Sammy Hagar Remembers Ronnie Montrose: The Guitar Legend’s Struggles with Success
Sammy Hagar is widely recognized for his dynamic role as a vocalist,band leader,songwriter,and successful entrepreneur in the liquor and restaurant industries. However,his talent as a guitarist often goes unnoticed amidst his many accomplishments.
This oversight may stem from the remarkable musicians who have accompanied him throughout his extraordinary 54-year career in music.
The Rise of the Red Rocker
Hagar first gained fame in 1973 as the lead singer of Montrose, collaborating with the legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose on two influential albums: Montrose and Paper Money. Their partnership produced iconic tracks like “Bad Motor Scooter” and “Rock the Nation.”
After Montrose restructured its lineup in 1975, Hagar launched a successful solo career, delivering hits such as “There’s Only one Way to Rock” and ”I Can’t Drive 55.” In 1983, he formed the short-lived supergroup HSAS with Journey’s Neal Schon, releasing the live album Through the Fire in 1984.
hagar’s career continued to flourish as he joined forces with Eddie Van Halen, performing at the inaugural Farm Aid concert and later spending over a decade with Van Halen, during which they produced four number-one albums. Hagar made a brief return to the band in 2004 for a tour and contributed three new tracks to The Best of Both Worlds compilation.
His collaborations didn’t stop there; he worked with Schon again and later teamed up with Joe Satriani in the supergroup Chickenfoot. In 2024, Satriani joined hagar’s Best of All Worlds Band, while Vic Johnson became a staple in Hagar’s bands, the Waboritas and the Circle.
With such an impressive roster of guitar talent throughout his career,Hagar appreciates the opportunities he’s had. In a recent zoom interview from Maui, he shared insights about four guitar legends he’s played with, excluding the iconic Eddie Van Halen.
Remembering Ronnie Montrose
“Ronnie was a force of nature,” Hagar recalls. “He played with an intensity that felt like it was on fire. He wasn’t the fastest player, but his passion was undeniable.”
“I learned more about guitar from Ronnie than from anyone else, including Eddie. To this day, my style is heavily influenced by Ronnie Montrose.”
“As he transitioned into his Town Without Pity phase, his sound evolved, reminiscent of Joe Satriani’s style.Its tragic to think how much more he could have achieved if not for his personal struggles. He had a tendency to dismantle bands at the first sign of success.”
“Montrose and I were on the brink of greatness. We could have been the American Led Zeppelin, but he seemed overwhelmed by the prospect of success. I remember him sitting in the studio,visibly distressed,while I just wanted to create music.”
“He was deeply troubled, and I suspect it stemmed from unresolved issues from his past. It’s heartbreaking to think about his tragic end.[[[[montrose died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 3, 2012.]I often wonder if there was a way to help him. If I had known he was struggling,I would have done everything in my power to support him.”
Neal Schon: A Lifelong Friend
“Neal has been a close friend for years. Before Journey hit it big, we would often perform together. He’s always had a guitar in hand, practically living with it.”
“Neal is a masterful,melodic player who effortlessly navigates the fretboard. His solos are instantly recognizable, blending beautiful melodies with unexpected notes. He’s incredibly prolific, often crafting songs in mere minutes.”
Vic Johnson: The Unsung Hero
“I affectionately call him Vic ’Right Hand’ Johnson. His right-hand technique is reminiscent of legends like The Edge and pete Townshend.He has a unique ability to create grooves that stand out, even without drums.”
“Vic was relatively unknown before joining my band, but had he been paired with a superstar vocalist earlier in his career, he would have achieved much greater fame.”
Joe Satriani: The Guitar Virtuoso
“Joe possesses a rare gift that allows him to make the guitar sing. His vibrato and use of the whammy bar are reminiscent of Jeff Beck. Songs like ‘Summer Song’ and ‘Surfing With the Alien’ feel like they have a vocalist.”
“He’s one of the few instrumentalists who can keep an audience engaged throughout an entire performance. His melodies resonate deeply, making it feel as if he’s singing through his guitar.”
“Joe is undoubtedly one of the best guitarists alive today. He’s taught many greats, including Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett, and his influence is undeniable.”
“While I admire him greatly, I must admit he tends to play a bit too loudly.He’s used to being the focal point in instrumental settings, but we’re still working on finding the right balance.”
