Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Sammy Hagar Releases New Song Inspired by Eddie Van Halen

Sammy Hagar 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year Gala honoring the Grateful Dead, Los Angeles, California, USA - 31 Jan 2025
Photo by Rob Latour/Shutterstock (15125797fp)

Sammy Hagar's new single, “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late Eddie Van Halen. The song emerged from a dream Hagar had featuring his former Van Halen bandmate, which inspired him to create a powerful musical homage. The track features an all-star lineup including guitarist Joe Satriani, bassist Michael Anthony, and drummer Kenny Aronoff, bringing together the spirit of Van Halen with their musical prowess. The song is not just a tribute but also Hagar's final musical salute to a significant period of his life, capturing the emotions of gratitude and nostalgia. This emotional resonance is encapsulated within the song's chorus, which focuses on thanking Van Halen for the music and memories they shared over the years.

The origins of the song date back to a dream in 2022, where Eddie Van Halen appeared to Hagar, urging him to write music together. This dream scenario led to Hagar recalling riffs and musical ideas he developed with Van Halen during their time together, particularly reminiscent of their 2004 reunion tour. Emulating Van Halen's style, Joe Satriani's guitar solos exquisitely echo the essence of the rock legend, while the overall composition reflects a sense of completion and farewell. The lyrical content reflects this journey of musical camaraderie and the void left by Van Halen's absence.

Sammy Hagar unveiled the track on April 25, 2025, and it has already captivated audiences with its evocative composition and emotional depth. The launch not only commemorates Van Halen but also coincides with Hagar's intention to shift his musical endeavors towards residencies and selective performances, indicating a transition from traditional touring. His band is set to perform at the Stagecoach festival in Indio, California, further solidifying their presence in the live music scene.

The song has resonated with fans and critics alike, marked by its masterful guitar work and heartfelt lyrics. It serves as a testament to Hagar's enduring respect and admiration for Van Halen, providing a fitting musical closure to their storied partnership. As Hagar continues to evolve his career, focusing on strategic appearances rather than extensive tours, this song encapsulates both a tribute and a transition, inviting listeners to reflect on the legacy of one of rock's most formidable partnerships.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

BRIAN WILSON WITH SURFBOARD BRIAN WILSON IN MALIBU, AMERICA - 1988

Brian Wilson’s Cause of Death is Revealed

Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson’s death has been a profound loss to the music world. On June 11, 2025, the…

Uli Jon Roth Uli Jon Roth in concert, O2 Apollo, Manchester, UK - 27 Apr 2018

Uli Jon Roth Announces October/November 2025 Tour

The legendary German guitarist Uli Jon Roth is set to mesmerize his fans in North America with his unprecedented three-hour…

, via Wikimedia Commons

Guns N’ Roses Keyboardist Dizzy Reed Sets Release For New Solo Album

Dizzy Reed, renowned keyboardist of the legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses, is all set to embark on an exciting…

Lead Singer Billy Corgan (l) and Guitarist Jeff Schroeder (r) of Us Rock Band 'The Smashing Pumpkins' Performs on Blue Stage During the Nova Rock 2007 Festival in Nickelsdorf Austria 15 June 2007 Austria Nickelsdorf Austria Nova Rock Festival - Jun 2007

The Smashing Pumpkins Announce Reissue Of ‘Machina’

In a remarkable celebration of their pioneering contributions to alternative rock, The Smashing Pumpkins are unveiling an expansive reissue of…

The Ramones in concert at the Rainbow Theatre, London - Johnny Ramone, Joey Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone Various

Ramones: Mixes Of Band’s First Four Albums Available As Blu-Ray Collection

Rhino has unveiled an exciting new release celebrating the pioneering punk band, the Ramones, with a limited edition deluxe box…

Lalo Schifrin assistent a la soiree de cloture du 3eme Festival du Cinema et Musique de film de la Baule, a La Baule, France le 12 Novembre 2016. Photo by Jerome Domine/ABACAPRESS. COM 3eme Festival Du Cinema Et Musique De Film De La Baule - La Baule - 13 Nov 2016

Lalo Schifrin, Composer of The Classic ‘Mission: Impossible’ Theme Song, Dead at 93

Lalo Schifrin, the renowned composer who made significant contributions to film and television music, passed away at the age of…

Dustin "Duddy B" Bushnell and Jared "Dirty J" Watson of Dirty Heads perform during The Slighty Dirty Summer Tour at The I Think Financial Amphitheatre Dirty Heads in concert during The Slighty Dirty Summer Tour at The I Think Financial Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - 02 Aug 2024

Rome & Dirty Heads Collab For ‘Slow & Easy’ Song

Rome Ramirez, formerly of Sublime with Rome, and the reggae rock band Dirty Heads have reunited to deliver the fresh…

Sean Combs’ Son Releases New Song With Help From Kanye West

In a striking fusion of music and advocacy, Christian “King” Combs, son of the renowned music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs,…

Musician ALEX G (ALEXANDER GIANNASCOLI) during the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco, California Outside Lands Music Festival 2023, San Francisco, California, U.S. - 11 Aug 2023

Alex G Adds Tour Dates & Shares Video for “June Guitar”

Philadelphia musician Alex G is making a significant splash in the music scene with the release of his latest single,…