Sammy Hagar delivered a poignant homage to fellow rock legends Aerosmith during a recent concert stop. As the band announced their retirement, Hagar took a moment to acknowledge their immense impact on the music world.
Hagar’s connection to the news of Aerosmith’s retirement was deeply personal. Sharing the backstage moment when he learned of the band’s decision, the singer expressed genuine sadness at the loss of such a legendary group. “They quit. They stopped. God bless ’em; it’s a horrible thing. What a great fuckin’ loss,” the Red Rocker said.
Instead of opting for a classic Aerosmith cover, Hagar chose a Beatles song to convey his respect and admiration. The unexpected selection, according to Hagar, had a deeper connection between the two legendary bands, a musical bridge that spanned generations. As the night unfolded, it became clear that Hagar’s tribute was more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt farewell to an era-defining rock group.
“What a Shame. It’s a Sad Thing.”
Hagar shared a personal anecdote about his band Montrose opening for Aerosmith at Detroit’s Cobo Arena in 1974. Hagar recalled, “We didn’t know who they were and they sold out Cobo Hall and I’m going, ‘Who the fuck are these guys?’” Their powerful performance left a lasting impression.
A shared musical connection was forged when both bands performed “Helter Skelter” as their respective encores, marking the beginning of a long-lasting friendship between Hagar and Steven Tyler. Hagar expressed his deep admiration for Aerosmith, acknowledging their significant impact on the music industry. Despite the competitive nature of the rock world,
The news of Aerosmith’s retirement deeply saddened Hagar, who considered them a major influence and a part of the musical fabric of his life and his fans. Hagar went on with a heartfelt sentiment, “What a shame. It’s a sad thing.”
A Salute to Steven Tyler
Hagar expressed his admiration for Aerosmith’s decision to retire, particularly praising Tyler’s courage. “Honest to God, my hat goes off to one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll singers of all time, Steven Tyler, for saying, ‘I can’t sing anymore. I quit.’ F*ck yes! Listen, that’s honorable… The day I can’t sing anymore I will fuckin’ do the same thing, and that’s what a lot of other motherf**kers should have done a long time ago,” Hagar declared.
As a tribute to Aerosmith, Hagar and his band delivered a powerful rendition of “Helter Skelter” in place of their usual first encore. The electrifying performance served as a heartfelt farewell to the legendary rock group.
Following the emotional tribute, the band continued to rock the crowd with a setlist featuring hits from Chickenfoot and Van Halen, including fan favorites like “Big Foot”, “Jump”, and “When It’s Love”.
Aerosmith’s Farewell Tour Cut Short
Aerosmith’s farewell tour, titled Peace Out, faced a significant setback last September when the band was forced to postpone shows due to Tyler’s vocal cord injury. The band had high hopes of resuming the tour in September 2024, with dates scheduled through February.
However, in a surprising announcement, Aerosmith revealed their decision to cancel the remaining tour dates and officially retire from touring. The band expressed their gratitude to fans for their unwavering support throughout their career, acknowledging the profound impact their music has had on countless lives.
With heavy hearts, Aerosmith bid farewell to the stage, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential rock bands in history.