Almost six years ago, in the spring of 1995, Sammy Hagar was the lead singer in Van Halen. Their latest album, "Balance" had just debuted at #1 on Billboard, and the lead single "Don't Tell Me" was all over M-TV and the radio. The fourth or so stop of the tour was The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. I was amongst the sold-out crowd of 10,000 or so. It was one of the greatest experiences on my life. It was like a drug that kept me high for about two or three days after the show. What an uplifting performance.

This Sunday, Sammy will return to the Crescent City, and MY how things have changed. Nearly 300 tickets still remain for the show at the tiny, 1,000 seat "House of Blues" in the quarter. I'm looking forward to the show, but it's kinda sad, ya know?

Musicians perform because they love to play music. But at the same time, to slip like that has to be a bit depressing, no matter how much Tequila you put down. I mean, Sammy performed before crowds like 50,000, 60,000 on the "Monsters of Rock" tour, possibly higher. This may describe the reason he has become this happy-happy friendly guy. I seem to remember him being MUCH cockier in VH.

My point is things change, and change drastically. Six years ago I would have never pictured this. VH with no music in three years, and in my opinion, no GOOD music since "Best Of", and Sammy playing clubs.

I'm going to cry!


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