Sammy Hagar took a fervent moment during his concert on Friday night (August 2nd) to honour Aerosmith, who had just announced their retirement from touring hours earlier.
According to Consequence, Hagar praised Steven Tyler for his decision to retire, subtly suggesting that other artists should have followed suit long ago, potentially referencing his long-time rival, David Lee Roth.
The band acknowledged that Aerosmith’s surprising retirement was attributed to Steven Tyler’s vocal injury, which made a full recovery impossible.
They had planned to embark on their farewell tour in September after postponing it last year.
However, the stringency of Tyler’s condition led to the snappy decision to retire from touring, marking a practical end for the legendary rock band.
The news shocked fans worldwide who have followed Aerosmith’s storied career for decades.
Known for their electrifying performances and timeless hits, Aerosmith has left an indelible mark on rock music.
Tyler’s vocal prowess and the band’s energetic stage presence have set a high bar in the industry.
Hagar, currently on his “Best of All Worlds” tour with an all-star band including Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, and Jason Bonham, shared the news with his audience towards the end of his set.
“We had some crazy news today,” Hagar began.
“We got here this afternoon and a friend of ours that works for Aerosmith told us they called retirement today. They quit. They stopped. God bless ’em. It’s a horrible thing. What a great loss.”
He continued by reflecting on his early career with Montrose, particularly a memorable encounter with Aerosmith in 1974.
“Montrose was playing Cobo Arena in Detroit, and we were opening for Aerosmith. We didn’t know who they were, and they sold out Cobo. We did our show, played an encore with [The Beatles’] ‘Helter Skelter,’ and then Aerosmith opened with the same song. Steven and I have been friends ever since.”
Hagar’s account stresses the two bands’ early camaraderie and mutual respect.
The shared history adds depth to his tribute, underscoring the long-standing bond and friendly rivalry that has characterized their relationship.
Hagar voiced genuine affection for Aerosmith, acknowledging their competitive yet respectful relationship with Van Halen.
“We love those guys. They’ve been our competitors for ten years. It’s just that we’re mad at them. But anyway, what a shame.”
He praised Tyler for his honourable retirement decision, vowing to do the same when he could no longer perform.
“That’s honourable. That’s what a lot of other motherf**kers should have did a long time ago,” Hagar declared.
The rivalry between Van Halen and Aerosmith, while competitive, has always been marked by mutual respect.
Both bands have pushed each other to deliver outstanding performances and create timeless music.
While Hagar didn’t mention David Lee Roth during his tribute, their contentious relationship is well-documented.
In a 2023 interview, Hagar criticized Roth’s recent performances, calling them embarrassing.
Hagar extended an olive branch earlier this year by inviting Roth to join him onstage. Still, the gesture backfired when Hagar commented on Roth’s memory, reigniting their feud.
The ongoing feud between Hagar and Roth is one of rock’s most infamous rivalries. Their contrasting styles and personalities have fueled a long-standing tension that often spills into the public domain.
Despite periodic attempts at reconciliation, their relationship remains fraught with conflict.
Interestingly, Hagar revealed years ago that he was approached to replace Steven Tyler in Aerosmith around 2009 when Tyler explored other ventures, including his role as a judge on American Idol. This tidbit adds another layer to Hagar’s connection with the iconic band.
The idea of Hagar joining Aerosmith is a fascinating “what if” scenario in rock history, recalling the interconnected nature of the rock community and the mutual respect between artists.
Hagar’s “Best of All Worlds” tour will continue through August 31st in St. Louis.
Fans can pick up tickets to see Hagar and his band deliver potent performances that celebrate rock history.
In tribute to Aerosmith, Hagar and his band performed “Helter Skelter,” a nod to their shared history and enduring friendship with Steven Tyler.
The ongoing tour showcases Hagar’s dedication to his craft and ability to bring together top-tier musicians to celebrate rock music.
Each performance is a tribute to his enduring passion and energy, allowing fans to experience rock legends live.
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