July 27th, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
The PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ buzzed with excitement on a warm July evening as rock legend Sammy Hagar came to town on his, “The Best of All Worlds Tour”. Known for his high-octane performances and unrelenting energy, Hagar delivered a show that lived up to his reputation and then some!
Before Hagar took the stage, Loverboy set the PNC ablaze with their signature brand of 80s rock flair, delivering a high-energy performance that perfectly primed the crowd for Sammy and his All-Star lineup. Known for their infectious hooks and iconic hits, the Canadian rockers brought a burst of nostalgia with tracks like “Working for the Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose,” showcasing their enduring appeal. Frontman Mike Reno’s charismatic presence and the band’s tight, polished sound had the audience on their feet, proving that Loverboy’s classic rock credentials still shine brightly.
When Sammy Hagar hit the stage it was like a high-octane rock ‘n’ roll time machine with an absolutely stellar lineup that defied the limits of genre and era. Featuring Hagar himself, legendary bassist Michael Anthony, powerhouse drummer Jason Bonham, and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, the concert was a thrilling showcase of rock prowess and camaraderie loaded with all the Van Halen favorites.
The crowd, a mix of long-time fans and new converts, erupted as the lights dimmed and the opening riff of Van Halen’s “Good Enough” ripped through the venue. Hagar, ever the showman at 76, was in top form. His voice, still robust and energetic, commanded the stage with the charisma that has defined his career.
Michael Anthony, with his signature bass lines and harmonies, provided a solid foundation, effortlessly blending with Hagar’s dynamic presence. His backing vocals on tracks like “Why Can’t This Be Love” and his lead vocals on “Aint Talkin’ bout Love” were spot-on, reminding the audience of his integral role in Van Halen’s heyday.
Jason Bonham, behind the drums, was a thunderous force. His father, John Bonham, is a legendary figure in rock history, and Jason’s performance was a testament to his own formidable talent. His drumming on “When It’s Love” and vocals on “Best of Both Worlds” was both powerful and precise, delivering a rhythmic punch that drove the band’s high-energy performance.
Eddie Van Halen’s shoes are not easy ones to fill. In fact, virtually impossible! It takes a special guitarist to be able to replicate the difficult guitar riffs and runs of Eddies mastery but Joe Satriani delivered the goods in spades! His guitar solos were nothing short of mesmerizing. Satriani’s virtuosic playing on the loaded Van Halen set list and covering classics like “Satch Boogie” showcased why he’s revered as one of the greatest guitarists of our time. The interplay between Satriani’s intricate solos and Hagar’s raw, dynamic vocals created a thrilling contrast, highlighting the versatility and depth of the bands sound.
As a Van Halen lover, the massive 23 song setlist was a rock fan’s dream, blending classic hits with deep cuts. The crowd was treated to a nostalgic journey through Hagar’s career, including Van Halen favorites, a Montrose song, and some of his solo work. Highlights included a rousing rendition of “I Can’t Drive 55,” where the audience sang along with gusto, and included many poignant tributes to Eddie Van Halen where Satriani’s guitar work shone in a heartfelt homage.
The energy in the PNC Arts Center was electric. The band’s camaraderie and mutual respect were evident in every interaction, both on and off the stage. Hagar’s anecdotes of personal touches and humor made the night feel like an intimate gathering among old friends. His engagement with the crowd was one like I’ve never seen. He was slapping hands, signing autographs on any item thrown on stage and retuning them to their rightful owner, and even opening a bottle of tequila and pouring shots for thirsty fans looking for that up close and personal experience. Sammy was extremely engaging and generous and one can see the pride he has for who he is, what he does and the impact he has on Van Halen fans Worldwide. He said it best and lived up to his words when he mentioned at the top of the show that, “this is not a concert, it’s a celebration!”
AND a celebration it was! The concert closed with an encore of “Jump” and “When It’s Love” that left fans cheering for more. As the final notes faded, the crowd didn’t have to give a standing ovation as we were on our feet the entire time, and extremely appreciative of a night that blended nostalgia with virtuosity.
In all, Sammy, Michael, Joe & Jason delivered a performance that was both a celebration of rock’s past and a reminder of its enduring power. It was a night that proved, once again, that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t just a genre—it’s a timeless, exhilarating experience and yes, a “celebration”!
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