Sammy Hagar, a dynamic figure in rock music, was a prolific touring artist throughout the 1980s, performing both as a solo act and later as the lead vocalist for Van Halen. While his touring schedule across the entire decade was extensive and involved numerous artists, specific records from September 1980 provide a glimpse into some of the notable acts he shared stages with early in the decade.
Sammy Hagar's Touring Companions in September 1980
During a specific segment of his 1980 tour, Sammy Hagar performed alongside a diverse range of artists, showcasing his adaptability across various rock subgenres. These performances took place in several cities and included both up-and-coming talents and established rock giants.
Here is a breakdown of his touring partners during that period:
| Date | City | Touring With |
|---|---|---|
| Friday Sept 05 | Wichita Falls, TX | Black Horse |
| Saturday Sept 06 | Norman, OK | Pat Benatar, Van Halen, Doobie Brothers |
| Sunday Sept 07 | Omaha, NE | The Doobie Brothers (headliner), Pat Benatar, The Dirt Band |
| Wednesday Sept 10 | Memphis, TN | Black Sabbath, Riot (Sammy Hagar canceled due to illness) |
Notable Highlights from Sammy Hagar's Early 80s Tours
This snapshot of Sammy Hagar's 1980 tour dates reveals several interesting aspects of his live performances:
- Diverse Billings: Hagar's shows featured a mix of rock styles, from the classic rock sound of The Doobie Brothers and the hard rock intensity of Black Sabbath to the rising pop-rock popularity of Pat Benatar.
- Sharing Stages with Legends: He had the opportunity to perform on the same bill as Van Halen before he officially joined the band, and also opened for established acts like The Doobie Brothers at events such as "Rock Omaha '80."
- Unforeseen Circumstances: There were instances where tour plans were affected, as seen when Hagar had to cancel a scheduled performance in Memphis due to illness, though the show with Black Sabbath and Riot proceeded as planned.
