Sammy Hagar Brings Out Kesha at Vegas Residency Kickoff

Sammy Hagar recently ignited Las Vegas with the debut of his “The Best of All Worlds” residency at the Park MGM, a series that is destined to be a musical journey filled with nostalgia and surprises. The powerhouse rock vocalist, renowned for his work with Van Halen, kicked off the night with his new song “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” which Hagar fascinatingly claims was co-written in a dream with the late Eddie Van Halen. This opening set the tone for a night that seamlessly blended rock history with fresh moments, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative that bridges the past and present of rock music.

Hagar’s band for the residency, featuring the legendary guitarist Joe Satriani, bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Kenny Aronoff, and keyboardist Rai Thistlethwayte, followed the setlist they brought to North American amphitheaters last summer but added unique surprises. The evening was full of unexpected appearances and songs that hadn’t been part of a Hagar concert for years. A major highlight of the night was when Kesha took the stage. The pop icon joined Hagar for “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love,” a classic Van Halen hit that saw her bringing an energetic twist to the “hey, hey, hey!” chant alongside Hagar and Anthony, much to the delight of the packed audience.

Another memorable moment of the residency came with the performance of “Amsterdam” from Van Halen’s 1995 album Balance, which hadn’t been featured in Hagar’s solo shows since 2007. But perhaps the most significant throwback was the revival of the power ballad “Love Walks In” from Van Halen’s 1986 album 5150. Sammy Hagar, who had not performed this song live since 1993, wrapped up the night with this touching rendition, stirring both nostalgia and a nod to the enduring legacy of Van Halen.

The residency is designed to run across several nights, with Hagar planning variations in the setlist to keep each performance fresh. According to Hagar, while they initially considered switching out deep tracks, they realized that with Van Halen’s immense popularity, even the less-known tracks are widely recognized by fans. The Red Rocker’s reflection on his performance strategy illustrates the timeless nature of Van Halen’s music and his commitment to keeping the spirit of the band’s music alive. Hagar’s candid acknowledgment of his age and the physical demands of touring offer a personal glimpse into the reality of an aging rock star determined to leave an indelible mark without compromising fans’ experiences.

Beyond the music, Hagar’s interaction with the press in recent weeks has been vibrant. He has been candid about his contentious relationship with Van Halen’s Alex Van Halen, highlighting personal dynamics that have shaped the band’s history. Meanwhile, Kesha’s participation links back to her longstanding connection with Hagar, adding layers to the performance as these two music worlds collide, creating a fusion of rock’s robust energy and pop’s refreshing vivacity.

The opening night proved to be not just a trip down memory lane but also a heartfelt homage to Eddie Van Halen, whose influence and spirit resonate deeply in Hagar’s performances. Sammy Hagar’s residency at the Park MGM promises to be a unique combination of powerful vocals, legendary guitar riffs, and the irreplaceable synergy of a band that celebrates and elevates the rock genre.