Sammy Hagar's Retirement Plans Derailed by Eddie Van Halen's Call

Sammy Hagar was on the verge of retiring from music in 1985 when Eddie Van Halen reached out, marking a defining moment in both their careers.

Sammy Hagar, the legendary rocker known as "The Red Rocker," has revealed that he was on the cusp of retiring from music before Eddie Van Halen's fateful call changed everything. Receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hagar shared his remarkable journey with Fox News Digital.

In the mid-1980s, Hagar had achieved immense success with his band Montrose and as a solo artist. "I was rich and famous," he recalled. "So, I thought, 'Why am I going to keep doing this?'" However, just as he was contemplating retirement, Eddie Van Halen's call came like a bolt from the blue.

"That was a defining moment," Hagar said. "I hate to use that word because I swear it’s not in my DNA. But I was ready to say, ‘You know, I’m going to quit for a while. I’m going to stop. I’ve been touring my whole life."

Joining Van Halen in 1985 turned out to be a pivotal decision for both Hagar and the band. Hagar's distinct vocal style and energetic stage presence breathed new life into Van Halen, propelling them to even greater heights. "I had to roll up my sleeves and go back to work," Hagar laughed, referring to his eventual exit from the band in 1996 due to creative differences.

Hagar's early career, before his time with Van Halen, was equally influential. Joining Montrose in the 1970s marked a significant turning point, as he transitioned from playing covers to writing and performing his own original material. "That was a big moment," Hagar emphasized. "I learned everything from Ronnie Montrose. How to play on stage, how to write songs, how to do all that."

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Hagar also celebrated the enduring impact of his solo work. "I was ready to just take six months off and just play my guitar and do some gardening," he said. "And then my manager brought the first solo record, 'Three Lock Box,' and I said, 'Man, I can't do this! I got to go out and play this stuff.'"

Despite the numerous successes and accolades throughout his career, Hagar remains humble and grateful. "I've been lucky," he acknowledged. "I've had a great life."

Hagar's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was a star-studded affair, with celebrities like Michael Anthony, Chad Smith, John Mayer, and Guy Fieri in attendance. Mayer praised Hagar's unwavering commitment to having fun, saying, "Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, Sammy Hagar is having way more fun than you."

Fieri, who spoke at the ceremony, was honored to be part of Hagar's celebration. "Sammy is not only a great musician but also a philanthropist and a community guy," Fieri said. "This was one of the highlights of my career without question."