SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE – THE CRAZY TIMES TOUR

Last Friday night, June 10th, Sammy Hagar & the Circle brought their first tour (Crazy Times) since Covid to the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater with George Thorogood in support. The venue was understandably sold out with two formanable acts on the bill. George Thorogood is a perennial favorite in Connecticut as throughout his amazing career he was a much loved staple at Toads Place, Sammy Hagar is a musical icon playing in such venerable acts as Montrose and Van Halen. The Circle are no slouches either. It consists of Michael Anthony (Van Halen) on bass, Vic Johnson (The Busboys) on guitar and the esteemed Jason Bonham on drums.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers opened their 9 song set with a dynamite version of “Rock Party”. And party is what the crowd at the Amp wanted. They were on their feet from the first note. Thorogood delivers nothing but solid rock and roll. Next up was Bo Diddley’s, “Who Do You Love”, and the audience loved it. George was on point and The Destroyer were playing great. Even at Thorogood’s mature age, his on stage antics were fun to watch and his guitar still wails like a banshee. “Shot Down” and “Night Time” followed.

From there, George played two of his signature tunes. “I Drink Alone” and “House Rent Blues/One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer” had the entire house singing along. Thorogood fed off that energy and ramped up the frenzy with his endearing stage hijinks. This was going to be a good evening of rambunctious music. “Gear Jammer” and the Hank Williams’ cover, “Move It On Over” came next. Thorogood closed out with a feisty “Bad To The Bone”. Thorogood was totally entertaining and the Destroyers were brilliant.

As soon as Sammy Hagar & the Circle hit the stage, the venue erupted. This was going to be an exceptional evening. Since this was the first night of the tour, you could feel the band’s excitement. They were raring to go. Being that this group of musicians have been around for awhile, they played songs from the many different groups they were in encompassing decades of extraordinary music. Opening with Sammy‘s “There’s Is Only One Way To Rock”, the throng was ready to do just that. This was going to be an excellent opportunity to let everything go and just have fun.

Next came Van Halen’s “Poundcake”. Being a seasoned showman, Hagar had the crowd eating out the palm of his hand. His banter with his bandmates was impressive and lively. Hagar and Anthony were like two old friends shooting the shit. They exchanged endearing jabs all night. “Three Lock Box” was followed by “Top of the World”, “Rock Candy” and a driving rendition of “Finish What Ya Started”. By this time, the Amp was going crazy. Everyone was standing, swaying to the the audacious rhythms Sammy and company was letting loose. All this while, Sammy is signing stuff that people in the front rows are handing him including album covers and jerseys. He was having a ball.

The musicianship of The Circle was impressive. Michael Anthony’s bass was dynamic. Vic Johnson’s guitar was brazen with melodic riffs and devastating solos. Jason Bonham’s drums hit like a sledgehammer. Every song was meticulously propulsive and groove laden. “Mas Tequila” was a fan favorite and “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” drew a loud cheer. Van Halen’s “Best of Both Worlds” tracked next. Before hitting Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll’, Sammy had a good time goofing on Bonham’s British accent. All in good fun.

Three Van Halen songs came next. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” (Michael Anthony on vocals), “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Right Now” had the house singing at the top of their lungs. You could hear it all the way to New Haven. Sammy Hagar & The Circle closed out strong. “Heavy Metal”, I Can’t Drive 55″ and “When It’s Love” cemented a wonderful experience. Everyone left happy and satisfied.

As a footnote, The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater is a phenomenal venue. It enhances the whole live music scene in the New England area. The acoustics are awesome and the open air feel is refreshing. Alongside showcases like The Oakdale Theater, Collage Street Music Hall,  The Westville Music Bowl and The Webster Theater in Hartford, Ct. is becoming a music mecca. Viva la musica.

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