Three day concert returned to Baja
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar celebrated his epic 75th birthday with friends, family and fans this week at his legendary Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas. Now in its 32nd year, Hagar brought the original Birthday Bash energy back with three days of packed live performances with The Wabos, made up of bassist, Mona Gnader, guitarist Vic Johnson and drummer, David Lauser. Hagar celebrated his milestone birthday fresh off a massive summer tour and the release of his latest chart-topping album, Crazy Times, with The Circle.
Hagar’s annual Birthday Bash is the highlight of the year for hardcore Hagar fans, also known as Redheads, who make the annual trek to Baja to enjoy the party atmosphere, music and free-flowing spirits at the rocker’s iconic party mecca. Over the years, the annual event always draws some of the biggest names in entertainment — past performers and partiers at the Cabo Wabo Cantina include: Van Halen, Kenny Chesney, Iggy Pop, Stevie Wonder, David Crosby, Bono, Bob Weir, Keith Urban, Ann & Nancy Wilson, Tommy Lee, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Dave Grohl, Slash, John Entwistle, Toby Keith, John Mayer, Stephen Stills, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, Chris Isaak, Roger Taylor, Joan Jett, Adam Levine, Mick Jones, Emeril Lagasse, Jerry Cantrell, Chad Smith, Steve Jones, Hagar’s Santo Spirits business partner and friend Guy Fieri and many more. Click here for Birthday Bash archive photos.
Last night (Thurs, Oct 13th), following his official birthday performance, Hagar and fans were surprised with a video comprised of birthday greetings from dozens of former Birthday Bash performers and other close friends, including Bret Michaels, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Tommy Lee, John Mayer, Emeril Lagasse, Big & Rich, Nancy Wilson, Willie Nelson, Joe Satriani and more.
In the week leading up to the Bash, Redheads waited in a line that circled the block outside the club for a chance to get tickets, which are granted though a system that ensures fans, not scalpers, have access to the coveted tickets. Once inside, fans were treated to a hard-rocking party presented by the lineup of Hagar’s award-winning portfolio of spirits, including Santo Spirits’ Santo Tequila and Santo Mezquila, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktail Co.’s sparkling rum canned cocktails. This year’s set list included hits from Sammy’s solo and Van Halen years, including fan favorites like “Right Now,” “Rock Candy” and “Mas Tequila.” He closed out his birthday performance with “Father Time,” his newest single, which has been received with critical acclaim.
The series of three live performances were held Sunday, October 9th, Tuesday, October 11th and culminated last night on Hagar’s 75th birthday, Thursday, October 13th. As part of Hagar’s celebration, celebrity friends shared additional birthday wishes for the Red Rocker with the help of AXS TV.