Seriously, What do fans of Sammy Hagar see in this guy?

[broken9500]

Now I want to at least TRY to set some parameters for this thread.

FIRST: I would like to keep the Sam vs. Dave vs. Gary thing to a minimum.

SECOND: Please describe your feelings in the positive rather than the negative. What that means is this: I'd like to hear what you like about Sammy and what you think he IS, as opposed to what you like about the other VH singers or what Sammy is NOT. Need an example?

This is what I'm looking for:

"I love Sammy because he strikes me as a humble guy who just wants to have a good time!"

This is NOT what I'm looking for:

"I like Sammy because he DOESN'T prance around like Freddie Mercury and because he DOESN'T dress up in blue spandex"

In other words, define him in terms of what he IS instead of what he is NOT.

THIRD: I'll start with my opinion and let you guys tear it apart.

I think Sammy Hagar has one of the worst voices of all time. He's a poor man's Robert Plant minus the sensuality, ambition and the ability to grow old gracefully or stretch himself musically. Sammy Hagar writes some of the most cliché, tired, juvenile crap I've ever heard. I think the bulk of Sammy's career post 1985 is defined by the giant chip on his shoulder concerning Dave and then post breakup, by the giant size chip on his should concerning Ed. It's more than a little off=putting.

That said, here's what I either like or have no problem with:
I have NO problem with the whole tequila/Cabo Wabo/concert as infomercial bit. Sammy shows are more about a vibe and a general lifestyle where music is a part of it, but not the ONLY part of it. I get that. I don't care for it, but I get what he's doing. I DO like a fair amount of his work within VH. As much as I don't care for the guy's body of work, I GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE...there are more than a few Van Hagar songs that rock balls. And finally, when he's not obsessing over VH, he strikes me as a nice cat that would be a lot of fun to hang out with.

But seriously, there are obviously MILLIONS of people that love this guy's solo work and his work within VH...WHY?

[LLFHS]

What's the point of this? Are we actually going to make you see something differently? I highly doubt it.

[cabo_brent]

Now I want to at least TRY to set some parameters for this thread.

FIRST: I would like to keep the Sam vs. Dave vs. Gary thing to a minimum.

SECOND: Please describe your feelings in the positive rather than the negative. What that means is this: I'd like to hear what you like about Sammy and what you think he IS, as opposed to what you like about the other VH singers or what Sammy is NOT. Need an example?

This is what I'm looking for:

"I love Sammy because he strikes me as a humble guy who just wants to have a good time!"

This is NOT what I'm looking for:

"I like Sammy because he DOESN'T prance around like Freddie Mercury and because he DOESN'T dress up in blue spandex"

In other words, define him in terms of what he IS instead of what he is NOT.

THIRD: I'll start with my opinion and let you guys tear it apart.

I think Sammy Hagar has one of the worst voices of all time. He's a poor man's Robert Plant minus the sensuality, ambition and the ability to grow old gracefully or stretch himself musically. Sammy Hagar writes some of the most cliché, tired, juvenile crap I've ever heard. I think the bulk of Sammy's career post 1985 is defined by the giant chip on his shoulder concerning Dave and then post breakup, by the giant size chip on his should concerning Ed. It's more than a little off=putting.

That said, here's what I either like or have no problem with:
I have NO problem with the whole tequila/Cabo Wabo/concert as infomercial bit. Sammy shows are more about a vibe and a general lifestyle where music is a part of it, but not the ONLY part of it. I get that. I don't care for it, but I get what he's doing. I DO like a fair amount of his work within VH. As much as I don't care for the guy's body of work, I GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE...there are more than a few Van Hagar songs that rock balls. And finally, when he's not obsessing over VH, he strikes me as a nice cat that would be a lot of fun to hang out with.

But seriously, there are obviously MILLIONS of people that love this guy's solo work and his work within VH...WHY?

Okay...so, you've clearly made up your mind with regard to where you stand on Sammy...so why ask the rest of us to comment...what's the point. Stupid thread. Stupid.

[Wickett]

Scum's right.. but I'm drinking, so I'll play along..


For the record. I love Sammy. Not as much as the die hard Red Heads here, but count me in as a fan.


What I like..

There's only one Way to Rock and Heavy Metal.. two great songs pre VH. The guy has high energy onstage from the beginning to the end.. The guy is always moving. I hope I hold up that well when i'm pushing 60.

No, he's not Robert Plant, but who is (outside of .. uh.. Robert Plant, I guess). I like his voice and thought it went well with VH.

What bugs me-

His lyrics are sometimes very very goofy (Amstredam. UFB)... and this is admittedly petty... but why is he wearing clam diggers on National TV?

[broken9500]

Okay...so, you've clearly made up your mind with regard to where you stand on Sammy...so why ask the rest of us to comment...what's the point. Stupid thread. Stupid.

No no, PLEASE don't mistake my intentions! Though I do dislike Sammy, I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT discount the fact that many people do! I have nothing but humble RESPECT for different opinions. I didn't start this thread just so I could feel "superior" or to trash on anyone's opinion. I'm seriously interested in what people think and feel. Honestly. I really do ENJOY and BENEFIT from hearing what people have to say when their feelings are diametrically opposite to what I have to say.

Seriously, I don't think anyone is stupid or vapid or banal for having different opinions than I do. And yes, it is very possible for me to see things completely differently if allowed the benefit of being exposed to other people's opinions and thoughts.

So please, I humbly ask for all of your input on the topic.

[broken9500]

The guy has high energy onstage from the beginning to the end.. The guy is always moving. I hope I hold up that well when i'm pushing 60.

I definately give him credit for this. He absolutely radiates enthusiasm, vigor and passion for what he does. As far as I can tell, he trully cares about giving his audience a helluva good show and wants to entertain people. That is most certainly something to commend.

[LLFHS]

I take back my initial reply to you. But I think I'll wait to see just where this thread goes before I put too much energy into a "here's why I like Sam post".

[Van Squalen]

I like Sam because he's fat. And 'cause he pimps tequila. And 'cause he wrote a song about automobile speed limits. And 'cause he likes the color red. And 'cause he ruined Van Halen.

[MrBrownSound]

Seems to me that you're looking for the exact thing here that you said you didn't want. You know what this is going to turn into. It's hard to put into words, for me, why I dig any band or artist. It just clicks, for whatever reason, good tunes is good tunes man.

By the way,

THIRD: I'll start with my opinion and let you guys tear it apart.

I think Sammy Hagar has one of the worst voices of all time. He's a poor man's Robert Plant minus the sensuality, ambition and the ability to grow old gracefully or stretch himself musically. Sammy Hagar writes some of the most cliché, tired, juvenile crap I've ever heard. I think the bulk of Sammy's career post 1985 is defined by the giant chip on his shoulder concerning Dave and then post breakup, by the giant size chip on his should concerning Ed. It's more than a little off=putting.

I could say the exact same thing about Dave.

[Van Squalen]

Actually, the poor man's Robert Plant is David Coverdale. We established that a long time ago.

[broken9500]

Actually, the poor man's Robert Plant is David Coverdale. We established that a long time ago.

very good point! I'd forgotten, or rather blocked, coverdale from my mind...but that begs the question: Is Sammy then the poor man's Coverdale? heeheehee...personally, I put hagar signifcantly ahead of coverdale...

[cabo_brent]

No no, PLEASE don't mistake my intentions! Though I do dislike Sammy, I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT discount the fact that many people do! I have nothing but humble RESPECT for different opinions. I didn't start this thread just so I could feel "superior" or to trash on anyone's opinion. I'm seriously interested in what people think and feel. Honestly. I really do ENJOY and BENEFIT from hearing what people have to say when their feelings are diametrically opposite to what I have to say.

Seriously, I don't think anyone is stupid or vapid or banal for having different opinions than I do. And yes, it is very possible for me to see things completely differently if allowed the benefit of being exposed to other people's opinions and thoughts.

So please, I humbly ask for all of your input on the topic.

Okay dude...impressed by your honesty and what seems to be a genuine interest in this topic...refreshing to see that not everyone is out to start threads that turn into bashing sessions...so here ya go in brief from my perspective:

Sam +
Energy, enthusiasm and attitude is amazing...and he's no spring chicken.
Truly appreciates his loyal fans...i've met him on 5 occasions and he was great every time...signed autographs, posed for photos and smiled big!
The Cabo Wabo Enterprise is genius..and lucrative.

Sam -
Still a little weird about the DLR years for VH.
Some of his lyrics are a bit cheesy.
Last couple solo albums have been not as good as earlier stuff.

All said...he is a great guy who would be the life of any party and the kinda guy you could just hang out with.

[cabo_brent]

Actually, the poor man's Robert Plant is David Coverdale. We established that a long time ago.

SO TRUE.

[broken9500]

Seems to me that you're looking for the exact thing here that you said you didn't want. You know what this is going to turn into. It's hard to put into words, for me, why I dig any band or artist. It just clicks, for whatever reason, good tunes is good tunes man.

not looking for per say, but certainly cynically expecting what I said I didn't want.

I absolutely agree on the notion that there are certain, unexplainable intangibles that go into enjoying any given band, painting, movie etc. I do, however, think it's healthy and interesting, as well as challenging, to attempt an assessment of those intangibles.

[Foamfoot]

I like Sam because he's fat. And 'cause he pimps tequila. And 'cause he wrote a song about automobile speed limits. And 'cause he likes the color red. And 'cause he ruined Van Halen.

I like Sam, 'cause Van Squalen likes Sam.