When you hear the name “Sammy Hagar,” you probably think one of two things – “Oh, I loved him with Van Halen” or “Oh, the guy that tried to replace David Lee Roth.” Personally, I fall in the latter category, but you cannot deny that Sammy’s new book “Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock” is interesting if nothing else.
In the book, Hagar talks about his almost four decades in rock, including his time as a solo artist and his nine-year tenure with Van Halen. He give juicy backstage details and talks about his Cabo Wabo tequila business and touring with Waboritas and Chickenfoot.
Hagar did an interview for AOL’s Pop Eater. He said he would be open for a Van Halen reunion, but Eddie Van Halen would have to make the first move. Hagar claims he was fired in 1995 while Van Halen contends he quit. Still, Hagar calls a reunion “inevitable” just not right now.
After both exited Van Halen, Hagar and Roth briefly toured together, but there seems to be no love lost between the two. Hagar said Roth was someone he had “nothing in common with” and “He’s not fun.”
Hagar did have nice words for Van Halen’s ex-wife, actress Valorie Bertinelli, calling her “Saint Valorie” for having dealt with Van Halen for so many years. Of course, Hagar went into his groupie exploits, but said his first marriage had essentially ended anyhow. He swears he remains faithful to his second wife, Kari.
Hagar did admit he made more money with his tequila company, Cabo Wabo, than he did with his music. He sold 80 percent of the company for $80 million.
But, if you think Hagar is all about the music and money, you are wrong. He had fallen in love with St. Louis and even opened up a restaurant there named Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill. All the proceeds from the restaurant go to the charity Blessing and a Backpack, which gives lunches to kids who need them.
While we may not see a Van Halen reunion with Hagar any time soon, he seems to have plenty on his plate until he gets that call from Eddie.