 Michael Anthony |
 Sammy Hagar |
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Story and photos by Terry Mayer If Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville had a kid, it would be Sammy Hagar and the Wabos. He's younger and louder and has a true rock 'n' roll attitude. Hagar may be coming late to the beach party, but there was money to be made Friday night at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee. Just witness any soldout Buffett show and his legions of Parrotheads.With grass huts on both sides of the stage and outlined with palm trees, the Red Rocker started the party with fan favorite "Mas Tequila." The band followed Hagar's every wild cue with carnival-like enthusiasm. Sammy has a penchant for making the audience feel like a part of the show with his comical banter and the infectious sing-alongs that dominant his show. A tune off his new album, Livin' It Up, called "Mexico" (not the Buffett remake) played itself carefree and breezy with some great guitar interplay. Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Woman" had the crowd eagerly chanting the chorus moments ahead of Hagar. One of the many highlights was "The Girl Gets Around," if you're an old-timer like this reviewer, you might remember it from the 1983 soundtrack Footloose. An awkward version of The Staple Singers "I'll Take You There" couldn't rise above it's forced delivery. "Little White Lie" showcased the sometimes forgotten notion that Hagar is a talented guitarist. Budding chord changes flowered into some choppy and heavy licks. The "waitresses" kept the drinks flowing onstage between songs which somehow inspired the audience to drink a bit more. Yet another highlight from his Montrose days included the fuzzy anthem "Rock Candy" which surprisingly was well known to the majority in attendance. The Hagar staple "I Can't Drive 55" has morphed into a ubquitous sing-a-long that brought the first half of the show to an end. The second half brought out Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony along with his meaty basslines. Banging the life out of his bass with fist clinching and palm pounding authority he layed the heavy foundation to the Van Halen anthem "Dancing with the Devil." While Hagar's voice was in fine form - he still couldn't reach the swarthiness that David Lee Roth honed so well. With fans throwing T-shirts, hats and even a bra on stage, Hagar would take the time to sign almost every piece of clothing tossed at him and toss it directly back - sometimes at the expense of the song. But that's part of the charm of a Sammy Hagar and the Wabos concert - it's more about the party than the music. Another Van Halen favorite "Finish What Ya Started" was more uptempo and robust than the studio version. "Best of Both Worlds" had Sammy leading a spirited conga line across the stage with a group of lucky fans. Closing the night with The Beastie Boys "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)" Sammy did a somewhat sincere attempt at the frat party classic. If you like your rock 'n' roll served up with a mean margarita and a lot of sloppy fun then you won't want to miss Sammy Hagar and the Wabos. |
 Sammy Hagar |
 Michael Anthony |
 Sammy Hagar |
 Sammy Hagar |