Sammy Hagar, the legendary Red Rocker, has hinted that his days of extensive touring might be behind him. The 77-year-old singer shared his thoughts in an interview with The Miami Herald, revealing that the grueling demands of touring have taken their toll.
“I don’t think I want to go on tour anymore,” Hagar admitted before a recent guest performance at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Aware of the potential disappointment this might cause among his fans, he clarified that he’s not retiring from live performances altogether. “I’ll go out and do a one-off show and do things like that, but the residency is going to give me a good extension of my career. That’s what I’m hoping for.”
Hagar is now focused on his upcoming residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas. He views this as a way to continue performing on his own terms. “I keep telling my manager, ‘Don’t take any tours, let me do this residency,’” Hagar shared. “If I like it enough, I’ll do another one. And if that’s successful, I’ll do another one, and I can squeeze a few more years out of my career.”
On Retirement
In a December interview with People, Hagar spoke candidly about retirement, noting that his decision would come down to his ability to deliver. “I’m going to retire when I can’t do this when I can’t sing anymore,” he said. “I’m not going to have people pay the kind of money that it costs to see these concerts these days and not deliver. So that’s where my retirement is. It’s in the hands of the higher being.”
Despite moments of insecurity between shows, Hagar described stepping back on stage as second nature, comparing it to “riding a bike or having sex.” For now, he seems determined to perform as long as his voice and energy allow.
Residency and Legacy
Hagar’s residency will see him performing alongside a stellar lineup: Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, and Kenny Aronoff, who replaced Jason Bonham. The setlist will likely draw from his extensive catalog, including hits from Van Halen, Montrose, Chickenfoot, and his solo career.
Scheduled for April 30 and multiple dates in May, the residency may mark a new chapter in Hagar’s career—one that keeps him connected to fans without the relentless pace of touring. Whether this is truly the end of his road as a touring artist remains to be seen, but for now, Hagar is embracing the opportunity to perform on his terms.