Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour is living up to its name in 2026, delivering nights loaded with classic rock anthems, surprise moments, and the kind of camaraderie that only veterans who genuinely love what they do can create. Joined by special guest Rick Springfield for the first leg, the Red Rocker and his all-star band — featuring Van Halen legend Michael Anthony, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, drummer Kenny Aronoff, and newcomer Nathan Mercado — have been giving fans an unforgettable celebration of Hagar’s rich catalog.
The tour, which kicked off June 13 in St. Louis and wrapped its initial U.S. run on June 27 in Oxon Hill, Maryland, blended massive hits from Van Halen’s Hagar era, Montrose classics, and Hagar solo favorites. Springfield’s high-energy opening sets added another layer of ‘80s nostalgia with his string of Top 10 hits.
Standout Moments from the Road
One of the tour’s sweetest highlights came on Michael Anthony’s 72nd birthday (June 20) at Blossom Music Center near Cleveland. As Joe Satriani closed his instrumental “Satch Boogie,” Rick Springfield helped wheel out a massive birthday cake decorated with skulls, chili peppers, and “Happy Birthday, Mikey.” The cake came from local favorite The White Flower Cake Shoppe — a perfect touch for the bassist’s Mad Anthony’s hot sauce empire.
Hagar and the band also embraced old-school touring vibes when plane issues forced a road trip from Michigan. “We popped in a van and drove here… It was about a three-hour road trip. We stopped off at the truck stop and picked up a little snack. It’s like the old days!” Anthony shared with a laugh.
A long-awaited onstage moment finally happened when Hagar joined Springfield for “I’ve Done Everything for You” (a song Hagar originally wrote). The two friends — who also partner in Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum — shared a fun, celebratory performance that fans had been hoping for all tour.
The Band’s Chemistry and Future Plans
Hagar couldn’t be happier with the current lineup. “It’s cool putting together a band like this after you’re grown up,” he said. “You say, here’s our purpose — we want to go out there and serve the Van Halen music as good as it can possibly be served today.” He praised the enthusiasm and lack of drama among seasoned pros.
The U.S. dates wrapped, but the party continues. The band heads to the UK for five shows starting July 6, followed by more Las Vegas dates in September.
Typical Setlist Highlights (Based on Recent Shows):
- Why Can’t This Be Love
- Top of the World
- Runaround
- Best of Both Worlds
- Summer Nights
- There’s Only One Way to Rock
- 5150
- Love Walks In
- Right Now
- Finish What Ya Started
- Poundcake
- and more Van Halen, Montrose, and Sammy solo classics
https://youtu.be/udRL9H7jkNw
