Sammy Hagar has announced his return to the UK with his all-star Best of All Worlds Band for a series of arena shows in summer 2026. The announcement was revealed in a statement shared on Instagram.
The official announcement confirmed that the tour will feature a deep dive into Hagar’s extensive catalog, with particular emphasis on his Van Halen era.
“It’s been a long time coming. Let’s rock! Sammy Hagar is headed to the UK with his all-star Best of All Worlds Band (Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff) for an arena tour featuring a deep-dive into his catalog with Van Halen, as a solo artist and more,” the announcement read. “Joined by special guest Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, the tour kicks off 4 July, 2026 in Manchester, and continues to Birmingham, Leeds, and wraps up at London O2 Arena. This is a night of classic hits you won’t want to miss!”
Hagar elaborated on the setlist composition, explaining his approach to honoring the Van Halen legacy.
“It’s gonna be the same mix of songs – very Van Halen-heavy, because Joe can do it. I’m playing 10 or 12 Van Halen songs, seven or eight Sammy songs, a couple of Chickenfoot songs, a couple of Montrose songs,” he said.
The rock veteran also addressed his decision to lean more heavily into Van Halen material following recent developments in the band’s history.
“Since Eddie died and since Alex sold his drumkit, I feel more comfortable leaning into my era of Van Halen, and even playing a few of the old songs, because frickin’ Mike Anthony’s in the band,” Hagar explained. “I feel good about playing a lot of Van Halen stuff, cos no one will ever hear it again. And that was the biggest part of my career, and everybody’s career, for god’s sake. It was the biggest band in the world.”
He emphasized the importance of keeping the music alive for fans.
“People deserve to hear that music. And I wouldn’t play it if we didn’t do it justice. But you can listen to the new record [Sammy Hagar & The Best Of All Worlds Band – The Residency] and hear it – that is this band live. There’s no overdubs,” he continued.
The UK tour represents a continuation of Hagar’s successful Best of All Worlds Tour, which has been celebrating his diverse musical legacy across multiple projects.
Louder Sound reported that the UK dates are scheduled for July 4 in Manchester, July 5 in Birmingham, July 7 in Leeds, and July 9 at the O2 Arena in London. The tour brings together longtime collaborators who have been instrumental in recreating the classic Van Halen sound. Michael Anthony will be on bass, Joe Satriani on guitar, and Kenny Aronoff on drums for the UK shows.
The setlist for the Best of All Worlds Tour has consistently featured a mix of Van Halen classics from Hagar’s era with the band, alongside his solo hits and Montrose material. Setlist.fm noted that typical Van Halen tracks performed include “Good Enough,” “Poundcake,” “Runaround,” “Best of Both Worlds,” and “When It’s Love,” which often closes the shows. The setlist also features Hagar solo staples like “Stand Up” and “I Can’t Drive 55,” delivering a comprehensive celebration of his entire career.
The tour has gained additional significance following the death of Eddie Van Halen and the subsequent changes in the Van Halen legacy. Louder Sound revealed that Hagar has invited both Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth to join him on stage at various stops. It remains to be seen if any special guests will appear during the UK dates. The presence of Michael Anthony, who was Van Halen’s bassist during Hagar’s tenure with the band, adds authenticity to the performances.
The Best of All Worlds Band has been praised for their ability to faithfully recreate the Van Halen sound while bringing fresh energy to the material. With Joe Satriani’s virtuoso guitar work filling Eddie Van Halen’s legendary shoes and the rhythm section of Anthony and Aronoff providing a solid foundation, the band has proven they can do justice to the classic material. The addition of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts as special guests promises to make the UK tour an unmissable event for rock fans.
