You've got to give the old Red Rocker some credit - the guy knows how to throw one hellacious birthday party. I'm talkin' bottomless margaritas, fist-pumping live party-rock, and, most importantly, all those sexy Miss Cabo Wabo strippers...err..."contestants" strutting around the joint.
This installment of the Cabo Wabo Birthday Bash takes place on November 18, 2000 at The Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, coming shortly after the official tour kick-off down at Hagar's own Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
By 1981, I was already somewhat familiar with Sammy Hagar, mostly from his work on the first Montrose album, which contained the rock radio staples "Rock Candy" and "Bad Motor Scooter". He really hasn't topped those two gems since. That year all hell broke loose for Hagar as the fantastic Heavy Metal movie soundtrack featured his ass-kicking anthem "Heavy Metal", which was also included on his breakthrough album from the same year Standing Hampton.
Hagar went on to have great success with his next few albums, as each spawned one or two Top 20 hits such as "There's Only One Way To Rock", "I'll Fall In Love Again", "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy", and "I Can't Drive 55".
In 1985, Hagar struck rock & roll gold when we got that call from Eddie Van Halen asking if he'd be interested in replacing David Lee Roth in arguably the biggest rock band on the planet at the time Van Halen. As history will show, he accepted. Twice!
The Cabo Wabo Birthday Bash tour takes place between Hagar's two stints in Van Halen when he was just starting to make a serious comeback of sorts with his solo career. Hagar already had a huge and obnoxiously dedicated fan base before Eddie came a knockin', and they were still eagerly waiting for him when he returned to the solo stage, as this show aptly demonstrates.
The filming begins backstage as Hagar demonstrates how to create the perfect margarita using his very own Cabo Wabo Tequila. After indulging in a few gulps, Hagar and his band The Waboritas take the stage to the strains of "The Real Deal" from his then-new album, Ten 13.
The Chicago Theater is one spectacular looking venue for a rock concert. There are two huge levels, with the second floor reserved for seating and the main floor for standing room only. There was even some standing room, for about 50 lucky fans, directly behind and along the sides of the stage. Hagar follows with a couple more Ten 13 songs, the title track, and "Shaka Doobie (The Limit)" after which he calls out for a "waitress" - prompting Miss Cabo Wabo to bring out a fresh margarita. Hagar then tells the crowd "I don't like to get drunk before the show, I like to get drunk DURING the show!" A true man of the people.
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Article comments
1 - NathaN
Good review but extremely late in coming as this DVD was released years ago now.
2 - SFC SKI
Well, there is no time limits on recommendations for music releases. I did not know this had come out, but it might be worth looking up.
Thanks.
3 - Lono
Agreed, music is timeless and I am just as happy to read a review about Sammy as any current asshat in the music business today.
Sammy has somehow always managed to come across as a class act. One day soon I will make the pilgrimage to Caba Waba for a Waborita. I mean, what rock destinations are left? I have been to a show at Red Rocks, visited the EXP, visited the rock & roll hall of fame in Cleveland, and wandered the streets of Haight Ashbury.
ok, couple I need to hit also: the Rose Bowl & The Fillmore
4 - Paul Roy
I was a little concerned about posting not-so-timely reviews, but as I am reading here, people are often unaware that the DVD exists, or they have been on the fence as to whether to get it, so it is still helpfull to them. I have a large collection, and am just getting around to many of these concert DVDs that I review for my site, which I only started less than a year ago.
5 - Lono
Paul,
True that. I didn't know this DVD existed myself. If I found it used, I would definately pick it up.
6 - Matt
Nitpicking--the album 5150 came out in 1986, which means Sammy joined VH well before 1987, the date mentioned here.
7 - Paul Roy
Yeah, you're right Matt. Hagar joined Van Halen in 1985 (I'm pretty sure).
8 - Mark
You may also care to review the more recent, "Long Road to Cabo" DVD!!
9 - Temple Stark
Hagar - Gag-ar.
His solo music is pedestrian. This review was timely enough that I posted your review of this to the Advance.net Web sites.
The review can be found at a few different places on the Advance network around the country, but here's one of them.
Thank you
- Temple Stark
10 - Michael
Truly one the great "Rockers" of our time. His work in the rock and roll field has spawned many more young "Rockers" who know what true rock and roll music is all about. Hats off Sammy!!!!!!