It Was A TRUE Rock N Roll B-Day Party! Sammy Hagar!

On Saturday, October 18 “The Red Rocker” Sammy Hagar hosted his Belated Birthday Bash at the new open-air concert and events venue the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLV). When Hurricane Odile forced the cancellation of Hagar’s 24th Annual Birthday Bash at his own Cabo Wabo Cantina in Mexico, the event was quickly moved to DLV and Hagar rallied his famous friends including elite rockers Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, Vic Johnson, Joe Satriani and Chad Smith to party and perform with him in Las Vegas. Paying homage to the Cabo tradition, DLV brought a little bit of Mexico to Las Vegas for the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s birthday, transforming the venue into a tropical oasis featuring exotic cocktails, an exclusive rum bar, real sand “beaches” and bikini-clad models playing beach volleyball.

Thousands of “Redheads” from near and far headed to downtown Las Vegas for the rum-soaked bash under the stars. The crowd was treated to an incredible setlist spanning four decades as Hagar along with his bands The Circle and Chickenfoot took the stage for a rousing concert that shook DLV to its core with some of Rock and Roll’s greatest hits. In addition to ballades from Montrose, Van Halen and Sammy’s solo career, the crowd enjoyed songs by The Circle as Hagar was joined on stage by renowned Van Halen rhythm bassist  Michael Anthony, Wabos guitarist Vic Johnson and acclaimed drummer and son of iconic Led Zeppelin drummer Jason Bonham. Next, Hagar and Anthony were joined on DLV’s stage to complete Chickenfoot, with bandmate and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith and ultra-talented rock guitarist Joe Satriani.

DLV’s open-format layout allowed fans to rock out and dance along with the music legends while VIP Cabanas boasting bottle service and prime views of the stage offered an exclusive experience. Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh and President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Don Marrandino were both spotted enjoying the cabanas.

As the concert came to a close Sammy’s family, including wife Karin Karte-Hagar, son Aaron Hagar and daughters Kama and Samantha Hagar, joined him on stage as Derek Stevens, owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas Casino Hotel, presented the rock star with a massive birthday cake shaped like his signature red guitar. The crowd roared as Sammy thanked everyone for coming out for an epic Belated Birthday Bash.

Celebrations continued into the night at the D Las Vegas, where Sammy enjoyed a special birthday dinner with family at Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse and Chad Smith was spotted playing blackjack with the Dancing Dealers. 

Photo credit: Tom Donoghue