For any rock band, the true measure of greatness is how they connect with an audience onstage. While creating memorable music in the studio is impressive, translating that energy live requires a unique skill set that few truly master. Unlike some musicians who merely play their hits for a crowd, a real performer can turn a show into an experience. Sammy Hagar, known for his energetic onstage presence, has always connected with his audience as a fellow rock fan, but he once admitted he doesn’t hold Paul McCartney in the same regard as a live performer.
Before Hagar joined Van Halen or fronted Montrose, the British Invasion was taking hold, with McCartney leading The Beatles’ live performances. Even though his bandmates often kept to their spots, McCartney knew the impact of his presence on stage. His command of the bass and the way he connected with fans, especially with his iconic gaze, made him an essential part of the Beatles’ charm in those early days.
Yet, Hagar sees the art of live performance as more than standing out; it’s about delivering an energetic show every time, and he’s put in decades of work to make that happen. As Van Halen’s frontman, Hagar was almost always on the road or in the studio, and his commitment to the craft never wavered. When it came time to step out on his own, Hagar felt more than ready to keep up the same level of intensity that he had always brought to the stage.
When reflecting on his influences, Hagar shared that he would choose Mick Jagger over McCartney for live inspiration. Although he deeply respects McCartney’s songwriting abilities, Hagar feels Jagger is in a different league as a performer.
In an interview with Eddie Trunk, he remarked, “He’s got a few years on me, and he’s amazing… but McCartney, he doesn’t run around. He pushes his voice, but he doesn’t perform, you know what I mean? He just goes out and kills some songs, you know? But Mick, he’s performing, dude. And that’s a performer.”
Hagar has a point; McCartney’s live presence is notably different from Jagger’s full-throttle stage act. Where McCartney focuses on delivering his classic songs, Jagger commands every inch of the stage, pouring himself into every note and move. Jagger’s onstage presence is a show unto itself, whether he’s strutting across the stage or captivating fans during a Rolling Stones ballad.
That said, McCartney has likely earned the right to perform at his own pace. While he no longer brings the same energy as in The Beatles’ early days, McCartney’s shows have evolved. Today, his concerts are less about spectacle and more about intimate moments, as he shares music’s history with fans new and old. When he performs a Beatles deep cut or a tribute to a former bandmate, McCartney’s storytelling feels almost mythical, a personal audience with one of music’s living legends.
While he might not match Jagger’s physicality, McCartney’s connection with the crowd isn’t about endless movement. It’s more about inviting the audience to reflect, blending timeless music with memories from rock’s golden age.
