Sammy Hagar launched his 2026 “Best of All Worlds” summer tour Saturday night at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, Missouri. Joined by Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff, and new keyboardist Nathan Mercado, Hagar delivered a set dominated by Van Halen material, reminding fans that the music of the Van Hagar era remains the centerpiece of this ongoing celebration.
The opening stretch made the tour’s mission clear. Hagar kicked things off with four straight Van Halen favorites—”Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Top of the World,” “Runaround,” and “Best of Both Worlds”—before diving into solo and Montrose classics. Throughout the night, the band moved effortlessly between different chapters of Hagar’s career, while Van Halen songs remained the emotional core of the performance.
Michael Anthony’s harmonies once again proved indispensable. Meanwhile, Joe Satriani continued his remarkable balancing act of honoring Eddie Van Halen’s music while bringing his own personality to the material.
One notable surprise was the absence of some songs featured during recent Las Vegas residency shows, including “Poundcake” and “When It’s Love.” Instead, fans were treated to Montrose staples “Rock Candy” and “Bad Motor Scooter,” along with solo favorites such as “Heavy Metal” and “I Can’t Drive 55.”
The evening concluded with “Eagles Fly” and “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.,” Hagar’s recent tribute to Eddie Van Halen. For many in attendance, it was a fitting ending to a night that celebrated not only Hagar’s career, but the enduring legacy of Van Halen’s music.
Opening Night Setlist
- Why Can’t This Be Love
- Top of the World
- Runaround
- Best of Both Worlds
- There’s Only One Way to Rock
- Rock Candy
- Bad Motor Scooter
- Love Walks In
- Cabo Wabo
- Mas Tequila
- Panama
- Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (Michael on lead vocals)
- Satch Boogie
- Good Enough
- Heavy Metal
- I Can’t Drive 55
Encore:
- Eagles Fly
- Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.
Did any VHND readers attend opening night in St. Louis? Tell us about your favorite moments in the comments below.
