Sammy Hagar Marks 79th Birthday in Cabo While Eyeing Bigger 80th Celebration
Sammy Hagar is celebrating his 79th birthday with his annual Birthday Bash at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, over three nights. He told Billboard he hopes his 80th birthday could be a larger event that accommodates every ticket request, possibly in a stadium or as a free Cabo gathering. The long-running bash is known for surprise guest appearances, and Hagar has also shared hopes for a Van Halen unification.
Hagar’s 36th annual Birthday Bash unfolds across three nights, Oct. 9, 11 and 13, at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas. This year’s house band reunites guitarist Vic Johnson and bassist Mona Gnader with drummer Kenny Aronoff and guitarist Stevie Salas; Michael Anthony is away on a family cruise.
The setlist leans into Hagar’s Red Rocker era and Montrose material, including the 1973 Montrose debut in full. Past bashes have drawn spontaneous turns from Kenny Chesney, Alice Cooper, Metallica members, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice in Chains and Belinda Carlisle. Hagar says demand reached 100,000 requests for roughly 1,600 tickets, fueling his hope for an 80th event that could be a stadium show or a free Cabo gathering.
This story may matter most to longtime rock fans who see Hagar as a bridge between Montrose, solo hits and Van Halen lore. Cabo San Lucas businesses and live-music venues could benefit from the annual pilgrimage, while ticketing demand highlights how intimate legacy events create scarcity and fan frustration. If Hagar’s 80th becomes a stadium or free town-wide gathering, it may broaden access and boost local tourism, though crowd management and travel costs could shape who actually attends.