Search - Sammy Hagar :: Hallelujah

The Red Rocker Lives

coalblacksky@hotmail.com | Tacoma, WA United States | 07/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Do we really need yet another live Hagar record? If this set is any indication, then the answer is yes. This record is a pleasant surprise and has live energy all over it, unlike a lot of so-called "live" records. Culling material from pre Van Halen; "Rock Candy," Van Halen hits; "Right Now" and "Dreams" and lesser known post-Halen material; "Little White Lie" and "Mas Tequila"; Sammy Hagar proves age means nothing and he can still rock 'em to the rafters. Whether he's playing solo acoustic on "Eagles Fly" or the stuttering riffs of "Three Lock Box," there's a party going on and everyone's invited. Despite what one might think, even slightly goofy songs like "Heavy Metal" and the staple "I Can't Drive 55," sound sincere and fresh going on twenty years old, proving that rock won't die as long as Sammy's around."

The BEST live album in a long time!

Marcus J. Viduya | Campbell, Ca United States | 07/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"and this is where I make my judgement: I kept this CD in my office, along with other CDs, to listen to while working on projects late at night. It seems that ALOT of people in my office, mostly older guys into the Dixie Tricks or other lame "young country" [stuff], were borrowing this ONE cd ALOT. their reason is all the same: its a great rock album! and this is! Hagar, after releasing a number of his own live albums over the years, has put together a great collection of songs from EVERY corner of his career, with the best band he has EVER put together. Guitarist Vic Johnson does not try to emulate Ed Van Halen or Ronnie Montrose; indeed, he gives both a run for their money by taking those great songs (from Montrose and Van Halen) and making them his own.... and does so AMAZINGLY! Classics include "I Cant Drive 55", "3 Lock Box", and "Heavy Metal" (probably the ONLY movie soundtrack song that has lasted so many years!). To make this CD more fun and interesting, and to put aside any hard feelings between Gary Cherone (Sammy's replacement in Van Halen), Hagar brings on stage Cherone to sing "When Its Love" with him, and also has Michael Anthony (VH bassist) on stage as well, PLUS the band Boston sings back-up on this tune also! (Ironically, this is all while touring with David Lee Roth, all though he makes no appearance on this album)Amazing!Alot was said when Hagar released Marching To Mars shortly after leaving VH, as if he was washed up or something. Well, that was 6 years ago, and Hagar has released three studio CDs since leaving and this Live album, and judging by this CD Sammy isnt slowing down by any means."