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Sammy Hagar spent the week rocking his annual birthday bash in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, turning his 78th year into a multi-night festival packed with classic hits, surprise guests, and serious star power.
Performing at his legendary Cabo Wabo Cantina, Hagar tore through a mix of solo material, Van Halen favorites, and Montrose staples — while welcoming some of rock’s biggest names to join the fun.
Rock Royalty Takes the Stage
The celebration kicked off on Oct. 7, with Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell joining Hagar and his band to perform grunge staples “Would?” and “Man in the Box.” Cantrell returned two nights later to rip through “Rooster”and another round of “Would?” alongside Phil X (Bon Jovi), Kenny Aronoff, Michael Anthony, and Zach Throne.
That same evening, Anthrax frontman Joey Belladonna and Journey drummer Deen Castronovo hit the stage for a powerhouse cover of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Hagar joined the duo to keep the energy soaring with Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” and AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie.”
By Saturday night, the party had gone full pop-rock crossover when Belinda Carlisle appeared for electrifying versions of The Go-Go’s “We Got the Beat” and her signature solo hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.”
Birthday Shoutouts and Classic Throwbacks
In a fitting birthday twist, Hagar led the crowd in a singalong tribute to David Lee Roth, who turned 71 the same week. “He’s a Libra — he can’t be all bad!” Hagar joked before his band launched into the Van Halen classic “I’m the One,”featuring Anthony on bass and vocals, Phil X on guitar, and Aronoff on drums.
Never one to slow down, Hagar also marked the weekend with the release of The Residency, a new live album compiled from his recent Best of All Worlds Las Vegas shows. The Red Rocker will return to Vegas in March and September 2026 for more performances.
With the Cabo Wabo crowd singing, stars jamming, and Hagar in top form, his 78th birthday proved once again that rock and roll — and tequila — only get better with age.
SOURCE: Ultimate Classic Rock