Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bash 2010 Recap

October 26, 2010 90 Comments

It was another ridiculously fun time down in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bash this year. As usual, the Wabos and Michael Anthony were there to partake in the festivities.

On one day during the weeklong bash, a bunch of fans who were partying at a beach bar all day where pleasantly surprised when none other than Michael Anthony and his entire family joined them on the beach!

As for the four concerts that took place between Oct 8th and Oct 13th, this years birthday bash brought some changes. For the first year ever, Sammy Hagar decided to pre-sell tickets to his annual Birthday Bash event in Cabo. This changes brought mixed reviews by Redhead fans. Some die hards that have supported Sammy and Cabo for years expressed some negative statements in connection with having to pay for entry, stating that Sammy always promised that all of the Birthday Bash shows would always be free and that there would never be a cover charge. Some talked nostalgically about sleeping in line previous years stating that this experience created ever lasting bonds and friendships between fans. The experience of the line gave the fans the opportunity to spend a large amount of quality time with other huge fans and allowed them to make friends from around the globe. And thanks to modern technology and Facebook, many of these relationships have blossomed into lifelong meaningful friendships.

On the other side of the argument, plenty of “newbies” stated that the reason they decided to travel to Cabo was simply because they were able to pre-purchase their tickets assuring them entry into at least one show. Many of them talked about how the line had kept them away in past years, stating that they would never feel comfortable sleeping on the streets of Mexico.

In fact, the previous two years presented fans with some health and safety risks, thanks to some very unusual weather. In 2008 there were threats of hurricanes and in 2009 there was flooding that resulted in many people getting sick. Concerns for fan safety has always been high on Sammy’s agenda and these concerns lead to his organization re-thinking the best way for fans to obtain entry into the Birthday Bash events.

There is still no confirmation on how Sammy and the Cantina will handle wristband distribution for next year. Surely lots of thought and planning will go into whatever decision is made by his organization.

This year, some of the good news was that Cabo’s weather was back to “normal,” which meant pristine, warm weather and low humidity each and every day during the 2010 Birthday Bash and not a single drop of rain or threat of a hurricane in sight. The bad news is that Sammy suffered from some health related issues that caused him to reschedule one of his Birthday concerts. His doctor was present and watching over him on October 12th when he insisted he did not want to let down his fans that traveled so far to see him. Although Sammy wasn’t feeling well, he took the stage against medical advice and did not disappoint anyone. By the next night, his actual birthday, Sammy was back on his “game” and put on an amazing show.

In the Cantina’s courtyard there was a live feed where fans could stand beside a cardboard cutout of Sammy and send birthday wishes to Sammy and to “shout out” to other Redhead fans that were unable to attend the bash. Many fans had fun with this and it got pretty crazy…

Two fans even decided to exchange wedding vows in front of their “Redhead Family” at the Cabo Wabo Cantina on 10/10/10. Jorge served as officiant. Yet another example of the family-like bond between the fans.

As always, “You go there once… you’ll be there twice” will probably apply to all the newbies who were there this year. Until next year when we are all “Face Down in Cabo”once again…

Here’s what Sammy Hagar had to say after the bash:

“What a party! This year was truly like no other. Mona could not come down early so the ‘Other Half’ rocked the house for two nights. Thanks Mikey! Then I got very sick and had to move a night back to the 12th. So sorry to those Redheads who couldn’t stay to use their tickets. Speaking of that, it blew my mind how many virgins were in the house, hello new ticketing system! There seemed to be a significant number of fans in attendance who had never been able to get in before this year. And they were a wild crowd to say the least. Welcome to the Bash! I was still not really back for the third night, I felt like hell but played anyway – I was delirious but had a blast. I exited the stage by going through the crowd so you know I was insane by the end of the show. Four nights and we only repeated a few songs, that’s the way the Wabos roll in Cabo. And how about the Fan Cam? I watched for a minute after the show and there was some crazy shit going on. Look for that on RR.com soon. Next year it’s your turn. The off night we previewed the new movie ‘Be There Once, Go There Twice’ and everyone tells me the fans loved it. That will be out before Xmas.

Every year somehow seems to be better than the last. Playing with Chickenfoot for the Cantina’s Birthday was a blast, but nothing compares to the Bash itself. We have big plans for next year…..will you still need me, will you still come and see me when I’m 64?”

Peace,
Sammy

View the newly imported Cabo Wabo merchandise at Van Halen Store.

SETLISTS:

(thanks to 5150Mike)

Friday 10-8-10 (Special guest Vinnie Paul)

Good Enough
Runaround
5150
Top of the world
Best of Both Worlds
Finish What ya started
Right Now
Sexy Little Thing
Why Can’t this be love
Runnin With the Devil
Poundcake
Heavy Metal
Red
Whole lotta Zep

Saturday 10-9-10 (Special guests Vinnie Paul and Emmeril)

Shaka Doobie (The Limit)
There’s Only One Way To Rock
Three Lock Box
I’ll Fall in Love Again
Rock n Roll Weekend
Rock Candy
My Kinda Girl
Dreams
I’ve Done Everything For You
Ain’t Talkin Bout Love
Poundcake
LOUD
I Can’t Drive 55
Mas Tequila

Tuesday 10-12-10 (Special guest “Bling Bling”) :

Love or Money
Baby’s on Fire
Goin down
Make it last
Rock Candy
Bad Motor Scooter
Satisfaction (David Lauser on vocals)
Sexy little thing
Whole lotta love
There’s only one way to rock
Finish what ya started
Runnin with the Devil
Fight for you right
Mas Tequila

10-13-2010 (Special guest Steve from Smashmouth)

Shaka Doobie (The Limit)
Sympathy for the human
I’ll take you there
Three lock box
Your Love is driving me crazy
Space Station No. 5
Rock Candy
Bad Motor Scooter
Marching to mars/I feel good
Right now
Live it up
Everybody must get stoned
Red Voodoo
Sailing
You Really Got Me
Ain’t Talkin Bout Love
Sexy Little Thing
Heavy Metal
When I’m 64 (Chorus)

Filed Under: Cabo Wabo, Sammy Hagar

Mark Sachs

It´s pretty obivious that Chad´s touring replacment in Chickenfoot will be Vinnie Paul.
ikethebird

No Cabo Wabo.With all those VH tunes he’s playing u figure he’d play the one about his club.
J5150C

The dude can’t lay off the Van Halen stuff, not even the classics. Well at least he knows who his daddy is!
– -
|° °|
U
Lupercal

First night seemed like the best, must have been a blast for the fans to have Mike there.

Can’t imagine anyone but Eddie really pulling off VH tunes like “5150″ or “Poundcake” though.
Diamond Dean

Wow but what setlists , their brilliant!!!!!!

Yeah looks like it may be vinnie paul , the man can drum thats for sure

Great setlists , which makes me always so dissapointed about the RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW cd , the most boring VAN HALEN setlist ever.The one chance they had at making a great live album and they put out a stinker . The over zealous crowd noise , the f.u.c.k( i think its a great album) the whole album pretty much on there , wld had loved to hear RUNNIN WITH THE DEVIL , UNCHAINED etc.Then the dvd recorded over two nights???? not to mention sams rediclous clothes.Van halen really shd be embaressed of that album , one chance and they blew it
Diamond Dean

Good on Sammy for putting on such a great setlist , HAPPY BDAY !!
freddiegirl

I know the Hagar fans will jump on me for this but ‘Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love’ and ‘Runnin’ With the Devil’? Really? After all the times he complained about having to sing DLR tunes and balked at singing them when he was with VH? Really?
I admit that it must’ve been fun to hear ‘Rock Candy’ and ‘Bad Motor Scooter’ live though.
Just some dude

Lupercal says:
October 26th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
“..Can’t imagine anyone but Eddie really pulling off VH tunes like “5150? or “Poundcake” though…”

I know what you mean. But seriously, do you think Eddie is ever going to play any Hagar-era music again? Especially after all those albums have been taken off the ‘official’ website???

P.S. freddiegirl: I’m not a ‘hagar fan’ perse, but can I JUMP on you?

Glad to see they have the coolness to pay homage to their entire catalogue. What a frickin party I missed.
Poverty sucks.
D.O.A.

Freddiegirl…Mike did the vocals for those.
http://none 12beerstogo

The house that Van Halen built.Your right J5150C.Salami can’t lay off the VH tunes.
MA=VH

Fuck me… I miss that place. I’ve gone there once, still waiting to be there twice….

MA=VH
patrick

@J5150C…ya,what is he thinking not ignoring 10 full years of his career?!?..are you for real?.LOL
http://gswoerner@hotmail.com Jim

(fill in the blank) is a “class act”
Herb

Yes, it’s hard to imagine Sam doing songs from a band he was with for 10 FREAKING years. How desperate.

@ J5150C…did it occur to you before you posted that DLR did the exact same thing for the 20 years he wasn’t in the band?

Gawd you’re a moron. Go away.
Art Vandelay

Three years ago, I was in a bar across the street from where Hagar was playing the next day. Around 9:30 that night, the small stage in that bar started buzzing with activity as a couple of guys were plugging in amps and such. A few minutes later, out walks Michael Anthony, the guitarist from Hagars band and a guy who I understood to be Alex Van Halens long time drum tech. The three of them launched in to nearly two hours of a great jam. I would guess that 90 percent of the songs were CVH, with Mikey singing. It was a helluva fun time!

@J5150C…who’s YOUR daddy? Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
http://www.vhnd.com Pat G.

If Sam is so into his fans, Isnt he worth 100 mil? Spring for some extra security for the fans camping out in front of the club to get tickets. Just a thought. Sounds like set lists rocked every night. Someday, I’ll make it to the club for a party.
Careyvanhalen

Dave should open a place across the street and call it Dave’s Dive, and The VH brothers could have a third place called Halen’s. Then it would get interesting. Na, just give us a new album. 4 disc box set. One disk of new material,one disc of VH doing Santana style collaborations(covers), and 2 discs of unreleased demos and bootlegs. Call it “Return To Paradise”!
Mikey Mo

I HAVE A QUESTION!!! On the last day/ Sammy’s Birthday, is the song “I’ll Take You There” actually “Open”? I apologize if there is a song I’ll take you there, but I haven’t frikn heard of it. I gotta say, for whatever reason “Open” may be my favorite solo single within the 2000′s . And also, I can’t wait til I lose my SHBB V card
DavesGroupie

Mas Tequila What a Sh*&ty song !!!
Tater Salad

Sounds like fun!!!
SamsClassyGroupie

to DavesGroupie…Piss off man. Why don’t you go listen to all the new music Dave released in the past 10 years…oh thats right, just one album. well maybe after you listen to it you can look at all the pretty pictures he made. In the mean time us Hagar fans will listen to better quality like Chickenfoot, Sammy & The Wabos, and everything else he has done for his fans. I like DLR, but you gotta understand what’s up
Les

Hagar what a guy. Charged his fans this year, and showed that he will lie to their face. Playing all that VH stuff with his quarter half is a nice touch, but just not nearly as good without EVH and Alex.
Kayser Sozay

Mikey Mo – No, “I’ll Take You There” is not Open. It is a cover of an old, classic song originally done by the soul/gospel group The Staple Singers. Sammy released it on Livin it Up.

Sounds like a fun bash. I managed to make it down for his B-day bash back in 02 and it was hands down the most fun concert experience I’ve ever had. Waited all night on the street to get the free tix with hundreds of other people but I don’t remember too many people sleeping. After the town closed down, there were still many beers to be had courtesy of several enterprising locals. It was a great time getting to know other folks who were there for the bash. I still keep in touch with a couple that came all the way from Sweden. It was great to be at the show the next night and running into everyone I met on the street. Definitely a great time.
Ari

I’m not one of those Roth fans that hates Sammy. Even though I definitely prefer VH with DLR by far, Sam has still some great songs in his own right no doubt, and he seems like a good guy.

Still, why is he performing Dave era VH songs? Makes no sense. If he were still in VH and wanted to represent the catalog of the band’s history, I would be more understanding, but now that he’s out on his own, at least stick to the songs you helped craft when you were in VH. Everybody associates those songs with Dave.
http://vhnd.com 51yr old fan

Hey Les, who is EVH and Alex?
Ben

First night, great set list if not for the CF song that ruined the moment
The other nights the setlist su€ked big time
Good for Sam to cellebrate his bday at his club.
SCAR

Sounds like I missed a hell of a party this year!!! Party on Sammy!!!!
Snoova

Mike sang “Runnin’ with the devil”… David Lauser sang “Ain’t talkin’ ’bout love”.

I believe the main reason they went heavy on the VH tunes was because Mona was not there at the beginning of the bash due to her mother having surgery or something. Mike filled in, he usually comes down towards the end of the bash.

Mona showed up in time for the last show. Notice that’s the show with the most solo tunes? Third night was mostly a Los Tres Guzanos set.

Snoova
Tim

Yeah I agree about the Classic VH stuff. I mean, the guy has an incredible set of music he can go back to between solo, Van Hagar, and now the Foot. Why bother? I get the Mikey connection, but I still think it’s weird.

Good to see everyone had a good time.
Vancionado

Salami Hagar…

And on another post “Chickenhawk.”

12beerstogo, you are SUCH a card! Quit your day job! Get on the Comedy circut!

Seriously, you just come to carve on this site, don’t you… posting your Sammy-bashing, oh sorry “Salami-Bashing”, crap.

Dude, I’m ashamed that a guy like you shares my passion for this band. And seriously, it’s only a half-passion at best, cause where were you during the Sammy days? Were you sitting in your dug out bomb shelter muttering to yourself about how the world went wrong when Dave left the band?

I’ve brought this up before but what if, like Bon Scott for AC/DC, Dave had died? Would you have wanted Van Halen to fold up and go away?

The best part is, there will ALWAYS be Sammy stories posted on this site, and guys like you will just have to deal with it…

So brace for it, cause though there’s been a hinting of new VH in 2011 (and I hope so) there WILL BE new Chickenhawk in 2011.

Enjoy!
Stone

J5150C and others…….: At least the ‘classic’ VH tunes are getting played by somebody. Your boys Ed and Dave have been collecting unemployment checks for 18 years. Get over it.

And for most Sammy fans, we would rather he bagged the VH tunes and sang his own.

You Roth-only fans are so freaking childish, it’s ridiculous. Do you enjoy ANY OTHER MUSIC other than Van Roth?
D.O.A.

Personally, I don’t want a Hagar show that includes MA to stop using the classic tunes. MA is a founding member, and will forever be linked to those songs. Anytime I’ve been around a show when they break in to one, the place goes nuts. Everyone there loves it.

Any bar band can cover one. Why not an intregal part of the lineup that created it? Or, is it that sacred that everyone should just stop?

To be clear for those that don’t understand, a Hagar solo show that doesn’t include MA has never had a CVH song on the setlist.
http://none Dirty Duck

51yearold:

Two people you used to be a fan of….
Let it go already man.
RA 8 1 2

Surprised that they played 5150. I have seen Hagar perform so many times over the years and Poundcake and Runaround are the only 2 and maybe Summer NIghts and Good Enough were the only songs “outside the box” of his typical why cant this be love, right now, dreams and maybe finish what ya started. Would love to hear Vic pull off 5150. He is no Eddie by far but did a pretty good job with summer nights. Also, nice that her added RED back into the mix. He rarely plays that one. Gettin kind og tired of one way to rock!
Snoova

I agree with Stone. I’d rather hear Sam do his solo stuff more than any VH. On the other hand, there is a demand for it from his fans and he always mixes the shows up at the Bash, probably a little less so this year since Mona wasn’t there the first couple days.

Snoova
Strung Out

This setlist needs more Cabo.
http://none Dirty Duck

D.O.A:

Who DOESNT like Classic VH?

Any place will go nuts when a classic vh tune is played.
Be it a baseball game or a mental institution…har har
Just some dude

I could’ve used a little more cow bell.
http://vhnd.com 51yr old fan

see duck there you go again. you fancy yourself the true fan and yet you are one of the guys that can’t step up and defend the fact that ed hired sam and sam kept vh alive. i know you don’t care for van hagar and i really do respect that. sam is part of the history and no one can change that. not even ed or dave. but you never seem to be on board with the rest of us fans. i like classic vh better but sam saved the day and the haters are in the minority and thats why they bash. the haters continue to make it a competition and a smart guy like you knows that who ever you like is all that matters. and please just for once admit one fact, and that is that vh has not been very fan friendly the last couple of years and sam has. i don’t get it.
D.O.A.

Duck, I’m down with ya on this one. Don’t get why anyone wouldn’t groove on a CVH tune done by Mikey, as some suggested here recently. Seriously..it was stupid fun and you could tell he was havin’ a blast!
phillster

This is my official drunken opinion,
I saw the”OtherHalf”tour,What balls to call it that,really.
Might as well called it the”van halen is dead and this is all that`s left”tour.
Mikey rolled the dice to tour with Sammy
time and again Instead of doing his own solo album
with Anybody else But Sam and lost.He chose sides,Not Ed&AL.
Jim Florentine asked him”when was the last time time you talked to DAVE”and mike`s answer was”we talked extensively(argued)on the”SansHalen”tour,and then he “ducked me”everytime i saw him after that”.The”VanHalenSaga”book explains why…
“Class act Mikey”burned his bridge,and bit the hand that fed him,And told the current lead singer to “F” himself.
This theory that he was treated unfairly
is utter B.S.-He knew what he was doing folks,
HE gave up on =VH=,Not the other way`round.
Wake Up People!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
swingin sinner

can’t we all just just get a bong? it’s all about the music who cares who sings it!! Its only rock and roll baby!
J5150C

Well here it is in a nutshell:

I could give a squirt of piss for the opinions my post generated. Once again, Mike this, Sammy that, Eddie said, Alex jumped, wolfie piped… who gives a flying fuck about all that crap!

I love all VH eras. I still think – musically speaking – VH III was really good solid work! But you gotta’ admit that Dave got the better end of the stick. The dude is in VH! That doesn’t mean I hate Hagar or that he and Mike can go to hell. No way! I just dislike (sometimes) Hagar’s attitude when it comes to Cabo Wabo and his tequila. If it hadn’t been for him being in VH, he wouldn’t have that place.

Moreover, people come on this site bitching and griping over why the VH bros. aren’t in touch with their fans. Shiiitttt!! They owe us fans dick! If they put out, fine! If not, life goes on! Let’s get over it, already! And if Mike never returns to VH, well then bummer, tough shit, shazam! I bet 11 out of 10 of you will buy the Wolfie version of VH anyway. Oh, and remember how VH albums have: Van Halen is…. Well get used to this one:

VAN HALEN IS:

DAVID LEE ROTH
EDWARD VAN HALEN
WOLFGANG VAN HALEN
ALEX VAN HALEN

Nuff said (bitching and griping)Let’s see how much shit I get for this one.

OUT!
Kayser Sozay

@phillster: “HE gave up on =VH=,Not the other way`round.”

Um, Phillster . . . just how does one give up on a band if that band doesn’t do anything? Seems to me VH gave up and Mike decided that rather than sit on his ass, he’d get out there and take advantage of an opportunity to play the tunes he was known for. Hard to blame him. Mike’s only mistake was underestimating Ed’s pettiness.
http://vhnd.com VH4

I got into VH via OU812 when I was 12.
At the same time I started listening to solo Dave, Skyscraper. I got the classic VH stuff later. Never really listened to Van Hagar or solo Dave after that. I`ve tried solo Sammy, Chickenfoot, DLR Band, Vai, anything that I think I might like. Nothing ever gets close. I`d rather Sam sang CVH tunes rather than no-one was singing them – I just don`t need to listen to it myself. Really love the idea of new VH tunes with most of the classic line-up. I think the adoration of MA goes a bit far sometimes and I`m glad some people are starting to speak up about that. I`ll always side with EVH and Dave, and if they ain`t talkin` to each other, I`ll respect them both and not take sides. Guess that`s blind loyalty…I can`t help it!
http://vhnd.com 51yr old fan

J5150C, I HOPE YOU AREN’T EMPLOYED BECAUSE YOU DON’T SEEM TO GRASP SOMETHING. IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE SOMEONES MONEY THEN YOU OWE THEM A PRODUCT OR SERVICE. WITH THAT SAID IF VH STAYS AWAY AND NEVER SAYS ANYTHING ABOUT NEW MUSIC OR A NEW TOUR THEN WE ALL CAN ACCEPT THAT. I CAN TELL YOU IF PEOPLE DON’T SHOW UP TO THE SHOWS OR THE RECORD STORE I CAN ASSURE YOU THEIR ATTITUDES WOULD CHANGE. AND DAVE IS IN VH BECAUSE HE COMPROMISED. PEOPLE DO FUNNY THINGS WHEN THEY NEED WORK. ED NOW OWNS DAVE AND DAVE WILL TOW THE LINE BECAUSE ED SAYS SO. (SO WOULD I IF I WEREN’T WORKING AND LOST EVERY JOB I EVER HAD AFTER VH). NOW THAT SHOULD PISS OFF THE KOOL-AID DRINKERS BIG TIME BUT ITS THE TRUTH AND YOU KNOW IT. BUT THEN AGAIN THIS COULD ALL BE MOOT BECAUSE THERE IS NO NEWS OR NEW MUSIC.
Darren from Staten Island

Note to Phillster- Are you the same guy whom sells VH Hard rock cafe stuff on e-bay? Just curious. I bought a few things from a guy of the same name. Ps- I agree with post. Also shame on Sam for doing the DLR stuff.
patrick

@J5150C…actually it was sammys idea to get involved with the cabo thing and if he had followed the bros he wouldnt have it now.i dont think VH owes anybody anything but i do think its disappointing if thats the attitude they seem to have.just because something is pointed out as fact doesnt make it “bitching and griping”
patrick

oh and van halen (still) wishes us a happey new year.;^)
Stone

J5150C: “If it hadn’t been for him being in VH, he wouldn’t have that place”

Prove it. As we’ve said MANY times on here and elsewhere, us longtime Hagar fans would rather he NEVER did Halen songs.

Drop your jealousy. You’re right, Dave is in VH. But, aren’t they still collecting unemployment?

You Roth fans are seriously making me root against the next VH album. If only just to shut you people up.

For the last time: WE AGREE WITH YOU!!! THE ROTH YEARS WERE BETTER! Now, PLEASE, let it go