She Likes to Watch

Rocker shares speed trap stories at California Mid-State Fair

Note: As part of The Tribune’s coverage of the 2010 California Mid-State Fair, we’re running a series of concert reviews. Here, Tribune media specialist Kate Stratacos shares her experience at Saturday’s Sammy Hagar concert.

Hard rock legend Sammy Hagar has fun at the California Mid-State Fair.

Sammy Hagar & The Waboritas rocked the California Mid-State Fair Saturday night.

The concert opened with country-folk duo Buxton Hughes, who got the evening started as the sun went down and the Hagar die-hards filed in.

The arena was only about half full. However, fueled by tequila and good rock ‘n’ roll, the crowd was rowdy enough to make the show feel like a packed house.

At sundown, what seemed like a 1980s Mexican tourism video began playing, highlighting Hagar’s famed Cabo Wabo bar and the many celebrities who frequent it.

When the “Red Rocker” finally came out, dressed in cargo shorts and a casual red t-shirt, the crowd went wild. Hagar was in full force as well, playing such hits as “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Living On Top of the World” and “One Way to Rock.”

The performance was classic Sammy, from the Cabo Wabo beach backdrop to the on-stage bar. Hagar, famous for his hits with the 1970s band Montrose and his stint as lead singer of Van Halen, seemed excited to be on the Central Coast again.

He told the audience about his days with Montrose when he would often drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, passing through Paso Robles. According to Hagar, he would invariably get a speeding ticket while driving through the area, calling Paso Robles a “cop trap.”

Throughout the show, there was much to see onstage.

Hagar continually requested drinks from his scantily clad on-stage bartenders, who were more than happy to oblige. Thirty or so fans were also present on-stage, dancing the night away from a pair of bleachers behind Hagar’s Wabos.

The performance was energetic and full of good humor. You could tell Sammy was having a great time doing what he loves.

As the show wrapped up, the fans left looking energized. Yet most were ready, myself included, for a good night’s sleep — or maybe just one last margarita.