Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
It’s been a long time since Sammy Hagar toured the UK and even longer since it could have been classed as a ‘solo’ jaunt, his last one in support of the ‘Standing Hampton’ album in 1982.
Of course, with trips over here with Van Halen and Chickenfoot he’s not been a total stranger, but his return was something special. With the all-star line-up of Hagar, Michael Anthony on bass, Joe Satriani on guitars and Kenny Aronoff on drums, it was a repeat of the Chickenfoot touring band, Aronoff standing in for Chad Smith for a year, with the addition of keys player Nathan Mercado to add extra colour to the sound. The change though was a chance for Hagar to do more of a career-spanning set, throwing in material that hadn’t been played in the UK before this tour.
It’s impossible not to be drawn in with the whole bonhomie that’s present on stage, the easy chemistry between the quintet seeing them all beaming as they played, even the usually cool Satriani, his eyes hidden behind wraparound shades, seems to be having the time of his life. To be honest, the downsizing of the venue from the often impersonal O2 to this new, state of the art venue has been a huge benefit to all, the sound and sightlines perfect and the added level of intimacy bringing a warmer and more connected feel to the whole evening.
The ability to reach out and draw people in has always been a key part of Hagar’s avuncular charm and he and the band have the feel of the best bar band in the world.
As expected, the set was heavy with Van Halen numbers and the opening salvo of ‘Why Can’t This Be Love’, ‘Top Of The World’, ‘Panama’ and ‘Best Of Both Worlds’ certainly scratched a long-held itch. Unusually, the Red Rocker didn’t pick up his guitar until the sixth song but with a six stringer the calibre of Satriani by your side there’s really no need to. It’s also got to be said that the guitarist is one of the few on the planet capable of truly tackling the fretwork laid down by Eddie Van Halen, both musicians sharing an almost supernatural ability to make their instruments sing and sound like nothing on Earth.
A twin blast of Montrose classics in the shape of ‘Rock Candy’ and ‘Bad Motor Scooter’ was a huge rush and both sounded as fresh as the day they were first minted, the visceral thrill of their foot to the floor charge intoxicating. Those in the front row are given an extra treat as Hagar pours a few tequilas for the surprised few, his own ‘Mas Tequila’ the perfect soundtrack to the liquor’s gentle burn. Going back again, ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock’ was always the gem on the ‘Standing Hampton’ album and the airing it gets tonight displays exactly why it’s lasted so long in his sets.
Having a break, Hagar gives the microphone over to Anthony. Always Van Halen’s secret weapon, the bassist leads the band through a pounding ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love’ before Satriani takes centre stage for ‘Satch Boogie’. Returning to join his compadres, more fun was to be had as Van Halen’s ‘Good Enough’ featured a snatch of Yes’s ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart’ before classics ‘Heavy Metal’ and ‘I Can’t Drive 55’ brought the anthems to the fore. Taking their bows with ‘Encore,
Thank You, Goodnight’, the cheers ringing in their ears, the love affair of the night came to a bittersweet close as the memories of an incredible evening warmed hearts and souls. Hopefully this reception will encourage Hagar to return a lot sooner and it’s certain that he and his friends would be very welcome. An exceptional show by some of the very best in the business.
Photography by JonTheobald for MPM
