Sammy Hagar shares tales of loud music, unbelievable parties and fast cars in Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock. Hagar, often affectionately referred to as The Red Rocker, sold millions of records and packed arenas as a solo artist and as the charismatic frontman of Van Halen, one of the most popular rock bands in the world.
The book begins with Hagar as a youngster. Even then, living in a poor neighborhood and wearing hand-me-downs, he was determined to be a household name. The book quickly follows with his adolescence and his early solo career. Most of Red is focused on Hagar's time in Van Halen, beginning in 1985. His behind-the-scenes stories include backstage antics, drug-induced fights and tensions with band leader Eddie Van Halen.
After his controversial departure from Van Halen, Hagar proved he was more than just a creative mind, using his business sense to create one of the most well-known and most profitable tequila brands in the world, Cabo Wabo.
Hagar is best known as a vocalist, but he's also a talented guitarist and songwriter. His musical career spans almost 40 years, beginning with hard rock outfit Montrose in the 1970s followed quickly by a successful solo career in the early 1980s. Hagar's I Can't Drive 55 charted in 1984, just a year before he was asked to join Van Halen. He fronted what fans call "Van Hagar" from 1985 until 1996, and from 2003 to 2005.
Since 2008, he has dedicated his time to an all-star band called Chickenfoot. It features Hagar on vocals with Van Halen's Michael Anthony on bass, Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith and Joe Satriani on guitar.
"Beyond the expected self-indulgence and excesses, an entertaining read (listen). After just finishing biographies of other great persons (Churchill, the R. Jenkins one, Chanel by R. Vaughan), a refreshing and honest-sounding life story so far. Still can't listen to his music though."
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Kimmo (4 out of 5 stars)