A convertible cruising across the Golden Gate bridge was the perfect way to kick off the second season of Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar.
Rock & Roll Road Trip with Hagar takes us “on tour” to cities across the country, allowing his viewers a glimpse inside the lives of musicians from all genres.
The season kicked off with Hagar traveling to the University of California San Francisco Children’s Hospital Acoustic 4 A Cure benefit that has never been seen by a television audience.
In it’s third year, this stellar gathering of musicians for the Acoustic 4 A Cure benefit is the brain-child of Hagar.
Born out of his visits to the cancer ward of the children’s hospital, after having a conversation with a physician friend who expressed concern over dwindling funds, the concert was created to support families who had lost the ability to pay. James Hetfield of Metallica was the first call Hagar made to help him create the unique benefit concert.
Grammy nominated guitarist Joe Satriani of Chickenfoot was Hagar’s first interview of the new season. Hagar and Satriani shared genuine moments during their interview reflecting their creative connection in the supergroup Chickenfoot.
“When Satch plays a note [or] a melody, it’s the closest sound to a human voice I’ve ever heard,” said Hagar.
Later in the first episode, vocalist and guitarist John Mayer sat down with Hagar and told viewers about his experience as a self-taught musician and beginning his career with the Grammy Award winning “Your Body Is a Wonderland”.
“If you start out at the top, the only way to get wind in your hair is to drop,” said Mayer regarding his later musical choices distancing himself from his pop star beginnings.
The episode ended with a jam session consisting of so many musicians a happy delirium is induced.
The epic musical chemistry created by Hagar, Satriani, Mayer with Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) on drums in addition to Grammy Award winning Artist Melissa Etheridge (among many others) must be seen to be believed
Episode two takes Hagar to Norman, O.K., the home of Grammy Award winning country music sensation Toby Keith. The episode starts with a tour of Keith’s private office including exceptionally rare collectibles such as a sequined suit worn extensively by legendary country singer-songwriter Mr. Merle Haggard.
Relaxing at the resort style backyard pool area at the Keith mansion, the two friends touch on topics ranging from tequila to politics and play a couple of Keith’s tunes acoustically.
“I am big dog daddy and I do what I want,” said Keith about those who question his political views.
The episode also highlights Keith entrepreneurial side in his ownership of a gas station/bar/pub/live music venue originally built in 1927 on Hwy 77.
This unique business sells 100 octane gasoline, provides a flat bed trailer as a music stage and sells Keith’s brand of tequila. Even the most staunch of rock and rollers will surely find themselves open to the countryside of life.
Episode three takes Hagar to Bloomington, I.N. into the art studio owned by the notoriously lime light avoiding singer, songwriter, artist and humanitarian John Mellencamp.
The mood of this particular interview by Hagar of Mellencamp is in stark contrast to all previous interactions during episodes one and two. This episode shows itself to be less “fun” and more thought provoking episode due to the candid and emotional nature of both men engaged.
The episode ends with Hagar making a sizable donation to an unnamed charity in exchange for one of Mellencamp’s paintings.
