Sammy Hagar Laughs Off Viral Impersonation Hoax
Rock legend Sammy Hagar is finding humor in a recent viral story that has captivated social media users. The tale involves a man who allegedly attempted to impersonate Hagar in a bizarre scheme to cash in on fake royalty checks.
The Fake News Story
The post, which gained traction from the Mount Vernon II News & Rumors Facebook page, describes an outlandish incident where a local man, identified as Ronnie Putnam, 58, was arrested for impersonating the “Red Rocker.” According to the report, Putnam visited various local businesses, including two banks and a vape shop, claiming to be the real Sammy Hagar. He reportedly sought to open accounts under the name Sammy Hagar Enterprises, LLC.
Impersonation Attempts
Witnesses recounted that Putnam even went as far as performing an acapella rendition of Hagar’s hit song “I Can’t Drive 55” to validate his identity. “He said he was on tour but needed to cash a royalty check,” one bewildered bank teller remarked. “He was wearing red sunglasses and smelled faintly of margarita mix, so I thought it was actually him.”
The Arrest
Putnam was eventually apprehended after he presented a homemade ID card that read “Sammy Hagar, Rock God.” He now faces charges of fraud and disorderly conduct. When confronted by authorities, he humorously shouted, “I CAN’T DRIVE TO JAIL!”
Clarification and Misunderstanding
Despite the playful nature of the story, several news outlets reported it as fact. However, the Mount Vernon police quickly clarified that no such incident occurred and that Putnam was not in custody. The Facebook page explicitly states its blend of actual news and parody, warning readers to approach its content with skepticism.
Hagar’s Reaction
In response to the uproar, Sammy Hagar took to his X account, sharing that nearly everyone he knows sent him the story. Hagar expressed disbelief that anyone could confuse the impersonator with him, stating, “Who knows with AI these days if this is real or not,” and added, “[but] anybody that would fall for this guy saying he’s the Red Rocker probably couldn’t name one of my songs.”
Recent Work
This incident comes shortly after Hagar released “The Residency,” a double-vinyl live album that captures his recent performances in Las Vegas, celebrating his legacy as Van Halen’s lead singer.
Conclusion
While the story of the impersonator may have caused a stir, Sammy Hagar’s lighthearted response showcases his good humor. As the music icon continues to thrive in his career, it’s clear that he remains unfazed by the antics of those who seek to mimic his legendary persona.
FAQs
What was the fake news story about Sammy Hagar?
The story claimed a man was arrested for impersonating Sammy Hagar to cash fake royalty checks at local businesses.
Was there any truth to the story?
No, the Mount Vernon police clarified that no such incident occurred, and the story was a parody.
How did Sammy Hagar react to the news?
Hagar found the story amusing and expressed disbelief that anyone could mistake the impersonator for him.
What recent work has Sammy Hagar released?
Hagar recently released “The Residency,” a double-vinyl live album featuring performances from his shows in Las Vegas.
