ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | Sammy Hagar and The Circle Rock Ribfest

Naperville Ribfest Presents Rocker Sammy Hagar and The Circle

Naperville’s Knoch Park was packed with excitement and energy with the anticipation of The Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest 2015 main stage performance of Sammy Hagar and The Circle featuring: Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson.

In a personal Glancer Magazine interview, it was evident that these four legends are having the time of their life while sharing the utmost respect for each other. “I’ve been a solo artist again for a long time – we all know that – and I choose to be in a band again - because of this band,” Hagar says.

“It’s like magic – good chemistry!” He went on to brag about Michael Anthony’s bass and vocal talents regarding him as one of the top three rock bass players and vocalists in rock history; continued to highlight Vic Johnson as one of the hardest working guys he knows; and emphasized the respect of serving the music properly when playing songs from Jason Bonham’s, Led Zeppelin Experience.

“With this band, we try to serve the music as good as we can, as best as possible without destroying the essence of it - and then try and put our own soul and energy into it,” Hagar said as he explained why the band is named The Circle. “This band can play my whole career – my whole everything I’ve done – it’s come full circle.”

When not playing music, these guys love their food and plan extra days in cities they anticipate having the best food joints in the country: like, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, and Dallas. “Ask these guys what we talk about – city by city – it’s the restaurants - it’s not the women, it’s not the strip joints - it’s the restaurants,” Hagar says.

In Chicago, favorite stops include Gibson’s Steakhouse and The Wiener Circle; and in Naperville – the ribs, of course! We also found out that Vic “Hellcat” Johnson makes some of the best ribs around! Although Hagar made it clear he has no plans to change professions, he has a new cookbook coming out in September which will include recipes he has created with chef friends like Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali, Julian Serrano, and Michael Mina.

After our interview, these guys rocked Naperville like no other. They graciously signed autographs while performing on stage, took photos with fans, and before leaving Naperville - Hagar donated $2,500 to Loaves & Fishes Community Services. –Kristen Kucharski

PHOTO GALLERY

Concert Photos by Mike Catuara, Interview Photo by Lynn Logan

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