Sammy Hagar is addressing a tragedy. The rocker recently took to Facebook to mourn the loss of John Pruner, a fan of his who died earlier this month. Pruner was an important figure to the Montrose alum, as the fan coined his now famed nickname, “Red Rocker.”
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“In 1976 I had just released the red album,” Hagar wrote of his self-titled sophomore release. “I was playing one of my first concerts in Seattle, Washington, supporting that record with the song ‘RED’ being the single.”
After that show, Pruner approached Hagar in his hotel and asked him to sign the newspaper review of the concert.
“He asked me to sign it ‘the Red Rocker’ that was the beginning of being the Red Rocker,” Hagar wrote. “John became maybe the first redhead before the fans became redheads. He followed me around the country showing up everywhere. I got to know him well.”
Eventually, Hagar learned that Pruner had paid to see him at more than 100 shows. That was more than enough for Hagar, who gave Pruner “the golden lifetime all access pass” to see any of his concerts for free. Pruner took Hager up on the offer and went on to attend more than 100 more concerts.
Sammy Hagar Reveals John Pruner’s Health Struggles
“John’s health has been failing him for well over a decade,” Hagar wrote. “But he still managed to make as many shows as he could in wheelchairs. I always made room for him on the side of the stage or wherever possible.”
During certain shows, Hagar gave Pruner an onstage shoutout, FaceTiming him mid-concert when he was hospitalized and couldn’t attend in person.
“We lost the original number one redhead a couple nights ago,” Hagar wrote. “We will miss you, John Pruner and the show will go on without you. I know you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
To Pruner directly, Hagar wrote, “Rest in peace my friend and be sure to give Eddie [Van Halen] a big hug from me.”
As for Hagar, he has a busy year ahead. He is set to play Stagecoach in April, before heading to Las Vegas for a residency.
Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Caspian’s Cocktails and Caviar at Caesars Palace
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