Sammy Hagar Taps Belinda Carlisle, Jerry Cantrell for Birthday Shows

Sammy Hagar has spent the past week gearing up to celebrate his 78th birthday with a bunch of shows at his Cabo Wabo resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He’s been joined by guests galore over the course of the shows, including a surprise appearance from Belinda Carlisle, who popped by Saturday night’s gig, Oct. 11, to perform two of her biggest songs.

First, Carlisle bounded onstage to join Hagar for a lively rendition of the Go-Go’s 1980 classic, “We Got the Beat.” Carlisle then delivered her 1987 solo hit, “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” with guitarist Steve Salas and the rest of Hagar’s backing band lending the shimmering power-pop gem a crunchier, hard rock edge. 

Along with Carlisle, Hagar’s ongoing birthday bash has featured appearances from guests like Anthrax vocalist Joey Belladonna, Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, and Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X. Jerry Cantrell has also been a recurring guest, playing guitar on various tracks, including several Alice in Chains classics like “Rooster,” “Would?”, and “Man in the Box.” 

Cantrell has also guested on renditions of Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” and a cover of the Beastie Boys’ “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” (per Setlist.fm). 

Hagar turns 78 today, Oct. 13, and he’s set to celebrate with the fourth and final show of his birthday bash. He has one more gig scheduled for 2025, a solo show Fontana Youth Music Foundation’s inaugural gala in Fontana, California. But next year the Red Rocker will return to Las Vegas for his Best of All Worlds residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, with shows scheduled in March and September.