Sammy Hagar, the iconic frontman known as the "Red Rocker," has revealed exciting plans for a musical collaboration with Kirk Hammett, the legendary guitarist of Metallica. During a recent appearance on the UCR Podcast, Hagar shared that he and Hammett are in discussions about a new song titled "The Seven Sisters," which references the Pleiades star cluster, often associated with extraterrestrial themes.
"You know who’s a big fan of all of that? Kirk Hammett from Metallica," Hagar stated. "We’re writing a song right now called ‘The Seven Sisters.’ Well, we’re not writing it [yet, but] we’re talking about writing it." The song aims to weave together cosmic elements, with Hagar hinting at a musical transition into part of his earlier work, "Silver Lights," from his 1976 solo album.
This collaboration isn't just a casual chat between rock icons; it reflects a deeper connection both musicians have with the supernatural and the unknown. Hagar has long been fascinated by UFOs and the concept of alien life, a theme that has permeated much of his songwriting. He elaborated on his beliefs during the podcast, sharing that he has had several encounters that he describes as contact with otherworldly beings. "I have seen, have felt, have been contacted three or four different times," he remarked in a previous interview with Guitar World. "I have received information that has been valuable in my life from those people, and they have used me. I’m gonna sound like a complete nut here, but they have used me in an experimental fashion. The easiest way to put it is that they downloaded my brain information."
Hagar's history of writing about cosmic themes is notable. His track "Love Walks In," created during his tenure with Van Halen, touches on similar themes of connection beyond Earth. Additionally, his song "Space Station No. 5" from Montrose's 1974 debut album also reflects his fascination with space and the unknown. Hagar's passion for these subjects was sparked at a young age, leading him to buy a telescope and immerse himself in UFO literature.
While the collaboration with Hammett is in its early stages, Hagar is gearing up for his own performances. He is set to launch his "Best of All Worlds" residency in Las Vegas starting April 30, 2025, with shows scheduled throughout May. This marks a shift in Hagar's approach to touring; he has expressed a preference for residencies over extensive tours, which he once found daunting. "I used to hate it when Van Halen played four nights at Madison Square Garden. I’m going, ‘F**k, I gotta worry about what I said last night,’" he admitted.
As he reflects on his career, Hagar acknowledges the challenges of performing the same songs repeatedly. "I’m very nervous about repeating myself. So a residency sounded like a nightmare for that. I said, ‘Man, we’ve got to play different songs every night,’" he explained. However, he has come to appreciate the benefits of a residency, noting that it allows him to stay fresh and focused, with better opportunities for rest and nutrition.
Hammett's interest in the supernatural and his own childhood experiences with films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" have also shaped his artistic perspective. He recalled how the film left a significant impression on him during his childhood, stating, "When that movie came out, my dad took me to see it in a movie theater and I was only six or seven years old! You know, for a kid to see that movie on the big screen, it was pretty huge."
As fans await the potential release of "The Seven Sisters," they can look forward to Hagar's new music as well. He recently dropped a track titled "Encore, Thank You, Goodnight," inspired by a dream about his late friend and bandmate, Eddie Van Halen. This song showcases Hagar's continuing evolution as an artist, blending personal experiences with his long-standing fascination with the cosmos.
The collaboration between Hagar and Hammett represents a meeting of two rock legends, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. As they explore themes of the supernatural and cosmic connections, fans are left to wonder what this exciting partnership will yield.
With both artists actively engaged in their respective projects, the anticipation builds for what could be a groundbreaking musical journey. Whether through the lens of alien encounters or the shared experiences of life on Earth, Hagar and Hammett are poised to create something truly special.
As their collaboration unfolds, it promises to not only entertain but also provoke thought about the mysteries of the universe and our place within it. For now, fans can enjoy Hagar's upcoming residency in Las Vegas and keep an ear out for the new music that may soon emerge from this dynamic partnership.
