I have many controversial opinions in this world – don’t get me started on the Royal Family or what should happen to the scum who shout at refugee hotels – but here’s one that’ll do for now: Sammy Hagar is the best singer in Van Halen, and it ain’t even close.
Here’s the proof.
Recorded during Hagar’s hit Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in 2025, this 19-track record captures all the energy, hits and swagger that made the initial run one of the most celebrated rock residencies in Sin City history. “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight” might kick things off, and it’s brilliant – Vegas feels like its natural home. But then “Top Of The World” happens. Everything that arena rock should be, but so rarely is.
“Summer Nights” crunches with a uniquely youthful promise of trouble, and that guitar – that’s Joe Satriani. Some friend to have. “There’s Only One Way To Rock” distils the whole thing down to the brass tacks, while “Humans Being” takes us straight back 30 years to the Twister soundtrack. “Right Now” is a real time machine – back to the pre-internet age when you’d hear a song on the radio and fall in love with the band.
Those dips back into Van Halen’s past are pure class too. “5150” underlines just how underrated that era was, and “Poundcake” – the one that spoke to me when I was 19 – still hits like a sledgehammer. Of course, it helps when the songs are that good. The unmistakable riff of “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” rings out, but it’s the way Hagar delivers it that seals the deal.
“Eagles Fly” genuinely soars, and all the fun and joy of Hagar’s career seems wrapped up in “Best Of Both Worlds” – there’s even a cheeky snippet of Kool & The Gang thrown in. The good times keep coming with “Why Can’t This Be Love,” utterly glorious in every respect.
And let’s not forget – he’s always been this good. The classic “Rock Candy” ushers in a run of his own tunes, the dirty blues stomp of “Mas Tequila,” the chunky riffing of “Heavy Metal,” and of course, the eternal “I Can’t Drive 55.” It’s a masterclass in how to enjoy yourself and bring everyone else along for the ride.
Now, another controversial opinion: I don’t like love songs. But this set ends with two of them – “Love Walks In” and “When It’s Love.” And you know what? They work. “How do I know when it’s love?” he asks. “I can’t tell you, but it lasts forever.” Like a great song, I guess.
This residency was clearly something very special indeed – and Sammy Hagar and Vegas? They were made for each other.
Rating: 9/10
