With Sammy Hagar’s The Best of All Worlds Tour kicking off this Saturday, July 13, the Red Rocker posted a series of videos on his social media pages featuring him and the members of his touring band answering some questions regarding the trek.
Videos by American Songwriter
As previously reported, Hagar will be joined by his former Van Halen bandmate, bassist Michael Anthony, as well as guitar whiz Joe Satriani and drummer Jason Bonham. The tour will feature Hagar and company mainly showcasing the music of Van Halen.
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The video clips feature an unseen interviewer chatting with each of the band members after one of their recent rehearsals.
Hagar’s Interview Video
For starters, Hagar was asked which song he was most excited about playing on the tour, and he answered, “Without a doubt ‘5150,’” referencing the title track of Van Halen’s 1986 album. The album was Sammy’s first with the band.
Hagar then discussed his preparation for the trek.
[RELATED: Watch Sammy Hagar’s Heartfelt and Hilarious Birthday Video Message to Michael Anthony]
“I don’t like to rehearse, but we’re rehearsing,” he said, “and I’m so glad that we are getting it together.
The 76-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer then admitted that the set of songs he and the band are putting together likely will be a challenge for him to pull off.
“I’m nervous about this set list,” he noted. “This is deep. This is so many lyrics for me to remember and so many high notes for me to hit, and it’s coming together. I’m happy.”
Michael Anthony’s Q&A
In the interview clip you Anthony, the bassist also chose “5150” as one of the songs he was looking forward to playing.
“I’ve always loved that song in Van Halen, playing it live,” he shared. And [Sammy and the band] played it for the first time, actually, all the way through [recently]. It’s smokin’.”
As for what he does to prepare for touring, Anthony said, “Obviously, you have to [work on] singing. I can’t just get up there without having rehearsed … and play shows, otherwise … two good shows and then my voice is shot.”
He added that he also has “to keep the muscle memory going with the bass.” Anthony then showed off his right forearm and said, “See? That’s my plucking-arm muscle. Get that baby in shape!”
Interviews with Satriani and Bonham
Satriani also was asked which songs he was looking forward to playing, to which he answered, “All of ’em.” He then made a joke about the importance of keeping his nails polished.
Bonham declined to reveal the songs he was most excited to play in concert, noting, “There’s so many really good ones. And if I say it now, then you’re gonna know what we’re gonna be doing.”
As for how he was preparing for the trek, the drummer explained, “I go on a diet. I am now down 30 pounds. Just thanks for all those nice comments that used to say, ‘Hey fatty, lose some weight.’”
Jason, whose late dad is Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, also shared what’s special to him about playing with Hagar’s current band.
“Forty years ago, I saw Mikey [Anthony] with Van Halen for the first ever time in my life, so it changed my life,” he declared. “And I’ve been doing music ever since because of that moment.”
More About The Best of All Worlds Tour
The Best of All Worlds Tour gets underway July 13 with a concert in West Palm Beach, Florida. The trek is plotted out through a August 31 show in St. Louis. Loverboy will be the opening act throughout the tour.
Tickets for The Best of All Worlds Tour dates are available now via various outlets, including StubHub.
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