So why did they get rid o' Sammy?

[Blue Falcon]

I know this is an old topic, but I've just recently got back into VH and never knew the full story about Sammy getting a pink slip back in 1996. I heard it was because he didn't want to do the Greatest Hits CD...if so, why? And why would they can him just for that??

It's sad that one of the greatest guitarists ever doesn't even have a band right now, and with no new material in sight.

[NealIsGod]

I know this is an old topic, but I've just recently got back into VH and never knew the full story about Sammy getting a pink slip back in 1996. I heard it was because he didn't want to do the Greatest Hits CD...if so, why? And why would they can him just for that??

It's sad that one of the greatest guitarists ever doesn't even have a band right now, and with no new material in sight.

I remember Sammy saying that when a band releases a GH, they are saying they are done.

It is sad. Very sad. Probably the saddest thing I can think of in the world of rock right now.

[Red13JoePa]

And I think that was an overreaction by Hagar.
Granted, though, they were still putting kick ass albums out at the time but they had SO many hits that BOVI was not a bad idea.
Another side says they went behind his back to hire Dave for MWM and CGTSNO, in which case who could blame Sammy. I still think Sam's side is that a GH was a side step, not a forward step.

[NealIsGod]

I think Sammy got the pink slip phone call on Father's Day, didn't he? He was pissed about that, too. Very impersonal. But Sammy doesn't hold grudges.

13, what do you know about why they broke up the second time? I remember Sammy saying Ed "needs help" and that he is "a miserable person". But I don't recall hearing any specifics.

C'mon, 13. Spill it!

[Red13JoePa]

What I know is what we all probly know. That officially SamIAm's still the singer but he has blazed away at the nepotistic camp in the band and then some since the end of that tour. And Mike has apparently sided w/ Sam so THAT's gonna piss them off. For Mike, though that's old news b/c apparently his not being invited in time to play bass on the very good btw BOBW new tracks was punishment for daring to take the stage w/ Sammy during the sam/dave tour.

[Angiekay]

13, what do you know about why they broke up the second time? I remember Sammy saying Ed "needs help" and that he is "a miserable person". But I don't recall hearing any specifics.

Eddie was drinking again, apparently with a really bad attitude. It was his way or the highway. By the end of the tour they had to lead all the members off in different directions because it almost came to blows.

Speaking of Sammy, here is what his pre-concerts are going to be like. Can you say, KICK ASS!? This looks like a lot of fun:

The show begins a couple of hours earlier, since there will be a Cabo Wabo village at each venue. Hagar said he wants to make it as close as possible to actually being in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:

"Wood grills going, you know, with shrimp tacos, and carne asada, you know, chickens, and you're gonna hear the mariachi bands, and it's gonna be a hot summer night, and you're gonna feel very Cabo-esque. We got palm trees -- we're bringing in our own environment -- and then when the gate opens, you know, the mariachi band's gonna march everyone in, and, you know, we're gonna keep the festive thing going until the band hits."


The Cabo Wabo village, which takes three trucks to carry everything, will also include margarita stands, tents, volleyball courts, karaoke stands, body builders, women in bikinis, and instruments for people to play in the hours before the show starts. Hagar's mantra for the tour is "beach all day, dance all night."


SWEET! I can't wait!

[Blue Falcon]

That's really a shame that Ed would turn out like that. He always seemed to be a pretty nice guy, and usually these rocker guys mellow out a bit with age instead of getting worse. For God's sake, Eddie! You're 51 years old now! Time to get over those problems with Sam & Dave!

BTW, Sammy sounds like the hard rock Jimmy Buffett!

[NealIsGod]

BTW, Sammy sounds like the hard rock Jimmy Buffett!

I was thinking the same thing!