Sammy Hagar, the renowned rockstar, has recently released a new song titled “Encore. Thank You. Goodnight.” This track was inspired by a dream he had about his late Van Halen bandmate, Eddie Van Halen. The song was officially launched on Friday, April 25, and Hagar expressed his excitement for the world to hear this special creation that pays tribute to Van Halen’s music and their shared memories.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday, April 22, Hagar, 77, shared his anticipation for the release of the song, highlighting the significance of the dream that served as the catalyst for this musical homage to Van Halen. The lyrics of “Encore. Thank You. Goodnight.” serve as a thank you message to Eddie Van Halen for the impact he had on Hagar’s life and career, encapsulating the essence of their musical journey and friendship.
Hagar recently disclosed that the inspiration for the song stemmed from a vivid dream he had about Eddie Van Halen, who tragically passed away in 2020 after battling cancer. In this dream, Van Halen appeared to Hagar, and they shared a creative moment where Van Halen showcased a guitar riff that resonated with Hagar. This shared musical exchange in the dream ultimately led to the creation of the song, incorporating the distinctive guitar riff that Van Halen had revealed to Hagar.
Reflecting on the dream and the powerful emotions it evoked, Hagar emphasized the impact it had on him, inspiring him to write the song as a tribute to their shared musical bond. Collaborating with musician Joe on this track, Hagar aimed to honour Van Halen’s legacy with heartfelt lyrics and a poignant guitar solo that captures the essence of their musical synergy. The song also features contributions from Michael Anthony on bass, Kenny Aronoff on drums, and background vocals reminiscent of the Van Halen sound.
The release of “Encore. Thank You. Goodnight.” is particularly poignant as it precedes the commencement of Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Las Vegas residency starting on April 30. This song serves as a final bow to a significant chapter of Hagar’s life and musical career, encapsulating his gratitude and admiration for the late Eddie Van Halen. The accompanying music video for the track is set to premiere on Sunday, April 27, adding a visual dimension to the heartfelt tribute.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of the music video and the upcoming Las Vegas residency, “Encore. Thank You. Goodnight.” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Eddie Van Halen and the profound impact he had on those around him. Through this song, Sammy Hagar pays homage to his friend and bandmate, immortalizing their musical connection and shared experiences through a heartfelt and soulful tribute.