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Readers will discover that Sammy Hagar has no problem covering some of the most iconic classic rock songs in classic rock history without fear or trepidation. It’s no easy feat to cover a Robert Plant vocal. Not many can do it. Sammy Hagar has no problem with it. The man can go from covering Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin to Pink Floyd to the Rolling Stones with relative ease. I think you will enjoy this top 10 Sammy Hagar cover songs list because it was so much fun to put it together.
# 10 – Catch The Wind
We open up our top 10 Sammy Hagar Cover songs list with Sammy Hagar’s cover of the classic Donovan song “Catch The Wind.” Sammy Hagar’s version appeared on his solo album entitled Sammy Hagar in 1977. For us die-hard Sammy Hagar fans, this was our first Sammy Hagar album. The 1977 album also contained another great cover; Patti Smith’s “Free Money.”
# 9 – Flamingos Fly
Sammy Hagar’s first solo album contained a great cover version of Van Morrison’s “Flamingos Fly.” This was Sammy Hagar’s soulful grooving side that often gets lost among his fiery rock and roll vocals. We were originally going to place his cover of Otis Redding’s “I’m Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay,” here, but we just liked this one better.
# 8 – Piece of My Heart
Sammy Hagar’s breakout album Standing Hampton
was released in 1982. The album was huge! Four singles were released from the album including Sammy’s soon to be legendary originals “There’s Only One Way to Rock,” and “I’ll Fall in Love Again.” The classic Janis Joplin song “Piece of My Heart,” was released as the album’s third single. Sammy stepped up to the plate on this one and hit it into orbit. Killer version of this classic tune.
# 7 – I Love This Bar
This song seems like it was written with Sammy Hagar in mind based on all the success he had with his Cabo Wabo Tequila. Nonetheless, it was originally penned by Toby Keith who had a number one hit with the song back in 2003. Sammy sings country and makes it all his own like only Sammy can. Awesome cover! Sammy’s version was released on his Livin It Up
CD which was issued in 2006.
# 6 – Connection
Sammy Hagar’s vocal performance on the Rolling Stones song “Connection,” is one of Classic Rock’s finest moments. Sammy Hagar recorded this one when he was the lead singer of Montrose. This great cover was released on the Montrose album Paper Money
. The album was released in 1974.
# 5 -Comfortably Numb
This was one of the most surprising covers I have ever heard Sammy Hagar attempt. After starting off a bit shaky, it continues to get better and better until once again you’re overwhelmed by the talents of those musicians performing on that stage. Listening to Sammy Hagar sing a duet with Nancy Wilson of Heart on a Pink Floyd song is incredibly heavenly. Listen to Joe Satriani perform that classic David Gilmour solo, unbelievable! And they did this all acoustically at Acoustic for a Cure VI.
# 4 – Whiter Shade Of Pale
We could listen to Sammy Hagar sing this one over and over again. His vocal performance on “Whiter Shade Of Pale,” is every reason why this cover version is on this Sammy Hagar Cover songs list. Procol Harum’s original version of this song is so iconic based on the song’s opening organ introduction that attempting to cover that would have been an exercise in futility. So these guys did it their own way with the golden vocal chords of Sammy Hagar opening up the song instead.
# 3 – Personal Jesus
Sammy Hagar’s brilliant cover of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus,” appeared on the album Sammy Hagar & Friends. The album was released in 2013. The recording featured Sammy Hagar, Chad Smith, Michael Anthony and Neal Schon. It’s interesting to hear how Neal Schon combines old school blues riffs with his Journey style grooves all at the same time in his playing. This was basically Chickenfoot with Neal replacing Joe.
# 2 – Rock and Roll
This one was all about Sammy and Eddie. The two never looked happier working together in this fantastic cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Sammy Hagar has done this one so many times with all the groups he has played with. However, this particular performance at Farm Aid in 1985 stands out because it seemed like it was just Sammy and Eddie together driving this one home at the start of what would be that great stretch of music Van Halen would produce during the years Sammy teamed up with them. Look how happy Eddie seems to be working with such an incredible singer as Sammy Hagar. This one is so telling!
# 1 – Highway Star
Oh Lord, if this doesn’t knock off your rock and roll boots nothing will. Chickenfoot’s performance of Deep Purples’s “Highway Star,” stands as one of the finest rock and roll covers of all time. Every member of Chickenfoot shines in all their glory on this one. Sammy hits every note perfectly adding his own iconic chops to this one in stellar fashion. Michael Anthony backs him up on vocals with those legendary harmonies. His bass playing cuts right through your skin into your bones with absolute pleasure. Chad’s drums grooves and fills light this one up defining how brilliant of a drummer he is. However, the highlight of this incredible performance is Joe Satriani playing Jon Lords’ legendary organ solo on guitar. You need to see this!
Updated June 6, 2023
Top 10 Sammy Hagar Cover Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
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