SAMMY HAGAR & THE WABOS
Livin' it Up! Live in St. Louis
Image Entertainment 2007
www.redrocker.com

Genre
Hard Rock / rock

The Good
If you’ve ever been to a Sammy Hagar show in recent times, then you know that every show is a party. Hagar’s stop in St. Louis is no exception. The stage is set-up to mimic Sammy’s Cabo Wabo Cantina Bar. There are people in bleachers on stage, sand, palm trees, and every other object that could ever remind you of the beach. Let’s not forget about hot women. There are plenty that bring out Waboritas for the “red rocker” in between songs. Sammy even echoes the words of his lovely wife after a few have come out; ‘you can look, but don’t touch!’ The 5.1 sound is phenomenal, and makes you feel you were right in the middle of the action.

Ever the party animal, Hagar get the show started with a celebration, complete with confetti and the like. I guess it’s the only way to start off with the party hit “Mas Tequila.” To keep the vibe going, Sammy and his Wabos segue into one of their newer tracks “Mexico.” Which I must say comes off better live than it did on the studio album. Hagar bust out a few of his classic solo material as well as a few Montrose hits, before kicking out his latest theme song “Sam I Am.” After Sammy brings the house down with his well-known hits “I Can’t Drive 55,” and “Heavy Metal,” it’s time for an old friend to hit the stage.

Hagar’s old-band mate Michael Anthony takes over bass duties and he and the “red rocker” barrel through a few Van Halen hits. They play “Summer Nights” for the first time since the 5150 Tour and even eliminate the keyboards for a rocking version of “Right Now.” To keep the party vibe going, even as the doors are closing, Hagar ends on a high note with “Cabo Wabo.” When all is said and done, you’re pissed that the party is over. The DVD bonus material is minimal, but they’re still a treat for fans.

The Bad
The Beastie Boys’ cover “Fight for Your Right” sounds just horrible. I can understand it’s a song about partying, but it sucks…bad!

The Verdict
The Livin’ It Up! Live in St. Louis DVD is the next best thing to attending a Sammy Hagar concert, strike that; a Sammy Hagar party. It’s non-stop energy from the opening note to the final chord. When the party’s over, you’ll be that guy that doesn’t want to leave that they have to call the cops for.

Did You Know?
Sammy recently sold 80% interest in his Cabo Wabo Tequila Company to the tune of 80 million dollars. Skyy Spirits will now distribute Cabo Wabo globally.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Sammy Hagar - Livin' It Up
Sammy Hagar - The Long Road to Cabo DVD

--George Dionne