ROCK
REPORT
by
Ross CAT
………………PAINT
THE TOWN RED……………….
The New Year has started out like no other in the VAN HALEN camp;
after being dormant for the better part of five years prior to the 2004
reunion tour the band has been a regular in the music blotter. The good
news is that “Judgment Day” has come and the Red
carpet will be rolled out next month in New York City as
the band will be standing on “Top of the World” when they
are enshrined into their proper place in the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame.
The circumstances surrounding this induction are unique in the respect
that two completely different eras of this remarkable Rock and Roll band
is being recognized, and rightfully so. While the original line-up may
have very well reached this pinnacle on its own merits; it was the Red
Rocker SAMMY HAGAR
who set aside his ample ax and brought back character and credibility to
a band that imploded following the release of the chart busting album “1984”.
Since the departure of HAGAR following the tumultuous 2004 reunion
tour, VAN HALEN is once again playing  the
“In
–n- Out” game on vocals bringing DAVID LEE ROTH back into
the fold. Also joining in to Rock the VAN HALEN cradle will be fifteen-
year old WOLFGANG. The music prodigy will be taking over bass duties
for original member,
MICHAEL ANTHONY, whose booming bass lines and
legendary hearty harmonies will be sorely missed on the upcoming tour.
While speculation and hoopla surround this momentous event at the Waldorf
Historia on March 12th, SAMMY
HAGAR along with the rest of the Rock
and Roll community hope everyone can have the “Best of Both Worlds”
on this momentous night.
NIGHTLIFE had the good fortune to share a few minutes with the
Red
Rocker from his home in Cabo,
San Lucas just a few days following the HOF induction announcement.
Ross
CAT- Congratulations on the well deserved induction to the
Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame.
SAMMY-
Thanks so much I’m absolutely elated about the honor. It just so happens
MICHAEL
ANTHONY was down here with me soaking up the sunshine when we got the
word. Since then we’ve been throwing one Helluva
of a party down at the Cabo Wabo Cantina. It’s been one big
jam with my band the Wabos, we evened managed to spice things
up with CHAD SMITH of the CHILI PEPPERS hangin’ with us and
sharing the fun.
It really doesn’t hit you until you start talking with people and hear
them say your name and Hall of Fame in the same sentence.
I think that VAN HALEN deserves the honor more then any other band
from that era. It’s really cool that they have included both ROTH
and me.
Ross
CAT- Speaking of DAVID LEE ROTH, the VAN HALEN family
will be “Runnin with DAVE” throughout the summer tour circuit,
what’s your take on that?
SAMMY-
It ought to make for an interesting summer and evening in New York
next month that’s for sure. The cool thing is everybody is still alive;
we’re all still legitimate musicians, each member of the VH is and
has been a valid artist in their own right.
As for the ceremony, all I can do is hope for the best and fear the worst.
I really do hope that this night will bring out the best in all of us,
my approach will be, HEY, THANK YOU to all the guys past and present.
Without them I know I wouldn’t be there, all I can hope is that everyone
else brings the same attitude. I’m really looking forward to it being a
great night.
Ross
CAT- You mentioned that you where with MICHAEL when you got
the news, have you had the opportunity to speak with any of the other VH
members?
SAMMY-
We kind of new about the induction a few days before the official announcement,
when word came down I called ALEX VH and congratulated him. We had
a great conversation and shared a few laughs; I love the guys and the time
we shared together.
After talking with ALEX I got the feeling that he would like to
jam at the awards ceremony too, but we all agreed that the chemistry has
to be right.
Ross
CAT- You’ve proven that you can pretty much share the stage with just
about anyone when you toured with DAVID LEE ROTH, would you ever
consider doing so again with a full VAN HALEN lineup?
SAMMY-
I would be open to it. That being said there would also be a lot of apprehension
after the last reunion. I would certainly do it if it could be presented
properly, if we are all there for the right reasons, most importantly check
the egos at the door. If I knew if would be about the music and the
fans I would definitely be in.
Ross
CAT- One of the coolest parts of the HOF ceremonies is the presentation
of the band, any word on who might be presenting VAN HALEN?
SAMMY-
From what I’ve heard from management they are going to ask the RED HOT
CHILI PEPPERS to present us. For me personally that would be awesome
they are truly one of my favorite bands in the world.
Coincidentally PEPPERS drummer CHAD SMITH has been jamming
with MICHAEL and me down here at the Cantina the past week
or so. It’s been a blast; we’ve been calling ourselves ChickenFoot,
doing the power trio thing. We might even have a little fun with that and
do some recording together down the road.
Hopefully that all works itself out with the powers that be, that would
be one helluva
jam session with VAN HALEN and the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
tearing up the same stage.
Ross
CAT- Last summer was a stellar year for you on the road with the “Livin
It Up” disc and tour, what does 2007 have in store for the RED
ROCKER?
SAMMY-
Yeah it really was loads of fun bringing CABO WABO to the fans,
MIKEY
and I really had a blast.
As for touring this year I have no plans for a full scale tour I will be
doing my special events that have become a tradition. The same week of
the VH induction the second annual Cabo Wabo Cruise
will be setting sail as the Redheads
invade the shores of Cabo, San Lucas to help MIKE
and I celebrate the induction. We will be doing the TAHOE WABO in
May for Cinco de Mayo, and my favorite party of the year
will be the Birthday Bash.
I just love sharing those two weeks in October with my family, friends
and fans, there’s nothing like soaking up the sun and fun in Cabo,
you just never know who might show up.
Ross
CAT- Finally SAMMY,
speaking of the Birthday Bash this October should be a very special one
as you will be celebrating your 60th birthday. Are you starting to feel
a little “Black and Blue” yet?
SAMMY-
Come on Ross you and I know that’s impossible, I can’t be that old.
There’s something screwy going on with that, but if that’s what they tell
me then I’m going to go ahead and celebrate that way until someone tells
me different. In all seriousness it’s just a number, I’m as happy as I’ve
ever been in my life. I’m surrounded by a loving family and loyal friends
and that keeps me feeling young. I’ve never acted my age don’t plan on
startin’ now.
NIGHTLIFE would once again like to thank SAMMY
HAGAR for taking time out for us. We would
also like to thank Jessica Erskine from Rogers &
Cowan for making it happen.
As mentioned in the interview the Second Annual CABO WABO Cruise
is ready to Rock and Roll. Set to sail on March 11th thru March 18th. This
year’s on board guests will be SAMMY’S
band the WABO’S, also representing the HAGAR family
will be the multi-talented AARON HAGAR (www.aaronhagar.com).
Last but most certainly not least MICHAEL ANTHONY will also be joining
in on the fun. This should be an extra special week as both SAMMY
and MIKE should be flying high from the HOF induction.
Still time to make the voyage you can call and book through ROSE
TOURS 1-888-491-7673, or go to www.redrocker.com.
Whether you’re a HAGAR fan or not this cruise is what Rock and Roll
“Dreams” are made of.
For fans that didn’t get the chance to share one of the “Summer
Nights” with SAMMY
on the “Livin’ it Up” tour the concert DVD will hit stores
on June 26th.
ROCK REPORT readers don’t forget you can also pick us up at www.bestofwny.com/nightlife.
The webpage will have photos of the first Cabo Wabo Cruise
and also will have extra liner notes though out the month not available
in our hardcopy edition.
The NIGTHLIFE ROCK REPORT has also been added to the 107.7 THE
LAKE webpage (www.1077thelake.com);
you can find it in the Lake Local Music Initiative section
as the LIGHTHOUSE ROCK REPORT.
FAIR WARNING- Since this hardcopy edition hit the “Mean Streets”
on February 19th a report from POLLSTAR claims that the VAN HALEN
tour is being postponed indefinitely. It is believed that contract terms
between the VAN HALEN Bros., DAVID LEE ROTH, and Live Nation
have hit a snag. Stay tuned the NIGHTLIFE Rock Report will let you
know when and if this long awaited reunion is ever “Unchained”.
****************PEACE
and HARMONIES*****************
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