Live Review: Sammy Hagar - Wolverhampton

Live Review: Sammy Hagar – The Halls, Wolverhampton

6th July 2026
Support: Jayler
Words & Photos: Tim Finch

There are few artists capable of turning a theatre-sized venue into something that feels like a packed arena, but Sammy Hagar has always thrived on pure energy rather than spectacle. Arriving at The Halls, Wolverhampton, armed with an all-star band featuring former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and drummer Kenny Aronoff, Hagar was primed to deliver more than two hours of classic rock performed by musicians who continue to prove that age has done nothing to diminish either their passion or ability.

Opening the evening was Jayler, a young British rock outfit who of late for their similarities to a young Led Zeppelin. Their sound blends punchy riffs with memorable choruses that connected quickly with an audience already primed for a night of hard hitting rock. The band attacked their set with confidence, making full use of the opportunity to perform in front of a packed house.

Their performance was tight, energetic and refreshingly unpretentious, with enough hooks to leave a lasting impression even on a crowd largely there for the headliners, although there were plenty of Jayler shirts on show too.

As the lights dropped, Sammy Hagar and company wasted no time getting straight to business, launching into ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock’ before immediately diving into Van Halen favourites ‘Top of the World’ and ‘Runaround’. It was a statement of intent.

Hagar looked genuinely delighted to be back on stage, constantly engaging with the audience, while Michael Anthony’s unmistakable backing vocals instantly recreated the signature harmonies that defined their Van Halen era. Joe Satriani faced the unenviable task of filling Eddie Van Halen’s shoes, but wisely chose not to imitate him, instead respecting the originals while injecting his own unmistakable style into every solo.

The setlist expertly balanced every chapter of Hagar’s career. ‘Big Foot’ brought the groove of Chickenfoot, while ‘Bad Motor Scooter’ served as a reminder of just how influential Montrose remain in hard rock history. Returning to the Van Halen years with ‘5150’, ‘Love Walks In’, ‘Why Can’t This Be Love’ and the colossal ‘Right Now’.

Aronoff’s drumming was relentlessly powerful throughout, Michael Anthony stepped into the spotlight for ‘Somebody Get Me a Doctor’, taking lead vocals while continuing to showcase one of rock’s most distinctive voices. Satriani then received a deserved moment of individual brilliance with an electrifying rendition of ‘Surfing With the Alien’, earning one of the loudest ovations of the night.

The closing stretch of the main set maintained an incredible level of intensity. ‘Good Enough’, ‘I Can’t Drive 55’, ‘Heavy Metal’ and the heartfelt ‘Eagles Fly’ highlighted the breadth of Hagar’s catalogue, proving he has far more to offer than simply his Van Halen legacy. Throughout the evening his voice remained remarkably strong, comfortably handling the demanding high notes while his enthusiasm never dipped.

The encore provided an emotional finale with ‘Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.’, Hagar’s tribute to Eddie Van Halen, before delivering one final unforgettable surprise. Joining the band was Jason Bonham, son of the legendary John Bonham, who took over drum duties as the musicians tore into Led Zeppelin’s ‘Rock and Roll’. It was a fitting conclusion to an evening celebrating some of rock’s greatest legacies.