If you missed Sammy Hagar celebrating the Van Halen catalog on The Best of All Worlds Tour this year, or if you want to see the Red Rocker do it again, it looks like you’re going to get the chance. Hagar has posted a video on his social media pages featuring him giving an enthusiastic recap of the trek and sharing how he feels about hitting the road with his Best of All Worlds band in the future.
In the video, Hagar began by noting that it’s been a week since he returned home from the trek, which wrapped up with an August 31 show in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
“I figured I’d give you a little summary, a little message about how great the tour was for me and the band,” he then said. “I can’t express enough how impressed I was with the turnout, and the vibe that everyone was laying down, singing the songs at the top of your lungs, every song.
[RELATED: Sammy Hagar Reveals Why Jason Bonham Had to Leave The Best of All Worlds Tour; Praises Fill-In Drummer Kenny Aronoff]
The tour featured Hagar and company performing many Van Halen songs he hadn’t played since he was in the band. As Sammy noted, though, “We thought we were playing deep tracks, and it turns out that you know those too.” He added, “It was just one of the greatest experiences.”
Hagar Explains Why He Didn’t Schedule More Shows
Hagar then explained that although the 28 scheduled concerts sold out quickly, he decided not to do multiple nights at the same venues. As he pointed out, “I wanted to do as many cities as possible, and I wanted not to overdo it.”
The 76-year-old rocker noted that he wasn’t sure how his voice and body would hold up doing what he expected to be a particularly grueling show. He was pleasantly surprised.
“I wanted to see how my voice would hold up after all these years playing a two-hour-and-20-minute set, 24 songs. And physically, my body,” he said. “And I can tell you right now, my voice held up fine. I was happy every night. And my body held up fine. I feel better than ever right now. I got in shape.”
Hagar now will be taking The Best of All Worlds tour to Japan for three shows later in September. Then, in October, he’ll play four 2024 Birthday Bash concerts—two in Las Vegas and two in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Hagar Thanks His Best of All Worlds Band Mates
Hagar then shared praise for the members of his Best of All Worlds band— former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, keyboardist Rai Thistlethwayte, and drummer Jason Bonham. He also thanked Kenny Aronoff, who filled in for Bonham at the last four shows when Jason had to leave the tour to attend to a family emergency.
“[W]ithout that band, The Best of All Worlds band, [the tour] wouldn’t have been possible,” Sammy declared. “I don’t know any other guys that could have pulled it together, did it on that level, and had as much fun with each other. … [W]e were friends out there, man, having the time of our lives.”
On Planning to Do More Best of All Worlds Tour Dates
Hagar then revealed, “I can tell you right now, I definitely want to do it again. And knowing how much I can do, it’s gonna be less of a mystery and just as much of a party.”
Thanking the Fans for Attending the Shows
The Red Rocker wrapped up his message by thanking fans for coming out to the concerts, and reflecting on celebrating Van Halen’s music during the outing.
“It was really, really special,” he said. “I haven’t felt that good about a show I’ve done for the fans in a long time. And you know I feel good about every show.”
He added, “[T]his show [featured] 24 songs. We played 14 Van Halen songs that haven’t been played for a long time. And Mike and I really felt we’re the only ones who want to carry that ‘Van Hagar’ flag around. So, y’all obviously want to hear it, ’cause you were there. We did it. I’m happy. I hope you are too. Thank you.”
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