Sammy Hagar’s been hyping his band’s upcoming second album, “Chickenfoot III,” for so long now that we’ll soon see if he’s been walking the walk as much as he’s been talking the talk.
The first single, “Big Foot,” arrives August 2 and the band has recently issued a teaser clip of the new track.
“It's the best record I've ever made," Hagar tells Rolling Stone, a very bold statement from a guy whose career includes the debut Montrose release and four Van Halen albums.
"Chickenfoot III" represents are some of Hagar and guitarist Joe Satriani's favorite hooks yet. "It's a lot more musical than the last record – the hooks and the songs are better," says Hagar. Satriani adds, "We created a record that was deeper and better than the first one . . . it makes a musician very happy when they can see that they are involved with something that's very moving forward and life-changing."
The band may tour in November, although it will have to find another drummer – Chad Smith is busy with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
"That's the biggest disappointment about the whole thing," says Hagar, adding the band has auditioned several drummers and have an audition with Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Smashing Pumpkins). "He's going to spend a couple days with us and we're just going to jam and see if he fits. It's got to be the chemistry. Kenny can play that's for sure and we all like him. He's kind of like Chad – he's kind of crazy and he hits so f**king hard that he beats his drum set to the ground that after every show he needs a new drum set."
The fall is also looking to be a busy time for Hagar's former band, Van Halen – they're playing five Australian dates in September and early October and have reportedly been recording an album with David Lee Roth. "It better be great, because they waited a long time," Hagar says. "And Chickenfoot raised the bar."
We’ll see…and hear more when “Chickenfoot III” hits stores September 27; no confirmed release date has been announced for the new VH, but clearly the battle’s on for one Sammy Hagar.
Chickenfoot Chickenfoot – Get It Up (2009)
See also:
Chickenfoot: Hear sample of first single from Chickenfoot III
Chickenfoot: Hear first audio tease from new album
Chickenfoot sign North American deal with eOne Music
Chickenfoot: New album due in September
Sammy Hagar announces 2011 Cabo Birthday Bash
Michael Anthony: Chickenfoot vs. Van Halen
Sammy Hagar: Limited Edition Signature Explorer guitar available
Chickenfoot completes mixing new album
Chickenfoot: second album almost finished
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani perform anthem at San Francisco Giants game
Joe Satriani: New Chickenfoot ‘kicks pretty hard’
VIDEO: Chickenfoot in the studio
