Sammy Hagar and his band, The Circle, recently rocked the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Michigan, delivering a full-blown concert that’s now available for all to enjoy. Silver Stallion Videos has generously shared a complete recording of the August 2nd show, offering fans an unparalleled opportunity to experience the electrifying energy of the performance firsthand.
This tour, aptly named The Best Of All Worlds, is a true rock and roll extravaganza. Hagar, joined by iconic bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Jason Bonham, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, and multi-instrumentalist Rai Thistlethwayte, has assembled a musical powerhouse that promises to deliver unforgettable performances.
With a lineup boasting such an impressive array of talent, expectations were high for the concert. But judging by the available footage, the show exceeded even the most ardent fan’s hopes.
Sammy Hagar Delivers a Van Halen-Heavy Setlist
The Clarkston, Michigan stop of the supergroup’s The Best Of All Worlds tour followed the established pattern of prioritizing Van Halen material. The set kicked off with “Good Enough” from the 1986 album 5150, and continued with deep cuts like “Poundcake” and “Runaround” from 1991’s For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.
Classic David Lee Roth-era tracks “Panama” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” also made the cut, along with a snippet of “Jump”. Hagar’s solo hits were not neglected, with fan favorites like “There’s Only One Way To Rock”, “Eagles Fly”, “Heavy Metal”, and “I Can’t Drive 55” included in the setlist.
Adding a touch of instrumental brilliance, Satriani performed his signature “Satch Boogie”, the high-octane track that propelled his 1987 album Surfing With The Alien to platinum success.
Hagar Praises Satriani’s Van Halen Mastery
The Best Of All Worlds tour, produced by Live Nation, is a 28-date trek that will conclude on August 31 in St. Louis, Missouri. The tour kicked off on July 13 at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida.
During a SiriusXM interview, Hagar raved about Satriani’s musical prowess: “Joe is a scholar. He’s as good as any musician on the planet.” Acknowledging the unique styles of both Satriani and Eddie Van Halen, Hagar revealed that Satriani had diligently studied Van Halen’s catalog since the tour was announced.
Hagar shared a humorous anecdote about throwing a few songs at Satriani and later being surprised by additional requests from Howard Stern. The guitarist’s ability to quickly learn new material showcases his exceptional talent and dedication.
“Joe’s Just So Good. I Don’t Know How He’s Doing This”
Hagar continued his praise for Satriani: “Joe has taken the essence of Eddie’s guitar solos and parts and he plays the necessary parts to make sure it sounds just like the record.” The singer highlighted Satriani’s performance of the “Jump” solo as an example of his ability to capture the spirit of Van Halen while adding his own unique flair.
“He plays it like the record,” Hagar explained, “and then he’ll go off in the middle somewhere. He’ll do little things that says, ‘No, this is Joe Satriani playing Eddie.’” The singer emphasized that Satriani’s interpretation is respectful and authentic, while also showcasing his own musical genius.
Hagar concluded by expressing his admiration for Satriani’s talent: “Joe’s just so good. I don’t know how he’s doing this.” The singer’s awe and appreciation for Satriani’s performance is evident in his words.
An Extensive Setlist of Van Halen Songs and More
The Red Rocker also shared details about the tour’s setlist, emphasizing its Van Halen-heavy focus. “We’re playing two hours and 20 minutes,” he said, “and we’re only playing like five of my songs.” The extensive Van Halen coverage, totaling around an hour and forty minutes, is made possible by the reduced solo segments compared to classic Van Halen shows.
The singer expressed immense satisfaction with the tour’s performance: “I haven’t felt like this about a show since walking off the stage at some of the greatest Van Halen shows in my life.” Hagar attributed this feeling to the deep setlist, impressive production, and the exceptional performances of the entire band.
Hagar and Anthony’s previous collaboration with Satriani in Chickenfoot did not include any Van Halen material. However, their recent work with Vic Johnson in Sammy Hagar and The Circle featured some Van Halen classics, laying the groundwork for the current tour’s extensive Van Halen repertoire.
Watch their Clarkston, Michigan full show below, courtesy of Silver Stallion Videos.