Sammy Still Rocks!
The great folks at the Meadowbrook Farm concert venue here in Gilford, NH were kind enough to hand out tickets for the Wednesday Sammy Hagar concert to regular customers. Taking them up on their offer, I decided to go. Being the lover of music that I am, how could I not? Sammy did not disappoint. Starting just after eight and playing until quarter to eleven, Hagar provided the nearly packed house with non-stop jamming on a stage that was clearly reflective of the raucus "beach party" atmosphere that defines a Hagar live performance. The show started with a set made up of older material. Little White Lies and the totally smokin' Montrose tune, Rock Candy were my favorites. Guitarist Vic Johnson wowed the house with his awsome guitar-slinging. After a very short intermission, long-time Van Halen bassist Mike Anthony opened with an astounding solo performance as good as anything I recall from the several Van Halen performances I attended during my teenage years. The second half consisted mainly of Hagar era Van Halen tunes which were good, although I prefer his solo stuff and was therefore more fond of the first. The last time I saw Sammy was back in 1983 for the Three Lock Box tour. Unlike some other older performers, he has certainly held up well through the years!
