Sammy Hagar opens Cabo birthday shows without Michael Anthony

Sammy Hagar performed the first of three Cabo Birthday Bash concerts on October 9, 2026, at the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Ultimate Classic Rock reported that the performance featured fewer Van Halen tracks than in previous years, opening instead with a heavy selection of material from his former band Montrose. [1]

The set list included only three Van Halen songs, which were Best of Both Worlds, Top of the World, and Poundcake. Ultimate Classic Rock also reported that Hagar played a cover of Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd toward the end of the concert. [1]

Longtime collaborator and Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony did not participate in this year's event. Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Anthony missed the show to travel with his wife in Oregon, citing a social media post where he stated he had to forgo the event. [1]

Hagar rose to prominence in the early 1970s with the hard rock group Montrose before launching a solo career. He later served as the lead vocalist for Van Halen from 1985 through 1996, and again from 2003 to 2005. [3]