagar acknowledged the technical difficulties of performing the song, admitting, “Technically it’s a brutal song to sing. I painted myself in a corner.” Nevertheless, he remains committed to delivering this fan-favorite during the residency, confidently stating, “[W]e will be doing it at the residency in Vegas. I’m going to add it to the show.”
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Whether solo or with a band, Sammy Hagar continues to demonstrate that there are countless ways to rock the music scene.
Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening