Renowned rock icon Sammy Hagar is gearing up to release a highly anticipated new single titled “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” which features a captivating guitar lick that he claims was revealed to him by the legendary Eddie Van Halen in a dream. This intriguing revelation adds a mystical layer to the song, showcasing the deep connection Hagar had with his late bandmate.

Set for release on Friday, April 25, this new track features an impressive lineup, including three-quarters of Hagar’s acclaimed Best of All Worlds band: virtuoso guitarist Joe Satriani, bassist and fellow Van Halen alum Michael Anthony, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. Their collaboration promises a blend of rock prowess and nostalgia that fans are sure to appreciate.

In an engaging interview with UCR back in August 2022, Hagar shared the fascinating backstory of this song. He recounted, “About two months ago, I had this dream where Eddie appeared and said, ‘Man, let’s write some music!’ I was thrilled, responding, ‘Yeah, let’s do it!'” The dream serves as a poignant reminder of their creative synergy and friendship.

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During this dream, Hagar described how “[Eddie] performed a harmonic maneuver, sliding it up to a chord like a slide guitar. Together, we crafted a song using that lick,” he explained. “It stuck with me, and the next morning, I got up and wrote the song using that incredible lick he showed me.” This experience highlights the enduring influence of Van Halen’s musical genius on Hagar’s work.

Hagar was the lead vocalist for Van Halen for over a decade, during which he fronted the band on four immensely successful albums: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995). His contributions to the band were instrumental in shaping their sound and defining the rock landscape of the era.

The band’s split in 1996 was marked by tension and disagreements, and their reunion tour in 2004 also faced significant challenges. However, in a heartwarming twist, just before Eddie’s passing in 2020, Hagar and Van Halen reconciled. Last summer, Hagar honored their legacy with the Best of All Worlds tour, celebrating his remarkable journey with the band.

It was two years after their reconciliation that Hagar experienced the dream that inspired his upcoming single “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight“. In a press release, he expressed, “This song is my final bow to that part of my life. It’s a heartfelt tribute, meant to convey gratitude—with love, respect, and of course, an incredible guitar solo.” This sentiment adds a deeply personal touch to the song, resonating with fans who appreciate Hagar’s journey.

Hagar also praised Satriani’s contribution to the track, noting that Joe infused a distinct emotional energy into the music. “Joe was the perfect collaborator for this project—he brought that big, emotional, guitar-driven energy, reminiscent of Eddie’s spirit, yet entirely his own creation.” This collaboration is sure to resonate with fans of both guitar legends.

As April unfolds, Hagar and his bandmates have a packed schedule. They are set to headline the Palamino stage at the Stagecoach Festival on Sunday, April 27th, followed by the launch of their Best of All Worlds Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live, Park MGM just three days later. Their performances are sure to be a celebration of rock music and the enduring spirit of their collaborations.