Sammy Hagar's Favorite Neil Young Song: Unveiling the Magic of 'After the Gold Rush'
(Image: Far Out Magazine)
January 4, 2026
Despite his iconic status as a heavy metal singer, known for his thunderous voice that can shake the rafters, Sammy Hagar's musical journey began with a folk-inspired dream. In his own words, 'I heard Donovan and thought, 'Yeah, man, I wanna be like that.' As a young singer-songwriter, I was really inspired by him, even more than Dylan, whom I do love, too.'
Hagar's folk-inclined beginnings are evident in his admiration for the mystical 'Sunshine Superman' by Donovan. This influence has lingered in Hagar's work, seamlessly blending folk magic with a rockier edge.
Neil Young, the enigmatic musician, stands as the bridge between these two worlds. He is the Godfather of Grunge and the creator of one of the most tender records ever, 'After the Gold Rush'. Hagar's favorite song from Young's extensive catalog is indeed the title track from this album.
Hagar shared his experience with Young's music during a concert in Portland. He vividly recalled, 'I walked into a concert of Neil's while he was in the middle of 'After the Gold Rush'. He was seated at a small, antique-looking pump organ that sounded amazing.' The beauty, invention, and humility of the performance left a profound impact on Hagar.
This experience led Hagar to a deeper understanding of the song's lyrics, which he interpreted as a metaphor for aliens, UFOs, and a second coming in spaceships. Interestingly, Hagar's own song, 'Silver Lights,' written in 1975, explored a similar theme, further fueling his imagination.
Hagar's admiration for Young's music is evident in his collaborations. He has performed at several Bridge School Benefits alongside Young, and he holds 'After the Gold Rush' in high regard. He describes it as 'extremely special and from a very deep place.'
The song's environmentalism, a reflection of Young's fierce side, resonates with Hagar, who is a Scorpio, just like Young. He considers them friends and fans of each other, showcasing the deep connection between these musical icons.
As Hagar's career soared with Van Halen, his admiration for Young's music only grew, solidifying his place as a true fan and a master of his craft.
