Sammy Hagar

Samuel Roy Hagar (born October 13, 1947 in Monterey, California), better known as Sammy Hagar, is a Lebanese U.S. rock guitarist, singer, and composer.

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October 13 - 1947 - Monterey, California - U.S. - Rock

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After a brief career as a boxer in the footsteps of his father, Sammy became interested in the burgeoning Southern California music scene, fronting his first band, "The Fabulous Castiles." Hagar's first major success, however, came from his work with the group Montrose on their debut and sophomore albums with including the hit song "Bad Motor Scooter." After difficulties with the band's founder, Ronnie Montrose, during a European tour, Sammy departed from the group with bassist Bill Church and drummer Denny Carmassi in tow.

Related Topics:
Southern California - Montrose - Ronnie Montrose - Bill Church - Denny Carmassi

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Hagar commenced a solo recording and touring career to increasing success, enjoying hits such as Red, Heavy Metal, Three Lock Box, and perhaps his best-known song I Can't Drive 55, a gripe against the (now-repealed) federally-imposed speed limit of 55 miles per hour on all U.S. highways. Also around this time Sammy Hagar was briefly in Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve.

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Speed limit - Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve

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After parting ways with vocalist David Lee Roth, brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, of the band Van Halen, looked to their music contacts for a vocalist who could rise above the shadow created by the flamboyant Roth. Riding upon their previous contact with Hagar from a previous tour, they hired Hagar to fill the opening. With Hagar at the front, Van Halen produced four multi-platinum albums: 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and Balance as well as many number 1 hits. Yet, trouble in paradise ensued after Hagar's dispute with manager Bruce Fairbairn of Balance, and Hagar was fired from the band after a dispute with Edward Van Halen over the forthcoming Best of Volume 1 featuring tracks with Roth.

Related Topics:
David Lee Roth - Van Halen - 5150 - OU812 - For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge - Balance - Bruce Fairbairn - Edward Van Halen

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Determined to prove Eddie Van Halen wrong, Hagar went on to produce five new records after parting ways with Van Halen in 1998. After the successful "Heavyweights of Rock" tour co-headlined with David Lee Roth, Hagar started the slow process of making amends with his former Van Halen bandmates, reconstructing the bridges which had burned five years previously. In early 2004, Van Halen with Sammy Hagar was announced to the general public, culminating with a highly anticipated summer tour and a second Best Of album, entitled Best of Both Worlds featuring three new Van Halen tracks fronted by Hagar.

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