A capacity crowd of over 2,000 welcomed Sammy Hagar & The Circle to the Mystic Showroom in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The band played a fifteen song set largely unchanged from the band’s 2014 tour recordings of which were released in 2015 as a live album entitled At Your Service. The set features songs spanning the decades from Hagar’s work with Montrose, Van Halen, Chickenfoot, and solo projects. Led Zeppelin songs were also included showcasing Jason Bonham’s skills.
From the opening note of “There’s Only One Way To Rock” to the last note of their cover of “Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” the band radiates a laid back confidence and professional swagger which creates a completely immersive experience for the audience. The expressions on the faces of band reflect the feeling they all thoroughly enjoy the music, each other, and the crowd.
Hagar and bassist Michael Anthony carry the load for crowd interaction. Hagar gave every appearance he was having a great time slapping hands with the crowd, wearing articles of “Hagar” and “55” embossed clothing thrown onto the stage, and never seemed to weary of signing autographs. Meanwhile, Anthony repeatedly traversed the stage to ham it up for photos and energize the crowd. Hagar’s egalitarian collaboration is demonstrated in Anthony and Guitarist Vic Johnson leading vocals on several songs.
Highlights were spot-on performances of Montrose’s “Rock Candy” and Hagar’s “Heavy Metal”. “When The Levee Breaks” was the pinnacle of the night. Bonham’s timing and tone were flawless and the band wrung the most out themselves to create a transcendent vibe. It felt like 1971.
Hagar stated the band is currently working on a studio album which he sheepishly admits they should’ve done long ago since they have been together for so long. Apparently, the band is having too much fun to work. This group of professionals make it all look so easy. A rock ‘n’ roll party hosted by Sammy and his friends.
Setlist
There’s Only One Way To Rock
Rock Candy
Good Times Bad Times
Poundcake
I Can’t Drive 55
Big Foot
Right Now
Why Can’t This Be Love
Little White Lie
When The Levee Breaks
Finish What Ya Started
Heavy Metal
Mas Mezquila
Dreams
Rock and Roll
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