Alright, buckle up, fellow Red Rocker and Van Halen fanatics! Let’s dive into Sammy Hagar’s “Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock.”
I was looking for another good read and came across this one at my local bookstore. For those of us who were there from the beginning, cranking “Bad Reputation” and “Standing Hampton” after Sammy’s departure from Montrose, this book is like grabbing a cold one with the guy. He doesn’t hold back, and that’s what makes it a fun ride.
High Points:
- Early Solo Days: Hagar really shines when recounting those early, hungry years. You get a real sense of his drive to forge his own path after Montrose. The stories about touring and building his solo career resonate with anyone who blasted “I Can’t Drive 55” back in the day. He paints a vivid picture of the work it took to become a headliner.
- Joining Van Halen: This is the part every VH fan was waiting for, right? Sammy gives his side of the story about how it all went down. Hearing about the initial phone calls and the chemistry he felt with Eddie, Alex, and Michael is pretty cool. He captures the excitement and the initial magic of that era.
- The Chemistry and the Music: He does a good job of describing the creative process during his time with Van Halen. You get insights into the writing and recording of those massive albums. It’s interesting to hear his perspective on how his vocal style and songwriting meshed with the Van Halen sound.
- Uncensored Indeed: The book lives up to its name. Sammy is pretty candid about the highs and lows, the partying, and the personalities involved. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, which makes for an engaging read.
Low Points (or Maybe Just Bumps in the Road):
- The Ending (We All Know How It Ends): While he recounts the Van Halen breakup, it can feel a bit… expected. It’s the story we’ve all heard in bits and pieces over the years, and while he gives his perspective, it doesn’t necessarily break a ton of new ground for die-hard fans.
- The “Uncensored” Edge Can Be a Bit Much: While the honesty is appreciated, at times, the sheer volume of partying stories can feel a little repetitive. We get it, rock and roll was wild!
- Maybe a Little Less About the Cabo Wabo Empire: While it’s a significant part of his life, sometimes the focus on the business ventures can overshadow the music for those of us primarily interested in his rock journey.
Things That Should Stand Out for Sammy Hagar and Van Halen Fans:
- Sammy’s Resilience: You really get a sense of his determination throughout the book. From leaving Montrose to navigating the complexities of Van Halen, he always seems to bounce back.
- The Brotherhood (and the Friction): He talks a lot about the bond he formed with the Van Halen brothers, but also doesn’t shy away from the tensions that ultimately led to his departure. It offers a more personal look at those dynamics.
- The “What Ifs”: For Van Halen fans, especially those who loved the Hagar era, the book inevitably brings up the “what ifs.” What could have been if things had gone differently? Sammy touches on this, and it’s something that will definitely resonate.
Overall, “Red” is a solid rock and roll memoir. Sammy Hagar is a natural storyteller, and his passion for music and life comes through on every page. If you were rocking out to “Three Lock Box” or singing along to “Right Now,” this book offers a compelling and personal look behind the music. It’s a must-read for any serious fan of the Red Rocker and the mighty Van Halen. Just be prepared for some wild tales and a whole lot of “I told you so” from Sammy’s perspective!
You can get Red: “My Uncensored Life In Rock at your local book seller or at Amazon (Click Here)
