Fans will be excited to know that Sammy Hagar is set to release a heartfelt new single titled “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.” on April 25th, 2025, via Big Machine Rock. This track, co-written with guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, serves as a tribute to the late Eddie Van Halen.
The track was inspired by a dream and brought to reality by introspective lyrics, powerful chords and rhythmic guitar and drums. The single will debut globally across all platforms on April 25th, accompanied by an official lyric video on YouTube.
Inspired by a vivid dream Hagar had about the late Eddie Van Halen, the song marks a full-circle moment in his storied career. “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.” features Hagar on vocals, Michael Anthony on bass, Joe Satriani on guitar and Kenny Aronoff on drums.
About the song, Hagar said: “This song is my final bow to that part of my life. It’s not meant to be anything more than a ‘thank you,’ with love, with respect, and with one hell of a guitar solo.”
Hagar also shared that Satriani’s contribution to the track brought a unique emotional energy. He said:
“Joe was the perfect partner to help me shape the sound — he brought in that big, emotional, guitar-driven energy that feels like Eddie’s spirit but is entirely of Joe’s creation. With Michael Anthony’s thundering bass and stellar Van Halen-esque background vocals and Kenny Aronoff’s relentlessly powerful driving rhythms, the song really came together on all levels.”
The production, handled by Hagar, Satriani and Eric Caudieux, delivers a sound that is at once nostalgic and forward-looking. According to Hagar, the dream that sparked the song came about a year after Eddie’s passing and left a lasting impact. Rather than being a somber farewell, the song is a celebration and expression of appreciation — for the fans, and for the unforgettable chapter they shared in Van Halen.
