Sammy Hagar Says He’s ‘Retired From Music’—But Not Completely

via Sammy Hagar/YouTube
Rock veteran Sammy Hagar has offered a fresh perspective on retirement, describing his Las Vegas residency as his personal way of stepping away from the grueling life on the road. Speaking to Loudwire, Hagar addressed questions about when he intends to retire from music, stating clearly that his Vegas shows already fulfill that role.
“People say, how long before you retire. And I keep telling everybody: Vegas is retirement. We’re retiring to Vegas, okay?” Hagar explained.
The Practical Benefits of Vegas Residency for Aging Musicians
Hagar detailed the advantages of a residency for aging artists, highlighting how it allows them to perform longer and maintain their health.
“We’ll go out and do some shows here and there, but it really is a way to do it longer. Anyone can sing longer there. A drummer can play longer. His body will last longer because he gets a good night’s sleep, good food, you don’t have to travel, just rest all day,” he said.
This approach has been successful for Hagar, with his “Best of All Worlds” residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas receiving praise. After an initial run, he announced the residency would continue with new shows in 2026, which he described as “some of the best shows I’ve done in my life.”
A Star-Studded Band and a Live Album to Capture the Residency
Hagar’s residency features an impressive lineup of musicians, including former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. Jason Bonham, who performed during the summer 2024 shows, will not be returning, making Aronoff the primary drummer moving forward.
Further highlighting the residency’s significance, Hagar released a live album in October 2025 titled Sammy & The Best of All Worlds Band – ‘The Residency’ Live Album. The recording captures the energy and setlist of the Vegas performances, underscoring this period as a pivotal chapter in Hagar’s career.