Sammy Hagar Reveals Why He Switched Drummers For Las Vegas Residency

Sammy Hagar is gearing up for an exciting new chapter: a Las Vegas residency in 2024. The ‘Best of All Worlds’ tour is making its way to Sin City, with a star-studded lineup featuring Michael Anthony, guitar legend Joe Satriani, and the newest permanent member, drummer Kenny Aronoff.

Aronoff joined the band earlier this year when Jason Bonham stepped away due to a family emergency. What started as a temporary fill-in turned into something more lasting. Hagar explained to Rolling Stone:

“There’s two reasons.
“Number one, he’s one of the greatest drummers on the planet. I think he’s been on more million-selling records than any musician in the world. And he did so well on this tour. He plays with Joe on a full-time basis… and he blew my mind.”

Hagar recalled working with Aronoff before:

“When we auditioned him for Chickenfoot, he learns every song, charts them out, and plays it with soul and power perfectly on the first try. If that doesn’t blow a musician’s mind, I don’t know what would—especially with these kinds of songs. They’re fuckin’ Van Halen arrangements!”

A Residency With a Twist

Hagar promised that his Las Vegas residency would differ from the Best of All Worlds tour. Unlike the road show, the residency offers a chance to mix things up. He shared:

“It’s really hard [on tour], because you don’t have time.
“You’re either traveling, and when you get to your bed, you’re like, ‘Fuck it, I don’t want to go rehearse.’”

The Vegas residency, with shows on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, offers more flexibility. “We have Thursday off. The building’s [dark], so we can go in and change songs,” Hagar explained.

Hagar’s Dedication to Van Halen

Fans can expect a mix of Hagar’s solo hits, Montrose classics, Chickenfoot tracks, and Van Halen favorites. Hagar said:

“The whole Van Halen catalog, mainly my catalog… I feel like I own it now.
“There’s no one else that can do that catalog except a cover band. Mikey and I feel like we own it, and we feel this obligation to carry it on for the fans.”