New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Canadian
Music Week PR) - He is the multi-platinum Red Rocker - the outgoing, bombastic front man of hard rock champions Van Halen, the man who won't drive 55, and the man currently fronting his own supergroup, Chickenfoot. Better known as
Sammy Hagar to the masses, he is one of rock music's most successful and notorious singers. On Saturday, March 12, he will be the subject on an exclusive interview at Canadian
Music Week - taking place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto - sharing the stories of his formidable rise through rock music and private enterprise.
For over 30 years, Sammy Hagar, also known as "The Red Rocker", has been a fixture in heavy metal music. From the Montrose albums that are an essential part of the foundation of what became heavy metal, through a solo career that produced such hits as "I Can't Drive 55", to his decade long stint as the front man for Van Halen, Hagar has sold millions of albums all over the world.
Taking over for Van Halen's original singer David Lee Roth in 1985, Hagar took the band to unprecedented heights, including four consecutive No. 1 albums, before being unceremoniously fired in 1996. Eight years later, he returned triumphant, leading the band on a reunion tour that was a box office smash.
Throughout his career, Hagar, a guitarist himself, has played with a succession of genius guitar players; from Ronnie Montrose and Neal Schon to Eddie Van Halen and Joe Satriani from his current group, Chickenfoot, which also features former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. Endorsed by Gibson, the guitar company introduced a new signature Les Paul for Hagar earlier this year in celebration of his role in Chickenfoot's success. The guitar features a look and appointments chosen by Hagar.
As a songwriter, his songs have been covered by other artists, including Bette Midler and Rick Springfield, whose 1981 Top Ten hit, "I've Done Everything For You," was written by Hagar.
In addition to his legendary status among rock stars, he is the masterful entrepreneur behind the Mexican resort Cabo Wabo Cantina he founded in 1990 and home of the handmade premium Cabo Wabo tequila - the most successful new tequila brand in the liquor business in years. Hagar has since expanded his restaurant chain with Cabo Wabo Cantinas in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe and a series of airport restaurants, Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill that raise money for local charities.
In his autobiography RED: My Uncensored Life In Rock, set for release on Saturday, March 12 through HarperCollins, Hagar tells the outrageous and unbelievable stories of his rise through rock music, detailing how his voice became instantly recognizable all over the world. Lavishing readers with behind the scenes stories from Van Halen, one of the biggest rock groups in history, Hagar tells of the global stadium tours, private jets, parties, and of course the ups and downs that came with fame and success.
