Earlier this week, Sammy Hagar met up with another legendary rocker, Paul Rodgers, best known as the frontman for the popular British groups Free and Bad Company. The encounter gave the Red Rocker the chance to congratulate the powerhouse vocalist on Bad Company’s recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination.
Videos by American Songwriter
As previously reported, Bad Company was nominated for induction into the Rock Hall for the first time this year after being eligible for the honor for more than 25 years.
On Sunday, March 9, Hagar posted a video on his socials that captured a humorous exchange between the two frontmen that day. In the clip, Sammy acts as if Bad Company had already been chosen for induction, although the 2025 inductees won’t be announced until late April.
“Here I am running into my old buddy, my hero, Mr. Paul Rodgers,” he declares in the video. He then says to Rodgers, “Now Paul, you’re being inducted into the Hall of Fame. How do you feel about that? It’s about time, right? What do you think?
Rogers responds, “Well, it is about time. I mean, it’s validation. And it’s great for a kid from Middlesbrough [England] to reach this pinnacle of my career. Wonderful. Thank you.
Hagar then says, “All I can say is, Free, ‘All Right Now!’” referencing Rodgers’ early-1970s group’s biggest hit.
Paul chuckles, and then comments, “How does that go again? I can’t remember.”
Hagar Praises Rodgers in an Accompanying Message
To accompany the video Hagar wrote a note that reads, “[Paul Rodgers] had as much influence on my singing as any singer of my time. Hanging out with [Paul] … was a very special inspiring time spent to say the least. Congratulations on the [Rock Hall] ballot without a doubt a winner.”
In addition, Sammy shared that Free was one of his “favorite bands.”
Hagar’s longtime collaborator, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, posted a reaction to the video in the comments section of Hagar’s Instagram page.
“Two vocal forces to be reckoned with right there!!” Anthony wrote followed by eight fire emojis.
Incidentally, Hagar and Anthony were inducted into the Rock Hall as members of Van Halen in 2007.
Meanwhile, in comments section of Hagar’s Instagram post, a fan asked Sammy why he and Rodgers had met up. The Red Rocker replied in the comments, “just talking having lunch catching up[.] I wish it was more than that.”
Paul Rodgers Also Posted a Message About Meeting with Hagar
Rodgers posted a photo of his meeting with Hagar on his own Instagram page. The message featured a photo of the two singers smiling, with Sammy also flashing a peace sign. Behind them is a black and red sports car belonging to Hagar.
Rodgers accompanied the pic with a humorous note that reads, “Wonder why [Sammy Hagar] can’t drive 55? Check out his car!”
More About Bad Company’s Rock Hall Nomination
As previously reported, Bad Company is among 14 artists nominated for induction this year in the Performer category. The other nominees are Soundgarden, Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, The Black Crowes, Joe Cocker, Joy Division/New Order, Outkast, Oasis, Phish, The White Stripes, Chubby Checker, and Maná.
As is done every year, the Rock Hall is hosting an online poll offering fans the chance to vote for their favorite artist nominated for induction. Voting is open through April 21 at vote.rockhall.com. Once voting is closed, the five artists with the most votes will make up a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots submitted to determine the 2025 inductees.
As of about 6 p.m. ET on March 13, Bad Company was in second place in the fan ballot, far behind Phish. Billy Idol was in third place, just a few dozen votes behind Bad Company.
The 2025 Rock Hall Induction Ceremony will take place this fall in Los Angeles.
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