by Sammy Hagar celebrated the release of his new live album by dedicating it to fellow Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth on his birthday. He shared the gesture in a video posted on Instagram.
In the video, Hagar explained the connection between his album release and Roth’s special day.
“Our record, ‘Residency,’ the live album, that we recorded in Vegas, coming out on October 10th,” Hagar said. “October 10th is also David Lee Roth’s birthday. Guess what? It’s a birthday present to Dave from us.”
Hagar then led a birthday celebration for his fellow Libra.
“We’re gonna sing happy birthday to David Lee Roth,” he continued. “He’s a f*cking Libra, he can’t be all bad.”
In the caption accompanying the video, Hagar wrote: “How could I not pay homage to the man that co-wrote this next bad ass song we’re about to play. Happy Residency release day and happy birthday to fellow Libra, Dave.”
The gesture marks a friendly acknowledgment between the two legendary Van Halen vocalists. Hagar’s live album ‘Residency’ is now available.
The birthday tribute coincides with the release of Hagar’s 19-track live album. The album captures performances from his acclaimed Las Vegas residency earlier this year.
Arrow Lords of Metal reported that “Sammy Hagar & The Best of All Worlds Band – The Residency” was recorded at Dolby Live at Park MGM during nine performances last spring. The album was compiled from two of these shows. It features Hagar on vocals and guitar, Michael Anthony on bass and vocals, Joe Satriani on guitar, Kenny Aronoff on drums, and Rai Thistlethwayte on keyboards, vocals, and guitar.
The album represents the deepest dive into Hagar’s Van Halen era in over 20 years. It features a robust selection of material emphasizing his time with the legendary rock band. The first advance track released was “Summer Nights (Live),” a song co-written with Eddie Van Halen. Hagar describes the song as having particular sentimental value. He recalled its spontaneous creation as “a river of consciousness” and called it the “theme song for a beautiful summer night.”
David Lee Roth was born on October 10, 1955. He turned 70 years old on the album’s release date. Roth fronted Van Halen from 1974 to 1985 and returned for various reunions. Hagar led the band from 1985 to 1996 and briefly from 2003 to 2005. The two singers have been publicly associated with a long-running rivalry. This stems partly from genuine musical and personal differences and partly from fan and media hype.
Hagar’s birthday tribute to Roth represents a cordial gesture between the two rock icons. It acknowledges their shared history with Van Halen despite their historically competitive relationship. The timing of the album release on Roth’s milestone birthday adds a symbolic layer to Hagar’s celebration of his own Van Halen legacy.
