Sammy Hagar + Chad Smith Are the ‘Step Brothers’ of Rock [Exclusive Interview]
At the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards, we caught up with Van Halen legend Sammy Hagar and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who have played together in the band Chickenfoot. In the PRS Backstage Artist Lounge, the duo showed why they’re the Step Brothers of rock, bouncing lines off each other throughout the whole interview.
Hagar was the first recipient of the Loudwire Awards’ Humanitarian trophy, given to the "Red Rocker" for his many philanthropic contributions. Sammy told us a little about the work he does, including helping out families with terminally ill children. “That’s my softest spot and that’s the most expensive,” Hagar says. “It’s very expensive when you have a child like that and those people need help more than anyone.”
Hagar and Smith briefly debated exactly when they met, but Chad Smith pointed out the future Chickenfoot bandmates first became acquainted at Hagar’s Cabo Wabo in 2002. “The first time we hooked up, we kind of rolled for a while,” Hagar reveals. “What are you doing tonight? What are you doing tomorrow?” “It was like a four-year bender,” Smith adds.
The two constantly threw compliments each others’ way, with Hagar giving high praise to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ rhythm section. “I’m shocked at what him and Flea do,” Hagar says. “It’s like the most powerful rhythm section on the planet. [Chad] plays 24/7.” “I don’t get rusty,” Smith adds. “When you get to be a little bit older, the guys that stop, it’s not good. You’ve gotta keep playing, use it or lose it.”
Check out our interview with Sammy Hagar + Chad Smith above!
See Red Hot Chili Peppers in the Top 90 Hard Rock + Metal Albums of the 1990s
10 Best Rock + Metal Replacement Singers
More From Loudwire
![The Setlist From Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Woodstock ’99 Fiery Finale](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2024/07/attachment-Red-Hot-Chili-Peppers-Anthony-Kiedis-Flea-Fire-Emoji.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Photos – How Woodstock ’99 Progressed Into Absolute Chaos](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2024/07/attachment-woodstock_99_photos.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Setlist + Video – Sammy Hagar Launches Van Halen-Focused 2024 Tour](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2021/10/attachment-gettyimages-87862892-e1699974252208.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Sammy Hagar Got ‘No Response’ From Alex Van Halen About New Tour](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2022/11/attachment-sammy_hagar_alex_van_halen.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How Many Speeding Tickets Sammy Hagar Got Before + After Writing ‘I Can’t Drive 55′](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2024/06/attachment-police_speeding_ticket_sammy_hagar.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Flea to Appear on Spin-Off of Huge Kids TV Show, More Musicians Taking Part](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2024/06/attachment-Flea-Yo-Gabba.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![New Study Ranks the Top 10 ‘Ultimate Dad Rock Bands’](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2024/06/attachment-dad_rock_bands_ranked_study.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How Sammy Hagar Outsmarted Van Halen’s Cabo Wabo Shirts Ban](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2024/06/attachment-HagarTattoo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![10 HARD Rock Bands Whose Biggest Hit Is a Ballad](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2024/06/attachment-poison_disturbed_ballads.jpg?w=980&q=75)