This show was part of the Heavyweight Champs of Rock ‘N Roll Tour with David Lee Roth.

David Lee Roth Opened

I’ve been a fan of DLR from the get-go with Van Halen and a fan of Sammy for just as long. I loved both versions of VH, so I was truly excited about this show. DLR opened the show at 7:30. I have seen him several times solo, and would have expected him to play more of his solo material, but I was pleasantly surprised with his choice of songs. He could not have chosen a better set list. He obviously was catering the show towards the “true” old VH fans. Latecomers in the VH game probably didn’t know hardly any of the songs he played. But for myself, (a huge old-school fan) I thought it was awesome! He did a great job. The band was pretty good too. My only real complaint was the guitarist playing Eruption. He just didn’t need to go there. I guess I also was a little disappointed that we didn’t get a back flip during Jump. But overall, this was the best solo appearance that I have seen Dave do. Great show!

As for Sammy, I saw him last year in a smaller venue and he was great then (and I’ve seen him each tour of VH), so I had high expectations of this years show…..he definitely lived up to everything I expected. His set list was great. It was a perfect mix of his own solo material and VH material. I guess the real difference between Sammy and Dave is that Sammy has had a very successful solo career before and after VH. Dave’s solo material is good, but it just isn’t like Sammy’s. The biggest thing about Sammy’s show is the energy! I don’t know how that man does it! I was exhausted from just watching it. There was never a dull moment. The band was so good too. This is the best ensemble Sammy has ever put together in my opinion. (outside of VH)

So, who was the Heavyweight champ of the evening? Sammy! As good as Dave was, Sammy took the belt. I think that the majority of the fans were there for Sammy and I would have hated to see what they might have done if Dave had been the closer. I’m afraid that there would have been a few empty seats. Sammy’s show just looked more like a headline act than Dave’s. One of the greatest moments of Sammy’s show was when a fan passed some boxing gloves up to be signed and Sammy says, “I think I’m doing a pretty good job without these.” I think a lot of fans “missed” this, but he was obviously referring to the battle between him and Dave.

Great job for both, but outstanding job for Sammy!!!!!

Thanks to Steve Grant for this review!

Thanks to George Melissinos for the set list!

This show was part of the Heavyweight Champs of Rock ‘N Roll Tour with David Lee Roth.

Sammy Hagar Opened

How do you like having your drinks served? Answering that question goes a long way in defining whether you’re a Sammy Hagar fan or a David Lee Roth devotee.

Sammy’s way: the Red Rocker mixes up the Waboritas, pours them into cups and hand-delivers the drinks to his fans (with a high-five and a, “Pass it down, buddy! Share the love!”)

Dave Roth’s method: Diamond Dave swaggers to the edge of the stage, shoves a whisky bottle down the front of his sequined pants and thrusts his hips at the crowd, spilling a few drops of Jack Daniel’s on the stage. (Translation: Fuck you. Thanks for buyin’ a ticket.)

Sammy Hagar can be my bartender any day.

I saw the show June 21 at the Cricket Pavilion in Phoenix. How the two men served drinks sums up their concerts.

Sammy was all love. All energy. All fun. His voice was strong and the set list hit all the good stops along the way. The series of songs with Michael Anthony blew me away. Bringing out “5150” was an unexpected bonus. I’ve seen Sammy a dozen times and not once have I regretted the cost of the ticket. This was no exception.

This was my second DLR show. The first one (Skyscraper tour) left a bad taste in my mouth. Diamond Dave didn’t redeem himself in Phoenix. The attitude’s all there, of course. Took the man all of the “Hot for Teacher” drum opening to walk from backstage to center stage. (Apparently, we were supposed to be basking in his presence.) Once upon a time, Dave’s attitude was forgivable. After all, it ain’t bragging if you can back it up. Well, if his Phoenix show indicates how he backs it up these days, the man’s nothing but bluster and nonsense. He forgot words. He repeated himself (I think he sang the first verse of “And the Cradle Will Rock” three times). It was piss-poor.

Don’t dismiss me as a Dave-hater, either. I had high hopes going in. Reviews said his band mimicked VH pretty well. And they did. The weak link, though, happened to be holding the microphone.

I don’t regret going, either. Whenever Sammy and the Waboritas come to town, I’m there. Dave had talent, and I truly believe he still has much to offer musically. But the time has come to retire the sequins, stop pretending it’s 1982 and sing something that suits his voice.

By the way, Dave. I’ll take a pass on that drink.

And, Sammy. Next time you’re in town, I’ll buy the first round.

Thanks to Todd E. for this review!

ADDITIONAL REVIEW

Went to show with my boyfriend and we had a blast. Sammy opened up and made a party out of the evening. They were having fun! I am now truly a “Redhead” Sammy made a great evening with boyfriend better by letting us all let loose and have a good time.

Then DLR came out. He was uptight trying way too hard to be 21 and not enjoying the life that is NOW. He seemed to loosen up when they played Dance the Night Away, but not long after that song we were back to the uptight person he was before. The band was on, but they didn’t seem to be having a good time with each other and that was obvious to the crowd. Bottom line – great weather, good waboritas!, Sammy & band (don’t forget Mike) were great, it was good to see DLR-but-Dave lighten up-didn’t you say life’s a party?

Thanks to Joy for this review!

ADDITIONAL REVIEW

Well I was at the June 21 performance at the Cricket Pavilion. I am the biggest Sammy Hagar fan that ever lived so my opinion is a little biased. However to accompany me on this trek were two newbie’s to the world of Sammy Hagar. We got into the concert and you could just feel the energy. Sammy took the stage and it was electrifying, the whole crowd stood up,hands were in the air, everyone seemed to be singing( I lost my voice for a week). Michael Anthony came out and that was it,the perfect concert.

Then David Lee Roth took the stage, Sammy charged us all up, but we could count on Dave to calm us all down. He looked bad, he sounded bad, and he performed bad. Now he did have a great sounding band. But the old Dave of the high kicks and the banshee screams has now left us. Ah oh well Sammy had a great time and that’s all that matters!

Oh and the two guests that went along…..They are now Red-heads! I had to make them each a tape the very next day! Sammy Rules!!!!!!!

Thanks to Mark for this review!

ADDITIONAL REVIEW

All I can say is Sammy ROCKS! There was not a doubt before, and Phoenix was no exception … Hagar kicked ass! David who ???? It’s hard to improve on Sammy, but we were treated to Michael Anthony who joined for a few sets of VH songs …. it made for a great Friday under the warm stars of Cricket Pavillion and Phoenix.

It was quite a show with Sammy, and a laugh fest even attempting to watch Dave – can he even remember the lyrics to his own songs? Please, Dave is an old washed up, wanna be who just doesn’t have it anymore. He was great in his time … but his time was YEARS ago, he’s ready for his retirement home.

Sammy was great before VH, during VH, and even now after VH … he is an inspiration to all loyal ‘redheads’. Keep on rockin’ and see ya in Cabo!

Thanks to Andrea for this review!

This show was part of the Heavyweight Champs of Rock ‘N Roll Tour with David Lee Roth.

David Lee Roth Opened

I went to this show to see DLR I had seen Sammy twice already and never seen Dave. It was cool to see all the old Van Halen songs live but Roth forgot allot of the words and could not hit the notes like he use to. But his guitarist was doing a damn good job with Ed’s licks. But overall I think Roth sucked.

Then came Sammy and right from the start he kicked Roth’s ass all over the stage. By the third song it stated to pour rain and it rained for the rest of the show but not many people left. I must say every time I see Sammy it just gets better. He even had that ex-mayor from Georgetown,Co showing her titts up on stage. I just Have to say thanks again to Sammy & the Waboritas again for a great show.

Thanks to Mark for this review!

This show was part of the Heavyweight Champs of Rock ‘N Roll Tour with David Lee Roth.

David Lee Roth Opened

I just want to say thanks to Sam and Dave for giving us these concerts of performing together , something that millions of VH fans thought this would never happen. We get the best of VH from both of these guys. The voices that we grew up listening to. Half DLR and the other half SH. Which side is better is real hard to figure out. It depends what we grew up with I believe. I grew up listening to DLR era VH and like it more than SH era VH and vice versa. A lot of fans like the SH era more than the DLR era and thats cool too. The boys got together basically for us (the fans) because any reunion with VH is not in the works at this time regarding either singer. Its great to hear all these songs LIVE once again and its us the fans that are getting knocked out. I was at the Devore show and I got knocked out by both shows. Couldnt ask for anything more . Roth sounded great with his b! and and so did Sammy. It’s more or less a draw when they perform together. Everyone is going to have their own favorite and so be it. Thanks Sam and Dave once again because they are both kicking ass. Later.

Thanks to Mando Leyva for this review!

ADDITIONAL REVIEW

Roth got knock the fuck out! Sammy put on the best show I think ive ever seen,ive seen Van halen in 1978 and haven’t missed a tour yet, seen Sammy five times since the split, IM the biggest Van Halen fan on earth, and this show was the best, Sammy is having a blast up on stage,Roth is trying way to hard, they sounded like a cover band, it was a TKO.

Thanks to Scott Mitchell for this review!

This show was part of the Heavyweight Champs of Rock ‘N Roll Tour with David Lee Roth.

David Lee Roth Opened

I have seen Sammy many times over the years solo, with HSAS and with Van Halen. The show tuesday night in Los Angeles was the most fun I have ever had at a concert period. First of all we had the best seats in the house-on stage in the cantina! We danced and sang at the top of our
lungs the whole night and Sammy even handed me a freshly made waborita. He is so much fun. He sounds and looks great. He even had us join him and the rest of the band, including guest Michael Anthony on stage for the encore. It was just too much fun. I hope to make it down to the
real Cabo Wabo cantina someday.

Keep rockin Sammy!

Thanks to Pam for this review!

ADDITIONAL REVIEW

The difference between the two legendary front men was never more clear.

Roth began and blew through 20 song with very little interaction with the audience and an almost-clinical approach. The band was tight, but the chemistry sans-Anthony and the Van Halen bros left Roth a tad cold. Don’t get me wrong, it was worth it, its just that the build up in my mind was better than the show.

Twenty great songs. Roth also reverted to his lounge-lizard persona, singing scat style and throwing off the scores of fans who wanted to sing along. But no worries, the best was saved for last.

Sammy is Sammy. The word Sammy should be used as an adjective, because his persona and stage presence is what rock needs. From the opening notes of Red to the closing song Dreams with Mike, the show was damn close to perfect. Where Dave could have be rehearsing, Sam wanted us there and vice versa. He was brilliant and buoyed by Mike, who jammed on a handful of Van Halen classics, and from the crowd’s response, we want Van Halen Version 2.0 back.

Thanks to J.P. Walz for this review and for the set list!