By Photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering

The Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar kicked off his highly anticipated Best of All Worlds Tour on July 13, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida, and stopped into the Tampa MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre the following evening on a soggy Sunday. This tour is a celebration of Hagar’s extensive career, featuring a mix of his solo hits, Montrose classics (where Sammy got his start), and a heavy dose of Van Halen favorites.

The scheduled opening act was Loverboy, but due to the heavy rain and lightning, the show start was delayed, and their set was unfortunately canceled.
Despite the rain and lightning, or perhaps inspired by it, the energy in the venue was indeed electric, with fans packing the amphitheatre, ready to rock out and celebrate the legendary career of Sammy Hagar, which dates to the late 1960s.

The show was part of Hagar’s “Best of All Worlds” tour, a fitting tribute to his incredible multi-decade journey in rock music and a heartfelt homage to the late, great guitar hero Eddie Van Halen. Hagar, along with his stellar bandmates—bassist Michael Anthony, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, powerhouse drummer Jason Bonham, and Australian multi-instrumentalist Rai Thistlethwayte, kicked off the night with “Good Enough” from Van Halen’s 5150 album. This opening set the tone for an evening filled with high-octane performances and nostalgic hits.

The setlist was a perfect blend of Van Halen classics and Hagar’s solo hits, including fan favorites like “Poundcake,” “Runaround,” “There’s Only One Way to Rock,” and the iconic “I Can’t Drive 55.” Each song was delivered with such passion and energy that it felt like a journey through rock history, with Hagar and his bandmates pouring their hearts into every note. Sammy still sounds great; his voice as raspy and powerful as ever, able to hit the high notes. Many may not realize what an accomplished guitarist Hagar is as well, and he took a turn delivering a blistering solo on his own signature red Gibson explorer guitar, delighting the crowd with his powerful bluesy licks.

One of the most touching moments of the night came when Hagar and Anthony dedicated “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” to Eddie Van Halen. The crowd erupted in applause, and you could feel the love and respect for the late guitarist in the air. It was a poignant reminder of the impact Eddie had on the world of music and the deep bond he shared with his bandmates.

Joe Satriani’s guitar solos were nothing short of spectacular, as you might expect. His performance of “Satch Boogie” left the audience in awe, showcasing his incredible talent and technical prowess. Jason Bonham’s drumming was equally impressive, driving the rhythm with power and precision that kept the crowd on their feet, and bopping along just like his famous father, the late Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

The band rocked through fifteen Van Halen songs, each one a testament to their enduring legacy. Highlights included “Panama,” which had the entire amphitheatre singing along, and “Judgment Day” and “The Seventh Seal,” which, despite being lesser-known tracks, were performed with such intensity that they quickly became crowd favorites.

Throughout the concert, Hagar’s infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for his fans were evident. He engaged with the audience, sharing stories and memories that added a personal touch to the performance. His charisma and stage presence made it clear why he remains a beloved figure in rock music. Sammy mentioned that they asked him if he wanted to cancel the show due to weather, to which he remarked, “Are you F’ing KIDDING me??”, and commended the Tampa fans for their equal intrepid tenacity, for which he richly rewarded them with a great performance.

In the end, Sammy Hagar’s concert was more than just a night of great music; it was a celebration of rock and roll, a tribute to a legendary career, and a heartfelt homage to a fallen friend. Fans left the venue with smiles on their faces and memories that will last a lifetime, inspired by the incredible talent and passion of Sammy Hagar and his band. This band has a genuine energy and presence, and they surely seemed to be having a great time and shared remarkable chemistry. It would indeed be the “Best of All Worlds” if they kept it going with future albums and tours. After all, as Sammy reminds us, “There’s only one way to rock!”