Van Halen fanatics who love the band with David Lee Roth as its front man think his version of the group is the bomb, while those that love “I Can’t Drive 55” think Sammy Hagar took the boys to new heights. There are indeed two kinds of Van Halen fans. Let’s first look at Sammy, while tomorrow we’ll share more about David…
Sammy was born in Salinas, California on October 13th, 1947 and his first success came from a group called Montrose in the mid-70s, then a few years as a successful solo act. Sammy joined Van Halen in 1985 when David Lee Roth left the band.
Sammy is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen, yet left the band in 1996 due to personal disagreements over releasing a Greatest Hits album, the songs chosen to be included in albums, and his wanting to be with his wife for the natural birth of one of his children.
Sammy has appeared on television over the years, having authored Red: My Uncensored Life In Rock, his autobiography. He also owns Cabo Wabo Tequila, a money making restaurant chain.
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