Sammy Hagar

Sammy Hagar

"the Red Rocker"

Current Networth - $150 Million

Personal Stats

NameSammy Hagar
RoleSinger, Songwriter, businessmen
IndustryEntertainment
Net Worth$150 Million
Accolades1x Grammy Awards, 1x Hollywood Walk of Fame Stat

Table of Contents

  • About Sammy Hagar
  • Businesses Owned
  • Early Life
  • Family
  • What Is Sammy Hagar’s Net Worth?
  • What is Sammy Hagar’s Claim to Fame?

About Sammy Hagar

Sam Roy Hagar, often referred to as "The Red Rocker," is a legendary American rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He rose to fame as the lead vocalist for Van Halen after replacing David Lee Roth in 1985. 

During his tenure with the band, Hagar contributed to four multi-platinum albums, including 5150 and OU812. Known for his strong voice and energetic stage performances, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Van Halen in 2007.

Hagar's solo career has also been highly successful, producing hits like "I Can't Drive 55" and "There's Only One Way to Rock." Beyond music, Hagar is a savvy businessman. He founded the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand and Cantina, which became a major success. He later launched the Sammy's Beach Bar Rum brand.

Hagar continues to perform with his band, The Circle, which features former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson. He is also a philanthropist, with proceeds from his business ventures supporting various charitable causes.


Businesses Owned

  • Cabo Wabo Cantina

  • Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill

  • Santo Spirits

  • Sammy's Beach Bar Rum

  • Cabo Wabo Tequila


Early Life

Sammy Hagar’s early life, though challenging, laid the foundation for his future success as an American singer and songwriter.

  • Sammy Hagar was born on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California, and grew up in Fontana, a blue-collar town in Southern California.
  • Hagar’s family moved to Fontana in Southern California for his father's job at a steel mill.
  • As a child, Hagar would earn money by picking fruit, delivering newspapers, and mowing lawns.
  • Discovered music when he was in high school and taught himself to play guitar on a $40 instrument he bought off a Sears catalog.
  • Started getting interested in Southern California's growing music scene when he was a teenager.
  • Started his first band, the Fabulous Castilles, when he was 14.
  • At 17, Hagar traveled to San Bernardino and snuck into the 1964 US debut of the Rolling Stones at the Swing Auditorium.
  • Graduated from Fontana High School.
  • In 1967, Hagar joined the Johnny Fortune Band as a vocalist and guitarista

Family

Sammy Hagar was born into a close-knit family in Salinas, California.

  • Hagar was Born to father, Robert Alton "Bobby" Hagar and mother, Alberta "Gladys" (née Baio) Hagar.
  • He was named after his maternal grandfather, Sam Roy Baio.
  • Although there have been claims that Hagar is of Lebanese descent, the musician has clarified that he is of Irish and Italian heritage.
  • His father was an alcoholic boxer and was abusive towards his wife and children.
  • Hagar remembers living in nine different homes in Fontana during his childhood.
  • When he was ten, his mother, Gladys, took the children and left Bobby for good.
  • He married his first wife, Betsy Berardi, on November 3, 1968.
  • The couple had two sons, Aaron, born in 1970, and Andrew, born in 1984.
  • Divorced in 1994 after 26 years of marriage.
  • Married his current wife, Kari Hagar, on November 29, 1995.
  • Together, Hagar and Kari have two daughters: Kama, born in April 1996, and Samantha, born in March 2001.

As of January 2025, Sammy Hagar's net worth is estimated to be around $150 Million. While he achieved significant financial success through his music career, particularly with Van Halen and his solo projects, a substantial portion of his wealth comes from his entrepreneurial ventures. 

Notably, Hagar founded the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand. He also co-founded the Santo Tequila brand with Guy Fieri and owns Sammy's Beach Bar Rum. These business endeavors have significantly contributed to his financial standings. Let's take a close look at how the star singer has built such an incredible net worth.

Net Worth$150 Million
Yearly Income$1.5 Million
ProfessionSinger, Songwriter, Businessman
NationalityAmerican
No. of Houses3
No. of Cars10+

What Is Sammy Hagar’s Net Worth?

As of January 2025, Sammy Hagar's net worth is estimated to be around $150 Million.

Hagar achieved significant financial success through his music career, especially with Van Halen and his solo projects but a large part of his wealth also stems from his entrepreneurial ventures. Not much information is available on Sammy Hagar's earnings from music, but in a 2023 interview, Hagar shared that he made six times the income of his Van Halen bandmate, David Lee Roth, due to his successful solo career.

Outside of music, Hagar has made significant wealth through various business ventures. In the late 1990s, Sammy launched his own tequila brand, Cabo Wabo, named after a bar he had purchased in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during the 1980s. Over the years, both his bar and tequila gained immense popularity, attracting not only local patrons but also global distributors. 

In a 2025 interview, Sammy Hagar shared that he made more money from his Cabo Wabo Tequila business than from his career in music, including his time with Van Halen. He explained how the sale of the tequila brand for $80 million brought him significant wealth, which he used to help family, friends, and charity. He also returned to the tequila business with Santo Tequila.

In 2007, Hagar sold 80% of the Cabo Wabo tequila company to Gruppo Campari for $80 Million. Two years later, in 2009, he sold the remaining 20% for an additional $15 Million. As the majority owner of the company, Hagar personally earned around $95 Million from these transactions. Like Sammy Hagar, several other A-list celebrities who started a spirit company and later sold it for millions include Dwayne Johnson, George Clooney, and Ryan Reynolds.
Additionally, Hagar co-founded Santo Tequila with chef Guy Fieri and owns Beach Bar Rum. He also operates Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill restaurants, further diversifying his business portfolio and boosting his impressive net worth.


What is Sammy Hagar’s Claim to Fame?

“The Red Rocker” is best known for being the lead singer of the rock band Van Halen. Outside of music, he's gained recognition as an entrepreneur, particularly with his Cabo Wabo tequila brand. Let's have a close look at the impressive details of the significant events and milestones that helped Sammy in gaining fame.

  • I Can't Drive 55: "I Can't Drive 55" is the lead single and first track from Sammy Hagar's eighth studio album, VOA, released in 1984. It reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart and garnered extensive AOR airplay. Fueled by a highly successful music video, the song became a concert staple that continued to be a highlight of Hagar's performances, even during his time with Van Halen. This success not only helped him gain widespread recognition across the U.S. and Europe but also cemented him as a key figure in 1980s rock.
  • Joining Van Halen: In 1985, Hagar joined Van Halen as the lead singer, replacing David Lee Roth. This marked a major turning point in the band's history. Under Hagar's leadership, Van Halen released four multi-platinum, number 1 Billboard-charting albums: 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and Balance. The band also produced numerous chart-topping hits, including nine number 1 songs on the Mainstream Rock charts.
  • Cabo Wabo Tequila: In the late 1990s, Sammy Hagar launched his own tequila brand, Cabo Wabo, which was inspired by a bar he had purchased in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during the 1980s. Over time, both the bar and the tequila gained widespread popularity, attracting not just locals but also distributors around the world. In 2007, Hagar sold 80% of the Cabo Wabo Tequila company to Gruppo Campari for $80 Million. Later, in 2009, he sold the remaining 20% for an additional $15 Million. From these sales, Hagar personally earned around $95 Million.
  • Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock: In March 2011, Hagar released his autobiography Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock, co-written with rock critic Joel Selvin. The autobiography provided personal insights into his rock journey, struggles, and successes, further solidifying his status as a rock icon. The book quickly gained widespread acclaim, reaching No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover nonfiction on April 3, 2011. The book's success helped introduce Hagar to new audiences, expanded his legacy, and deepened his connection with long-time followers, adding another layer to his fame beyond music and business ventures.
  • Sammy Hagar's Rock & Roll Road Trip: In 2016, Hagar debuted a new television program on Mark Cuban's AXS TV network called Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar. The series features Hagar as he travels across the country, interviewing and frequently performing with renowned and influential musicians. This move into TV not only solidified his status as a rock legend but also introduced his personality to a broader audience, attracting fans from both the music and entertainment worlds.

What businesses does Sammy Hagar own?

The singer of the hit track "I Can't Drive 55” earns a significant amount of wealth through various business ventures. In an interview, Sammy Hagar shared that he wanted to start his business ventures not just for financial gain, but to create something lasting that people would enjoy. His focus was on building a personal brand that extended beyond music, which he achieved with Cabo Wabo Tequila and other successful endeavors.

Let's take a look at some of the most impressive details of the star songwriter’s business ventures.

  • Cabo Wabo Cantina: Hagar owns an iconic nightclub and restaurant brand originating in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The club gained significant attention when the music video for Hagar's 1999 hit song "Mas Tequila," from his Red Voodoo album, was filmed there. In the late 1990s, Hagar launched his own tequila brand, "Cabo Wabo," inspired by a bar he had purchased in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during the 1980s. Over the years, his bar and tequila gained immense popularity, appealing not only to locals but also to distributors worldwide.
  • Cabo Wabo Tequila: In the late 1990s, Sammy Hagar launched a premium tequila brand, Cabo Wabo, which was inspired by a bar he had purchased in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during the 1980s. Hagar initially started the brand to offer a premium tequila made with the finest ingredients. In 2007, Sammy Hagar sold 80% of the Cabo Wabo Tequila company to Gruppo Campari for $80 Million. Two years later, in 2009, he sold the remaining 20% for an additional $15 Million. As the majority owner of the company, Hagar personally earned approximately $95 Million from these transactions.
  • Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill: In early 2009, Sammy Hagar opened “Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill at Harrah's Casino” in St. Louis. He later opened additional locations at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, Kahului Airport in Maui, and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Hagar donates all profits from these locations to local charities, blending his entrepreneurial success with a commitment to giving back to the communities he serves.
  • Santo Spirits: In 2019, Sammy Hagar teamed up with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to launch Santo, a premium tequila brand. The brand features a range of high-quality offerings, including Santo Blanco, Santo Reposado, Santo Añejo, and a bold 110-proof Blanco Tequila. A standout product from their collaboration is Santo Mezquila, the first commercially available blend of tequila and mezcal in the U.S. This innovative product combines the smooth, refined taste of tequila with the smoky complexity of mezcal, showcasing Hagar and Fieri’s passion for creating unique and exceptional spirits.
  • Sammy's Beach Bar Rum: In November 2011, Sammy Hagar launched Sammy's Beach Bar Rum in Hawaii, further expanding his presence in the spirits industry. The rum is distilled on Maui by the Hali'imaile Distilling Company, using locally sourced ingredients to create a premium quality product that captures the essence of the islands. Initially launched in Hawaii, the rum is gradually being introduced to other North American markets.

What Brands Does Sammy Hagar Endorse?

The owner of the Cabo Wabo earns a significant amount of his impressive wealth through various brand endorsement deals and partnerships. Let's take a close look at the Sammy's Beach Bar Rum owner's brand endorsements.

  • Yamaha guitars: Sammy Hagar has endorsed Yamaha guitars, resulting in the creation of the Yamaha AES620 SH, his signature line designed in collaboration with Yamaha's custom shop in Hollywood, CA. Based on the award-winning Yamaha AES620 model, the AES620 SH incorporates Hagar’s personal touches to reflect his style and performance needs. The guitar features a mahogany body with a figured maple veneer top, delivering a rich, resonant tone. It is equipped with two humbucking pickups, including a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge.
  • Gibson Guitars: Sammy Hagar's endorsement of Gibson Guitars is most famously marked by the creation of the 2010 Gibson Sammy Hagar Red Rocker Signature Les Paul, produced from 2010 to 2012. This guitar features a weight-relieved mahogany body, a rounded neck profile, and a combination of '57 Classic and Burstbucker 3 humbuckers for exceptional tonal versatility. Its striking red finish and "Red Rocker" branding reflect Hagar's vibrant personality and rock legacy.
  • National Automotive Parts Association: In 2007, Sammy Hagar appeared in a series of NAPA commercials with Nextel Cup drivers Michael Waltrip and Dale Jarrett. The campaign creatively reworked his iconic song, "I Can't Drive 55," changing the lyrics to "I Can't Drive the 55" to reference Waltrip’s car number, 55. The commercials helped promote NAPA’s automotive products while leveraging Hagar's iconic track.
  • Crate: Hagar has been associated with Crate Amplifiers, which marketed the creation of the Crate BV120RH Red Voodoo Amp Head, a signature 120-watt amplifier that captures the essence of Hagar’s powerful sound. The Red Voodoo Amp Head was designed to deliver a high energy performance tone suitable for his high-energy rock performances, combining punchy mids and a dynamic range of overdrive. Hagar also used the Crate Black Voodoo Head Amp, which contributed to his signature sound on stage, helping him produce heavy distortion and crisp tones, ideal for his rock and hard rock style.

How does Sammy Hagar Endorse spend his Millions?

The owner of Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill spends his millions on a mix of real estate, business ventures, and personal indulgences. Hagar owns luxurious properties, including a beach house in Hawaii and a sprawling mansion in the Malibu area.

He also has a private jet, and he has made real estate investments to secure comfort and exclusivity. Sammy spends on personal passions like fast cars, having a notable collection of vehicles, and maintaining a lifestyle that includes his love for surfing, music, and private events.

He’s also known to spend on personal indulgences like $80,000 bottles of wine. Besides that he also shared how he invested his own money into a Van Halen tribute tour. Hagar is also active in charitable causes through the Hagar Family Foundation. He has supported organizations like The One Fund for disaster relief, the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and Rock the Vote.


Sammy Hagar’s Real Estate Portfolio

The singer of the hit track “There's Only One Way to Rock” has a real estate portfolio which include a French chateau in Lake Arrowhead, California and an estate in Haiku, Hawaii. Let's have a look at some of the most impressive details of the popular singer's luxurious residence and properties.

  • Home in Mill Valley, California: Sammy and Kari have made their primary residence in Mill Valley, California, located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. In 1978, Sammy purchased the home for $160,000. The home offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Tam, a wine cellar with 10,000 vintages, and a kitchen featuring sleek and glossy cabinets. Additionally, he reportedly owns a home in Lake Tahoe, several hours to the north, which he acquired in 2007 for $450,000.
  • A French chateau in Lake Arrowhead, California: In 2009, Sammy Hagar purchased the property for $2.3 Million. It is a French chateau-style home, located on the side of a hill with views of the lake. The 6,557 square feet home boasts eight bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and ample parking for six cars. Inside, the property features a spacious two-island kitchen, a formal dining room, a cozy family room, and a living room highlighted by a striking limestone fireplace. For entertainment, there’s a wood-paneled game room with a wet bar, as well as a soundproof music room. The house is now up for rent for $30,000 a month or for weekends. Hagar initially listed the property a few years ago, the asking price was $5.25 Million, but it has since been lowered to $3.9 Million.
  • Estate in Haiku, Hawaii: Hagar owns a 10-acre estate in Haiku, Hawaii. The main home is single-level, complemented by a 600 sq ft cottage, a saline pool, and a hot tub for relaxation. The property is eco-friendly with a private well, water catchment system, and solar electric power. It also features a 1,000 square-feet garage, a tilapia fish pond, fruit trees, and terraced vegetable gardens, making it both serene and self-sufficient. Hagar has used the estate as a retreat, hosting celebrity chefs and musician friends. In 2017, Hagar put the estate on market for $3.3 Million and sold in 2018 for $3.1 Million. Several other A-list celebrities who have homes in Hawaii include Oprah Winfrey, Matthew McConaughey and Jeff Bezos.

Vehicles Owned By Sammy Hagar Over The Years

Over the years, the founder of The Hagar Family Foundation has owned a variety of vehicles, including various Ferraris, muscle cars, and other luxury vehicles. Here's a closer look at the star singer's exclusive collection of cars-

  • 2015 LaFerrari: Hagar had a custom white 2015 LaFerrari in his car collection. In 2015, he custom ordered a $2.2 Million white LaFerrari. Out of 499 LaFerraris that exist in the world, his car is the only one painted white. This unique model was specifically designed for him, featuring a striking color combination and carbon-fiber accents. In October 2024, the car was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction, fetching a record-breaking $4.675 Million.
  • Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: Hagar has a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano in his car collection. In 2008, for his birthday, Sammy Hagar ordered the car new from the factory. To make the gift even more personal, he had a plaque made for the car that reads, "This car's made for Sammy Hagar on 10/13," commemorating the special occasion.
  • 1982 Ferrari 512BB: Sammy Hagar owns a black 1982 Ferrari 512BB, which famously appeared in the music video for his hit song “I Can't Drive 55.”
  • 1951 Chevy Deluxe: Hagar has a 1951 Chevy Deluxe in his car collection, which was also his first car. When Hagar was just 16, he bought this car from his friend for just $200.
  • 2005 Ford GT: Hagar also owns a 2005 Ford GT, one of the first 10 ever made. This rare and powerful car is a standout in his collection.

Other Vehicles

  • Private Jet: Sammy Hagar owns a Bombardier Challenger 300, which he uses extensively for both his business and creative pursuits. The jet allows Hagar to efficiently manage his demanding schedule, flying across the country for both music tours and business ventures like Santo Mezquila. Additionally, every year, he and his family fly to destinations like Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands.

Besides these cars, Sammy Hagar also has a a 2005 Aston Martin Vanquish Lagonda, a 1967 Gateway GCM-R Fastback Mustang, a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, a 1962 Chevrolet Impala, a 599 GTB Fiorano, a 2003 BMW Alpina, a Jaguar XKE, a 1967 427 Shelby GT 500 and dozens more in his exotic car collection.


What Are Sammy Hagar Charitable Contributions?

The iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has contributed to various charities through his non-profit organization, The Hagar Family Foundation. Let’s take a detailed look at the rock musician’s philanthropic venture.

  • The Hagar Family Foundation: In 2008, Sammy Hagar and his wife, Kari Hagar, founded the Hagar Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on children's causes and hunger relief. Hagar donates 100% of the profits from his restaurant chain to support community initiatives. Through the foundation, he has contributed over $650,000 to various local organizations, including the Children's Hospital of Orange County, Tilly's Life Center, Three Square, and the Lou Ruvo Center for brain health at the Cleveland Clinic. Since its inception, the foundation has made direct donations to food banks in every U.S. city where Hagar has performed and supports charities in the four cities where his airport restaurants are located.

What’s Next For Sammy Hagar?

At 77, Sammy Hagar is far from slowing down, with exciting plans lined up for 2025. Kicking things off with his Best of All Worlds Tour residency in Las Vegas from April 30 to May 17 at Dolby Live at Park MGM, Hagar will deliver a setlist that highlights his legendary career, featuring hits from Van Halen, his solo work, and Montrose. Fans can stay updated on all his upcoming events through Sammy Hagar’s official website.


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