For decades, Sammy Hagar has been known worldwide as “The Red Rocker,” but few know the true origin of the nickname. Recently, Hagar paid tribute to the man who unknowingly gave him that title—John Pruner, a devoted fan who supported the rocker from the very beginning.
For decades, Sammy Hagar has been known worldwide as “The Red Rocker,” but few know the true origin of the nickname. Recently, Hagar paid tribute to the man who unknowingly gave him that title—John Pruner, a devoted fan who supported the rocker from the very beginning.
Pruner wasn’t just a fan—he became one of Hagar’s most loyal supporters. According to Hagar, Pruner followed his tours across the country, attending countless concerts.
“John became maybe the first true ‘Redhead,’ even before my fans had that name,” Hagar wrote. “He showed up everywhere. At one of my birthday bashes in Cabo, he told me he had paid to see over 100 shows. I gave him a golden lifetime all-access pass and told him he’d never pay to see me again. That was over 100 shows ago.”
Even as his health declined, Pruner continued to attend Hagar’s performances. Confined to a wheelchair in his later years, he remained a familiar face at shows, with Hagar ensuring he always had a prime spot next to the stage.
After battling health issues for more than a decade, John Pruner recently passed away. Hagar shared the news with fans, paying an emotional tribute to his longtime supporter.
“We lost the original number one Redhead a couple of nights ago,” Hagar wrote. “We will miss you, John Pruner, but the show will go on—just like you would have wanted.”
Pruner’s legacy lives on through the community of “Redheads”—the name affectionately given to Hagar’s fanbase—and in the enduring nickname that has become a permanent part of rock and roll history.
Despite the loss, Hagar is keeping the spirit of rock alive. He is set to perform at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, this April before kicking off his Best of All Worlds residency in Las Vegas on May 2.
While Pruner may no longer be in the audience, his influence on Hagar’s career—and his role in creating “The Red Rocker”—will never be forgotten.
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