Blimp Time-Hop: Sammy Hagar Brings VOA To The Civic Center In ’85

35 years ago today, Sammy Hagar played his first headlining show at the Civic Center.  He'd been to Portland twice previously. The first show was opening for Boston in 1978. the second appearance was as the warm-up for ZZ Top in 1983 (my first concert evah! BTW)

On April 7, 1985, the Red Rocker returned to Portland on the VOA tour with Dokken opening. The VOA album eventually went platinum and features his signature song, I Can’t Drive 55. 
The show fell on a Sunday. We bet some Blimpsters had a rough first day back to work or school after being up late partying with Sammy. Looks like it was well worth it, though. Check out what he played.

Later on that year in September, Sammy played onstage with Eddie Van Halen for the first time at the first Farm Aid. This was the historic and public transition from successful solo artist to fronting Van Halen.

Here's that first very public onstage jam with Eddie covering Led Zeppelin's Rock and Roll.

His next appearance as a headliner at the Civic Center for a two night stand in Portland in the summer of ’86. Now Sammy Hagar was Van Halen’s new lead singer.

Here's the whole show in New Haven a couple days after they rocked Portland senseless.

Check out Sammy and the Circle featuring Michael Anthony (bass), Jason Bonham (drums), Vic Johnson (guitar) jamming from home. They've been getting together virtually for what they are calling "Lockdown Sessions" and the result is nothing short of phenomenal. Here's comes The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again!