Sammy Hagar’s Upcoming Release: A Dream-Inspired Tribute to Eddie Van Halen
Sammy Hagar is set to unveil a new single titled “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight” on Friday, April 25. This track features a distinctive guitar lick that Hagar claims was revealed to him by the late Eddie Van Halen during a dream.
The Band Behind the Music
In this new song, Hagar collaborates with three-quarters of his Best of All Worlds band, including renowned guitarist Joe Satriani, bassist and fellow Van Halen alumnus Michael Anthony, and drummer Kenny Aronoff.
A Dream That Sparked Creativity
Hagar first shared the inspiration for the song during an interview with UCR in August 2022. He recounted, “About two months ago, I had this dream and Eddie came. He’s going, ‘Man, let’s write some music!’ I said, ‘Yeah, fuck it, man. Here, let’s go!'”
In this vivid dream, Hagar described how Van Halen demonstrated a unique harmonic lick that he slid into a chord, reminiscent of a slide guitar performance. “We wrote a song with that lick,” Hagar explained. “I remembered it. I got up in the morning and I wrote the song. I used the fuckin’ lick that he showed me in the song.”
A Legacy of Collaboration
Sammy Hagar served as Van Halen’s lead vocalist for over a decade, contributing to four chart-topping albums: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995). Despite a tumultuous split in 1996 and a disastrous reunion tour in 2004, Hagar and Van Halen reconciled shortly before Eddie’s passing in 2020. Last summer, Hagar embarked on the Best of All Worlds tour to honor his time with the iconic band.
A Final Tribute
Reflecting on his new single, Hagar stated, “This song is my final bow to that part of my life. It’s not meant to be anything more than a thank-you – with love, with respect, and with one hell of a guitar solo.”
Emotional Contributions from Joe Satriani
Hagar also expressed his appreciation for Satriani’s contributions to the track, noting that the guitarist infused it with a unique emotional energy. “Joe was the perfect partner to help me shape the sound – he brought in that big, emotional, guitar-driven energy that feels like Eddie’s spirit but is entirely of Joe’s creation,” he shared.
Upcoming Events
April is shaping up to be a busy month for Hagar and his bandmates. They are set to headline the Palamino stage at the Stagecoach Festival on Sunday, April 27, followed by the launch of their Best of All Worlds Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live, Park MGM, just three days later.
Conclusion
As Sammy Hagar prepares to release “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” fans can anticipate a heartfelt tribute to Eddie Van Halen, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and innovation. The collaboration with Joe Satriani and the involvement of his longtime bandmates promise to deliver a powerful listening experience that honors Hagar’s rich musical legacy.
FAQs
When will “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight” be released?
The single will be released on Friday, April 25.
Who are the members of the band accompanying Hagar on this track?
The band includes Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, and Kenny Aronoff.
What is the inspiration behind the song?
The song is inspired by a dream Sammy Hagar had about Eddie Van Halen, where Eddie showed him a guitar lick that Hagar incorporated into the song.
What events are planned for April following the song’s release?
Hagar will headline the Palamino stage at the Stagecoach Festival on April 27 and will launch his Las Vegas residency shortly after.
