Thursday, May 29, 2008
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from melodicrock.com
Sammy Hagar to hit studio with guitar hero Joe Satriani and ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony plus Red Hot Chilli Peppers drummer Chad Smith -
TORONTO - Sammy Hagar has a new supergroup that includes a virtuoso guitarist and a fellow Van Halen alumnus, but fans eager to see the so-called Red Rocker sing alongside the six-string hero he's most famously associated with shouldn't hold their breath. It seems a peace settlement in the war of wills between Hagar and Eddie Van Halen could be years away, if it arrives at all. "I love Eddie, but we don't love each other," Hagar said during an interview Thursday.
"I heard that he got cleaned up again. Hopefully he stays that way and doesn't die, because before we both die we have to be friends again. But like I said, people have to be level-headed and have to be healthy before you can settle a feud."
Eddie Van Halen's battles with drug and alcohol addiction are legend, marring past shows with Hagar and delaying the start last year of a reunion tour with original singer, and Hagar's predecessor, David Lee Roth. Instead of waiting for that friendship to be repaired, Hagar has teamed with acclaimed guitarist Joe Satriani, Red Hot Chili Pepper drummer Chad Smith, and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony. The group, code-named Chickenfoot, will enter the recording studio just before Labour Day.
"We've written eight, nine songs. We just got to go in the studio Sept. 1," Hagar said.
"When people hear the music, it's Led Zeppelin. It's as good as that. I know that's a mighty bold statement... We could rival Zep."
Hagar, 60, stills looks remarkably like he did during his time with Van Halen - suntanned and goateed with that trademark mop of curly blonde hair. In town following a show at Casino Rama, north of Toronto, with his "party band" The Wabos, Hagar took up residence for the day in a downtown hotel to promote his latest career turn as a spirits connoisseur.
posted by Paul Dickinson at 9:21 AM | Email Us
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