Sammy Hagar
The Best of All Worlds Tour featuring Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani and Jason Bonham
Xfinity Center
Mansfield, Massachusetts
July 26, 2024
Photos & Review by Dan Wenc
MANSFIELD, Mass. – Summer Nights and Sammy Hagar orchestrating a performance of Van Halen classics and so much more were on tap for this stop on The Best of All Worlds Tour. Joining Hagar was original Van Halen bassist, Michael Anthony, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and Jason Bonham on drums.
From the moments of walking through the parking lot leading to the venue it was a festive atmosphere for what was about to become an amazing night of rock n’ roll. Van Halen flags could be seen hoisted throughout the parking lot, various Van Halen songs could be heard blasting throughout. The Best of All Worlds Tour brought the classic Van Halen era songs to life in a venue once again. The night would consist of twenty-three songs, ranging from a mix of Van Hagar era selections, a few Van Halen (DLR era) classics, Hagar solo hits, as well as some Satriani, Chickenfoot and Montrose selections. The night started off with Loverboy performing an eight-song set of their classics to get the crowd fired up.
From the moment Sammy & Company took the stage, the energy soared both from the audience and the band. It was like a musical reunion for fans with Sammy and Michael. The players and the songs from our past were being heard live once again. The set kicked off with a Van Hagar 5150-era, high energy classic, “Good Enough”, moving to “Poundcake” and “Runaround” from the 1991, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge album. Next up was the powerful punch of a Hagar solo favorite, “There’s Only One Way to Rock.”
By now the audience was well firing on all cylinders through the nostalgic musical journey we had embarked on. Hagar’s vocals were spot on and timeless, amazing, unchanged from when I first heard him and Van Halen perform these songs back in 1988 on the OU812 tour.
Jason Bonham was perched behind his large, three bass drum kit, reminiscent of an Alex Van Halen style kit, with images of John Bonham on the bass drum heads. Bonham’s playing and drum sound were spot on for that signature Alex Van Halen drum sound.
The night was enjoyable, but moved along way to fast, song after song, “Judgement Day,” “Panama,” “5150” and “Summer Nights.” Michael Anthony took the lead vocals for “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love” with a raucous response from the crowd during the tail end of the song, with fists pumping in the air and singing along to “Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!”
On through the discography of Van Halen hits were “Top of the World” and “Best of Both Worlds.” Satriani sounded great blasting out EVH guitar riffs and solos. A Satriani spotlight moment would be the 1987, “Satch Boogie,” from his Surfing with the Alien album.
From the VH Balance album was “The Seventh Seal,” this song didn’t seem to get as much responsive energy from the audience, as other songs, but that wouldn’t last long. “Right Now” came next, boosting up the intensity vibe again, followed with more 5150, “Why Can’t this Be Love.”
Hagar spoke to the audience several times during the night, one of those moments he said that Mansfield was the loudest crowd of the eight shows that they had done so far. Hagar paid homage to Eddie Van Halen, saying that he was there with us that night and that Eddie was with us, through the music. Hagar talked about how this night and this tour, with this band was a celebration of Eddie and Van Halen music.
Jason Bonham spoke to the audience, mentioning that he has family in Massachusetts and then led the audience through a verse of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Hagar then performed his 1987 solo album song, “Eagles Fly.” Next up was “Mas Tequila”from Sammy Hagar and the Wabos, Hagar’s “Heavy Metal” and rock anthem “I Can’t Drive 55.” Montrose “Space Station #5” and “Big Foot” (Chickenfoot) would start to round out the night.
From VH 1984, was “Jump” with Hagar and Anthony on vocals. Hagar could be seen throughout the night taking EVH flags. shirts and other items from audience members and signing and returning them to them.
Hagar closed out the night with “When It’s Love” from OU812. “Thank You” was on the screens on the stage as the band bowed and said goodbyes for the night. One amazing night of music! A highly nostalgic feeling that night. A feeling of being fortunate to be in this time to still hear this timeless music performed live. Thank YOU!
SAMMY HAGAR photo gallery
An Instagram post following this show, Sammy’s Instagram said that this was one of his favorite shows of the tour so far.
There are many more tour dates running through September 2024, be sure to check this show out in a city near you, visit http://www.redrocker.com for tour dates and more info.