Sammy Hagar has carved out a legendary career defined by hard-driving rock music, entrepreneurial ambition, and a reputation as one of the most energetic performers in the business. Raised in Fontana, California, Hagar was surrounded by working-class struggles, and it was that early environment that fueled his relentless drive to succeed. His entrance into the music scene began in the late 1960s, fronting bands like Skinny, the Fabulous Castilles, and later, Montrose, where he first gained significant attention. It was with Montrose’s 1973 self-titled debut album, featuring tracks like “Rock Candy” and “Bad Motor Scooter,” that Hagar’s voice and songwriting began reaching national audiences. Although he left Montrose after two albums, his role as their original frontman set the stage for a solo career that would explode in the years to come.
By the mid-1970s, Hagar was launching a solo career that would establish him as a force in rock music. His 1978 solo album Street Machine and 1979’s Danger Zone helped build his reputation, but it was “I Can’t Drive 55” from his 1984 album VOA that became a defining anthem of the decade. The rebellious spirit of that song, fueled by Hagar’s fiery vocals and electric stage presence, cemented his place as a rock heavyweight. Over the span of his career, Hagar has released seventeen solo studio albums, including Nine on a Ten Scale, Red Voodoo, and Marching to Mars, showing his ability to remain relevant and prolific through changing eras of rock music.
Of course, no discussion of Sammy Hagar’s career would be complete without acknowledging his explosive tenure with Van Halen. After the departure of David Lee Roth in 1985, Hagar stepped in as the band’s lead vocalist, a role that would lead to four consecutive Billboard No. 1 albums—5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995). With hit singles like “Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Finish What Ya Started,” and “Right Now,” Hagar helped propel Van Halen to continued global superstardom. His time with the band brought them to new heights commercially and critically, earning them a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal in 1992 for For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Hagar’s powerful vocals and songwriting contributions were pivotal in crafting a more melodic, polished sound that defined Van Halen’s second era.
Beyond Van Halen and his solo success, Hagar has proven to be a master collaborator, working with an array of musicians across multiple projects. His band Chickenfoot, formed in 2008 with Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, and Chad Smith, released two studio albums—Chickenfoot and Chickenfoot III—to strong acclaim, showing his continued relevance in modern rock. He also leads The Circle, a supergroup that includes Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson, with albums like Space Between (2019) and Crazy Times (2022), proving Hagar’s voice and vision remain sharp and compelling. These projects allowed him to both revisit classic hits and explore new material, demonstrating a versatility that few rock singers maintain across decades.
Sammy Hagar’s impact extends far beyond music. As an entrepreneur, he made waves in the business world by launching the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Mexico and the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand, which he sold for a reported $80 million, solidifying his reputation as a savvy businessman. Hagar also established Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and owns restaurants in locations such as Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, turning his love for food and drink into a successful hospitality empire. His ventures reflect a rock-and-roll spirit that translates effortlessly into business, fueled by the same passion and energy he brings to music.
Throughout his career, Hagar has received numerous accolades recognizing his influence and success. In addition to Van Halen’s Grammy Award, Hagar himself was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of Van Halen, an acknowledgment of his massive contribution to one of rock’s most iconic bands. Yet, what makes Hagar so beloved in the music world is not just his voice or his hits—it’s his infectious personality, commitment to his fans, and his unrelenting pursuit of fun. Nicknamed “The Red Rocker,” Hagar built a persona that is both larger-than-life and deeply relatable, winning him loyal fans across generations.
Hagar’s philanthropic work adds another layer to his impressive career. Through the Hagar Family Foundation, he has donated millions to charities supporting children and families in need. His efforts focus on food banks and children’s healthcare, reflecting a lifelong dedication to giving back. It’s clear that for Hagar, success is about more than fame—it’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. This dedication has only enhanced his standing as a figure loved not just for his music but for his heart.
Even today, Sammy Hagar continues to tour, release new music, and engage with fans around the world, showing no signs of slowing down. His ability to evolve with the times, his keen business sense, and his legendary career as both a solo artist and band member make him one of the most enduring and respected figures in rock. Hagar’s legacy is built on more than hit records—it’s a testament to perseverance, passion, and an undying love for the music and the people who listen to it.
Complete List Of Sammy Hagar Songs From A to Z
- 20th Century Man – Danger Zone – 1980
- 20th Century Man (live) – Live 1980 – 1983
- 2120 – Crazy Times – 2022
- 24365 – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- 3 in the Middle – Ten 13 – 2000
- Affirmation – Space Between – 2019
- All American – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- All We Need Is an Island – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Amnesty Is Granted – Marching to Mars – 1997
- Back into You – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- Bad Motor Scooter – Rematch – 1982 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004 (Montrose)
- Bad Motor Scooter (live) – All Night Long – 1978 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002 / Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Bad On Fords and Chevrolets – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Bad Reputation – Danger Zone – 1980 / Rematch – 1982
- Baby, It’s You – Standing Hampton – 1982
- Baby’s on Fire – Standing Hampton – 1982 / Unboxed – 1994
- Be Still – Crazy Times – 2022
- Best of Both Worlds (live) – At Your Service – 2015 (Van Halen)
- Both Sides Now – Marching to Mars – 1997
- Bottom Line – Space Between – 2019
- Boys’ Night Out – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- Burnin’ Down the City – VOA – 1984
- Buying My Way into Heaven – Unboxed – 1994
- Call My Name (demo) – The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Can’t Get Loose – Standing Hampton – 1982
- Can’t Hang – Space Between – 2019
- Catch the Wind – Sammy Hagar – 1977
- Child to Man – Street Machine – 1979
- Childhood’s End – Crazy Times – 2022
- China – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- Confession (Please Come Back) – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- Cosmic Universal Fashion – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Crack in the World – Musical Chairs – 1977
- Crazy Times – Crazy Times – 2022
- Cruisin’ & Boozin’ – Sammy Hagar – 1977 / Rematch – 1982
- Danger Zone – Danger Zone – 1980
- Danger Zone (live) – Live 1980 – 1983
- Deeper Kinda Love – Ten 13 – 2000 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Deeper Kinda Love (Alternative mix) – Ten 13 – 2000
- Deeper Kinda Love (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- Devil Came to Philly – Space Between – 2019
- Dick in the Dirt – VOA – 1984
- Don’t Fight It (Feel It) – Red Voodoo – 1999
- Don’t Make Me Wait – VOA – 1984
- Don’t Stop Me Now – Musical Chairs – 1977 / Rematch – 1982
- Don’t Tell Me What Love Can Do – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Dreams (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015 (Van Halen)
- Dreams – Lite Roast – 2014
- Dreams/Cabo – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Eagles Fly – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987 / Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Eagles Fly (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- Ether – Marching to Mars – 1997
- Falling in Love – Street Machine – 1979
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High – Fast Times at Ridgemont High Soundtrack – 1982 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Father Time – Crazy Times – 2022
- Father Time (Acoustic Demo) – Crazy Times – 2022
- Father Sun – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Feed Your Head – Crazy Times – 2022
- Feels Like Love – Street Machine – 1979
- Fight for Your Right to Party – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Fillmore Shuffle – Sammy Hagar – 1977 / Rematch – 1982
- Finish What Ya Started – Lite Roast – 2014
- Finish What Ya Started (live) – At Your Service – 2015 (Van Halen)
- Flamingos Fly – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- For What It’s Worth – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Free Man – Space Between – 2019
- Free Money – Sammy Hagar – 1977
- Full Circle Jam (Chump Change) – Space Between – 2019
- Funky Feng Shui – Lockdown 2020 – 2021 / Crazy Times – 2022
- Give to Live – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987 / Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Give to Live (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- Going Down – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Good Enough – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Good Times Bad Times (live) – At Your Service – 2015 (Led Zeppelin)
- Growing Pains – Street Machine – 1979
- Growing Up – Three Lock Box – 1982
- Halfway to Memphis – Not 4 Sale – 2002 / Livin’ It Up! – 2006 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Hallelujah – Not 4 Sale – 2002 / Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- Hands and Knees – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- Heartbeat – Danger Zone – 1980
- Heavy Metal – Standing Hampton – 1982 / Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Heavy Metal (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015
- Heroes – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Hey Hey (Without Greed) – Space Between – 2019
- Hey Boys – Musical Chairs – 1977
- High and Dry Again – Red Voodoo – 1999
- High and Dry Again (Live) – Ten 13 – 2000
- High Hopes – Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Hungry – Sammy Hagar – 1977
- I Can’t Drive 55 – VOA – 1984 / Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- I Can’t Drive 55 (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015
- I Don’t Need Love – Three Lock Box – 1982 / Unboxed – 1994
- I Love This Bar – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- I Wouldn’t Change a Thing – Three Lock Box – 1982
- I’ll Fall in Love Again – Standing Hampton – 1982 / Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- I’m on a Roll – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- I’ve Done Everything for You – Rematch – 1982 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- I’ve Done Everything for You (live) – All Night Long – 1978 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- In the Night (Entering the Danger Zone) – Danger Zone – 1980
- In the Night (Entering the Danger Zone) (live) – Live 1980 – 1983
- In the Room – Three Lock Box – 1982
- Inside Lookin’ In – Standing Hampton – 1982
- Intro: The Beginning of the End – Crazy Times – 2022
- It’s Gonna Be All Right – Musical Chairs – 1977
- Jason Drum Solo/Moby Dick (live) – At Your Service – 2015
- Kama – Marching to Mars – 1997
- Karma Wheel – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- Keep A’Knockin’ – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Keep On Rockin’ – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976 / Rematch – 1982
- Knockdown Dragout – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Lay Your Hand on Me – Red Voodoo – 1999
- Leaving the Warmth of the Womb – Marching to Mars – 1997
- Let Me Take You There – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- Let Sally Drive – Ten 13 – 2000
- Let Sally Drive (Edit) – Ten 13 – 2000
- Little Bit More – Ten 13 – 2000
- Little Star/Eclipse – Sammy Hagar – 1977
- Little White Lie – Marching to Mars – 1997 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Little White Lie (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015
- Living on a Coastline – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- Loud – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Love Has Found Me – Sammy Hagar – 1977
- Love or Money – Danger Zone – 1980 / Rematch – 1982
- Love or Money (live) – Live 1980 – 1983 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- Make It Alright – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- Make It Last/Reckless (live) – All Night Long – 1978
- Marching to Mars – Marching to Mars – 1997 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Margaritaville – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Mas Tequila – Red Voodoo – 1999 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Mas Tequila (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- Mexico – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- Mikey Bass Solo (live) – At Your Service – 2015
- Miles from Boredom – Danger Zone – 1980
- Mommy Says, Daddy Says – Danger Zone – 1980
- Never Give Up – Three Lock Box – 1982
- Never Say Die – Street Machine – 1979
- No Worries – Space Between – 2019
- Not 4 Sale – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- Not Going Down – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- On the Other Hand – Marching to Mars – 1997
- One Sip – Livin’ It Up! – 2006 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Peephole – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Personal Jesus – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Piece of My Heart – Standing Hampton – 1982
- Plain Jane – Street Machine – 1979 / Rematch – 1982
- Plain Jane (live) – Live 1980 – 1983 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- Poundcake (live) – At Your Service – 2015 (Van Halen)
- Privacy – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- Protection – Ten 13 – 2000
- Psycho Vertigo – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Pump It Up – Crazy Times – 2022
- Rainy Day Women #12/#35 – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Reckless – Musical Chairs – 1977 / Rematch – 1982
- Red – Sammy Hagar – 1977 / Rematch – 1982 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Red (live) – All Night Long – 1978 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- Red Voodoo – Red Voodoo – 1999 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Remember the Heroes – Three Lock Box – 1982
- Remote Love – Three Lock Box – 1982
- Returning Home – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- Returning of the Wish – Red Voodoo – 1999
- Right Now (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015 (Van Halen)
- Right Now – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Right on Right – Red Voodoo – 1999
- Rise of the Animal – Three Lock Box – 1982
- Rock and Roll (live) – At Your Service – 2015 (Led Zeppelin)
- Rock Candy (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015 (Montrose)
- Rock Is in My Blood – VOA – 1984
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Romeo – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend – Sammy Hagar – 1977 / Rematch – 1982
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend (live) – All Night Long – 1978 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- Run for Your Life – Danger Zone – 1980
- Sailin’ – Livin’ It Up! – 2006 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Salvation on Sand Hill – Marching to Mars – 1997
- Sam I Am – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- Serious Juju – Ten 13 – 2000
- Serious Juju (Radio mix) – Ten 13 – 2000
- Shag – Red Voodoo – 1999
- Shaka Doobie (The Limit) – Ten 13 – 2000
- Shaka Doobie (The Limit) (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay – Musical Chairs – 1977
- Silver Lights – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- Slow Drain – Crazy Times – 2022
- Someone Out There – Musical Chairs – 1977
- Someday – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- Space Station #5 (live) – Live 1980 – 1983 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002 / Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Stand Up – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- Standin’ at the Same Old Crossroads – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- Straight from the Hip Kid – Musical Chairs – 1977
- Straight to the Top – Street Machine – 1979
- Surrender – Standing Hampton – 1982
- Sweet Hitchhiker – Standing Hampton – 1982
- Swept Away – VOA – 1984
- Switch on the Light – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Sympathy for the Human – Red Voodoo – 1999 / Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Ten 13 – Ten 13 – 2000
- The Big Nail – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- The Big Square Inch – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- The Girl Gets Around – Footloose Soundtrack – 1984 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- The Iceman – Danger Zone – 1980
- The Love – Red Voodoo – 1999 / Lite Roast – 2014
- The Message – Ten 13 – 2000
- The Pits – Sammy Hagar – 1977
- The Real Deal – Ten 13 – 2000
- The Revival – Red Voodoo – 1999
- The Way We Live – Livin’ It Up! – 2006
- The Yogi’s So High (I’m Stoned) – Marching to Mars – 1997
- There’s Only One Way to Rock – Standing Hampton – 1982 / Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- There’s Only One Way to Rock (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015
- Things’ve Changed – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- Thinking of You (demo) – The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- This Planet’s on Fire (Burn in Hell) – Street Machine – 1979 / Rematch – 1982
- This Planet’s on Fire (Burn in Hell) (live) – Live 1980 – 1983 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- Three Little Birds – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Three Lock Box – Three Lock Box – 1982 / Unboxed – 1994
- Three Lock Box (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- Top of the World (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003
- Trans Am (Highway Wonderland) – Street Machine – 1979 / Rematch – 1982
- Trans Am (Highway Wonderland) (live) – Live 1980 – 1983 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- Tropic of Capricorn – Ten 13 – 2000
- Trust Fund Baby – Space Between – 2019
- Try (Try to Fall in Love) – Musical Chairs – 1977
- Turn Up the Music – Musical Chairs – 1977 / Rematch – 1982
- Turn Up the Music (live) – All Night Long – 1978 / Greatest Hits Live! – 2002
- Two Sides of Love – VOA – 1984 / Unboxed – 1994 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Urban Guerilla – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- Vic Guitar Solo (live) – At Your Service – 2015
- VOA – VOA – 1984
- Wash Me Down Again – Marching to Mars – 1997
- What They Gonna Say Now – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- When It’s Love (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015 (Van Halen)
- When the Hammer Falls – I Never Said Goodbye – 1987
- When the Levee Breaks (live) – At Your Service – 2015 (Led Zeppelin)
- When the Sun Don’t Shine – Cosmic Universal Fashion – 2008
- Whole Lotta Love (live) – At Your Service – 2015 (Led Zeppelin)
- Whole Lotta Rosie – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Who Has the Right? – Marching to Mars – 1997 / Lite Roast – 2014
- Whole Lotta Zep – Not 4 Sale – 2002
- Why Can’t This Be Love (live) – Live: Hallelujah – 2003 / At Your Service – 2015 (Van Halen)
- Wide Open Space – Space Between – 2019
- Winding Down – Sammy Hagar & Friends – 2013
- Winner Takes It All – Over the Top Soundtrack – 1987 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
- Won’t Get Fooled Again – Lockdown 2020 – 2021
- Would You Do It for Free? – Marching to Mars – 1997
- Wounded in Love – Street Machine – 1979
- You Get What You Pay For – Crazy Times – 2022
- You Make Me Crazy – Musical Chairs – 1977
- Young Girl Blues – Nine on a Ten Scale – 1976
- Young Girl Blues (live) – All Night Long – 1978
- Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy – Three Lock Box – 1982 / The Essential Red Collection – 2004
Chickenfoot Songs in Alphabetical Order
- Alright Alright – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Avenida Revolucion – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Big Foot – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Big Foot (Live) – Chickenfoot – 2012 (re-release bonus track)
- Bitten by the Wolf – Chickenfoot – 2009 (iTunes/Japanese/Limited Edition/2012 re-release bonus track)
- Come Closer – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Different Devil – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Down the Drain – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Down the Drain (live in Phoenix) – Chickenfoot III – 2011 (Classic Rock fanpack bonus track)
- Dubai Blues – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Future in the Past – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Get It Up – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Last Temptation – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Last Temptation (Live) – Chickenfoot – 2012 (re-release bonus track)
- Learning to Fall – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Lighten Up – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Lighten Up (Live) – Chickenfoot – 2012 (re-release bonus track)
- My Kinda Girl – Chickenfoot – 2009
- No Change – Chickenfoot III – 2011 (bonus track)
- Oh Yeah – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Oh Yeah (live in Phoenix) – Chickenfoot III – 2011 (Classic Rock fanpack bonus track)
- Runnin’ Out – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Sexy Little Thing – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Soap on a Rope – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Something Going Wrong – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Something’s Going Wrong (Live) – Chickenfoot – 2012 (re-release bonus track)
- Three and a Half Letters – Chickenfoot III – 2011
- Turnin’ Left – Chickenfoot – 2009
- Up Next – Chickenfoot III – 2011
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