Sammy Hagar has offered his thoughts on the passing of former bandmate Ronnie Montrose, who died Saturday after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Sammy posted the following message:
"Ronnie Montrose gave me my first break as a songwriter, as a frontman, as a recording artist, as a touring artist, and for that I will always be grateful.
"I was looking forward to a reunion for my birthday bash in Cabo with Denny [Carnassi, drums], Bill [Church, bass] and Ronnie — one of the few bands from that era where all four original members were still able to do it.
"It's a shame to lose Ronnie and I'm so sorry for his loved ones. Rest in peace."
For more information, read the original breaking news story here.
Hagar was the vocalist in Montrose, whose 1973 debut has been referred to as the first American heavy metal album, and certainly a template for bands that followed.
Along with Church and Carmassi, Hagar and Montrose made a name for themselves with straight-ahead rockers like “Bad Motor Scooter,” “Rock The Nation” and “Rock Candy.”
The original Montrose lineup reformed to play as a special guest at several Sammy Hagar concerts in summers 2004 and 2005 - check out some video below.
Montrose Montrose (reunion) – Rock the Nation
Concord Pavilion – Concord, CA - August 14, 2005
See also:
Sammy Hagar on cover of debut Cigar & Spirits magazine
Ronnie Montrose dead at 64
Sammy Hagar: Eddie Van Halen underused bassist Michael Anthony
Sammy Hagar’s Beach Bar Rum coming Stateside this month