Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/410603
to do." And he gives back: all the proceeds from the Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill airport locations are donated to charity. None of this is an accident. Despite his freewheeling attitude and self- deprecating remarks about his business skills, The Red Rocker is quite astute. As in his bands, he surrounds himself with top talent and lets them do their thing, while demanding from them the same dedication to hard work that he himself exhibits. There are parallels between Hagar and another musician/businessman: Jimmy Buffet, whose juggernaut Margaritaville company has earned that singer a vast for tune. Buffet's enterprise peddles products ranging from tequila to clothing to margarita machines to furniture. Hagar saw that Buffet was selling much more than just stuff: he was selling a lifestyle. In the process, both singers have gone from being guys in bands and have become guys who are brands. Hey! It's Your Tomorrow It's not likely that Sammy Hagar will wind up rehashing his hits on the county fair circuit. He's as vital at 67 as many performers half his age. "I like big crowds, I like loud music and I'm trying to figure out how to play music on a high level for the rest of my life without becoming a car- icature of myself, a nostalgia act," he muses. He's performing interesting original music with Chickenfoot, but also wants to play Van Halen hits, Montrose songs and his own catalog as well. "That's why I've got The Circle (the band includes Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John)." The Red Rocker's professional life is perhaps summed up when he says: "When what you do is passion-driven, it doesn't feel like work," he says. "But a strong work ethic is just as impor tant as talent or luck." Clearly, this guy doesn't need a hand up from the Devil. Maybe he vis- ited the crossroads once, looked at the available options, and created his own path…and he cer tainly didn't drive down that road at a plod- ding 55 mph. 100 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 4 Hagar didn't just slap his name on an existing rum label. He's been intimately involved in the creation and production of the beverage since day one. "The rum is made not far from our house (in Maui), and when I'm there, I stop in daily." 'When what you do is passion-driven, it doesn't feel like work. But a strong work ethic is just as important as talent or luck.' — Sammy Hagar Photo: Courtesy of Meat & Potatoes