Advertise on podcast: The Bogus Otis Show: 9 Degrees of Sammy Hagar

In this episode the Bo-Hosts launch Season 8 with the epic return of Brian Hodous, another key player within Sammy's "Avengers"! Brian has a massive CV spanning almost 50 years... and counting.  Brian is a Master Jedi when it comes to strategic planning, operational oversight, leadership & team management, cross-functional collaboration and Building Internal & External Relationships! (Damn, say that 13 times fast! ) Brian has also been the Chief Operating Officer of Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktail Co and was a key figure behind Activision and their MASSIVE Guitar Hero video game which helped extend the careers of  most of bands we all love! Brian is also a passionate philanthropist and the man behind the annual Hodie Bash, which celebrated it's 45th Anniversary in 2026.  Headlined by multi-platinum rock bands, the Hodie Bash is a long-running annual tradition founded & hosted by Brian and his wife, Mikki. The event takes place at Chicago's legendary Metro and all proceeds raised directly benefit the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago to support vital pediatric medical care. Brian is always a ton of fun and was born to RUM!  He's a helluva hang and a man who's stellar CV and career spans over 40 years! So RUM, don't walk, to hear all about the amazing LIFE OF BRIAN- RIGHT NOW! For more on the incredible Hodie Bash: https://hodiebash.org/ For more on Sammy's Beach Bar Rum: https://www.sammysbeachbarrum.com/ For more on Sammy's Beach Bar Cocktail Co: https://sbbcco.com/ For more on Brian's amazing career check here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biranhodous/ https://hopsspirits.com/2023/06/29/happy-hour-qa-with-sammys-beach-bar-cocktail-and-beach-bar-rum/ "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

Kick-off those worn-out shoes, let your hair down and pour yourself some lite roast, because the Bo-Hosts welcome you to: Sammy Sunday Mornings!  The "BONUS OTIS" mini-episodes are bite-sized and focus on the mellower side of the RedRocker's catalog! In this episode, the Bo-Hosts follow up 1976's eerily prophetic "Crack in the World" with 1977's  "Little Star/Eclipse".  At the time of recording, Sammy was on the Eddie Trunk show discussing the Vegas Residency, and his future. Sammy said he wanted to revisit his solo catalog, and more specifically, revive and complete his epic "Space Opera". Sammy fans know that each album he's has done has included a song about space, time, aliens, contact from beyond, UFO's or the universe itself. This song essentially merges Christian imagery, Floyd-esque psychedelic imagery and science fiction. In this episode the Bo-Hosts also explore the songs that continue this thematic through-thread, and which tune comprise Sammy's "Space Opera", to try and decipher his full message. Is it: contact → another world → aliens → silver lights → the Milky Way → altered consciousness → transformation. Or is it: outer space, spiritual mystery, transformation, escape from the physical self, and the possibility that humanity is part of something much larger. Or both? Pour a coffee, slip into some soft pants and you decide! All songs available for purchase on iTunes! We bought it- so should you! Be sure to check out our Sammy Sunday Mornings playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1CTfcl4F52kCPMBoWf3P3f?si=h6uAFSNsT1mOLYtbUhiaSA "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this truly heartfelt and entertaining episode, the Bo-Hosts welcome fellow podcasters Ella and David "Bro" Lauser to the show!  "Bro" - a legend who needs no introduction, returns for his 4th appearance, but this time he brings along his  wonderful daughter, Ella! Ella and "Bro" host the highly-entertaining "Can You Dig It?" podcast, and if you haven't checked it out yet, you need to pause our show NOW -and go listen!   "Can You Dig It?" is a heartfelt, banter-filled genre-jumping conversation between father and daughter, riffing on life, challenges, healing, and the music that scores it all. Their perfect chemistry and timing ( hey come on, they are both drummers!) is engaging as it is deep. Not only do father and daughter explain why they started the show, they talk about life in and around Sammy's solo bands, and, for the 1st time ever, reveal a shocking story about Bro's recent brush with death!  So, it back an enjoy this very deep, very personal and very touching episode! More on the "Can You Dig It?" podcast and YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CanYouDigItPodcast-4-4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canyoudigit_podcast/ Can You Dig It? Podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/033FcoERjlZYMs8Rq9hsXG Can You Dig It? Now on Apple podcast 🎙️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-you-dig-it-podcast/id6790172104 More on Ella Lauser: https://ellalauser.com/ More on David "Bro" Lauser: https://www.davidlauser.com/index.html Annnd their dreaded/beloved track swap playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ttDSsKkqB67gmroFExSRM?si=vP3dnDB7TIi5sjkWL8GZaQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=iZ-ZCPpgSESge #rock #rockhistory #drummer #fatherdaughter #canyoudigit #davidLauser #ellalauser #canyoudigitpodcast "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

This BEST of ALL WORLDS Band heavy-hitter is an iconic American drummer & session musician is one of the "most recorded drummer in music history", was voted "Top 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine, and has played on records totalling over 300 million sales!  Of course we're talking about the legendary drummer, best-selling author and speaker:  Kenny Aronoff Kenny was inspired by The Beatles' 1964 Ed Sullivan performance  and pivoted from classical percussion to a lifelong career in rock n roll. He is best known for his 17-year tenure with John Mellencamp and his long stint with John Fogerty, but Kenny has played/recorded or toured with practically EVERYONE.  Check out this list : Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. Loretta Lynn, Tony Iommi, Alice Cooper, Smashing Pumpkins, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Steven Tyler, Celine Dion, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrisette, Avril Lavigne, BB King, Buddy Guy, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Skynyrd, Mellencamp, the Beatles, Buddy Rich tribute ,Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Triumph, Lady Gaga, Chickenfoot ....and now Kenny is in Sammy's Best of All Worlds band! Come hear what it was like for an overly energetic young boy growing up in Stockbridge, Massachusetts nicking Norman Rockwell’s cigarettes, (almost ) shagging Norman Mailer’s daughter, crashing backyard parties with Faye Dunaway, Frank Langella, Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks, and touring the world with the RedRocker himself! Join the Bo-Hosts for an episode almost as BIG as Kenny's pipes! More on Kenny here: https://kennyaronoff.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kennyaronoff/ https://www.facebook.com/KennyAronoffOfficial "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this episode the Bo-Hosts are truly excited sit down with the charismatic SpiderCherry, Sammy's new keyboard player for the  2026 “Best of All Worlds” Tour. SpiderCherry is the genre-defying dynamic solo project of London-born, Florida-based musician Nathan Mercado. Known for his theatrical stage presence and remarkable ability to sing while playing two pianos simultaneously, he has carved out a distinctive sound that blends piano-driven pop, glam influences, and hook-heavy alternative rock.  Fueled by years of international performance experience, SpiderCherry delivers music that is fearless, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore, while drawing listeners into the stories, influences, and unique creative vision. Come hear the incredible story how SpiderCherry went from the Florida bar scene to entertaining millions ( via a DLR connection! ) while playing two pianos simultaneously,  as Sammy's new man on the keys!  More on SpiderCherry here: FB: https://www.facebook.com/spidercherry Website: https://spidercherry.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/spidercherry/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/spidercherrymusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RFKMUiiNFqwLA2IXS9xQF?si=ZrbFa7hhRWi21iVIGgGW1Q YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Spidercherry "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this truly EPIC episode the Bo-Hosts welcome recording artist, performer, producer, inventor, Emmy award-winning composer, and music education advocate Mark Wood, who PBS has dubbed "The Eddie Van Halen of the Violin World"! Mark has appeared alongside some of the biggest names in music such as Billy Joel, Celine Dion, and Lenny Kravitz.  As a member of Billy Joel's touring band, Wood shared the stage with Paul McCartney, Steven Tyler, and Roger Daltrey, and was also an original member of the multi-platinum selling, internationally acclaimed Trans Siberian Orchestra.  A successful solo artist in his own right, Wood writes and records original music for film and television, has released seven solo albums, tours with his band The Mark Wood Experience (MWE).  Mark also devotes his energies to empowering America’s music programs with his groundbreaking music education program Electrify Your Symphony (EYS), currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. EYS helps raise the much-needed funds for school music departments across America, and recently he and his EYS musicians performed an incredible cover of Van Halen's "Dreams", from the epic 1986 album, 5150. Sit back an enjoy this very special episode; you can't help but be inspired by Mark's passion for music and his perseverance  to always "go beyond your intended mission!” Mark and his Orchestra's cover of  Van Halen's "DREAMS": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB-a8koQLeI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qimdiP9JpJY Follow Mark here: https://www.markwoodmusic.com/about https://www.facebook.com/MarkWoodMusic/ https://www.instagram.com/markwoodexperience https://www.tiktok.com/@markwoodmusic?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/markwoodtv Mark's incredible Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRaD4wWa864&t=97s "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this sequel to episode 8, the Bo-Hosts continue celebrating the 38th Anniversary of Van Halen's multi-platinum sophomore album, OU812, and make it all about Mikey!  Fans know this album is heavily criticized for it's lack of low end, so the Bo-Hosts go beyond the bass to discuss Michael Anthony's soaring, high tenor harmonies!  We all know Mikey's vocal contributions were integral to the VH sound, but is OU812  his greatest? Do his harmonies make OU812  a more "summery" listening experience than 5150? Could OU812  be elevated in it's stature with a better track listing?  To find out, crack open a Sammy libation of choice and keep the DeLorean's controls set to 1988 and buckle up for an episode so big it needed a sequel! "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this episode, the Bo-Hosts celebrate the 38th Anniversary of Van Halen's multi-platinum sophomore album, OU812.   Released on May 24, 1988, OU812 (pronounced "Oh You Ate One Too") debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and was the Sammy Hagar-fronted band's second consecutive studio album to hit the top spot.  The classic, but equally controversial album (due to it's lack of low-end Michael Anthony), spawned four Top-40 singles, including the smash hit "When It's Love".  But after 38 years, the Bo-hosts revisit the album's overlooked cookers, such as "AFU", "Source of Infection" and "Black and Blue", to discuss why they should be re-appraised, their VH rankings and their sonic-siblings! So crack open a Sammy libation of choice, set the DeLorean's controls for the sun-drenched days of 1988 and join the Bo-Hosts for an episode so big it needed to be split in half!  "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this episode, the Bo-Hosts reflect on the 42-day emotional rollercoaster-ride between the soaring high of Van Halen releasing the epic, chart-topping "Humans Being"  inmid-May 1996, andthe crushing (absent) Father's Day low  of June 26th, the day it was announced that Sammy had officially left the band. What happened?! Why!? How??! Have we been living in the "Bizzaro" world of a Sammy-less Van Halen ever since?? "Humans Being"  rocked. It was dark, menacing and showed a glimpse of a band getting faster, heavier, just when we wanted them too....then, just over a month later- POOF! It was all over. You break this, I'll break all that You break my balls with all your crap Tune in as we wonder why your life is screaming, as the podcast covers Humans Being! "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

Kick-off those worn-out shoes, let your hair down and pour yourself some lite roast, because the Bo-Hosts welcome you to: Sammy Sunday Mornings!  The "BONUS OTIS" mini-episodes are bite-sized and focus on the mellower side of the RedRocker's catalog! In this episode, the Bo-Hosts prove again that Sammy Hagar writes solid lyrics! More proof you ask? Well, how many other artists write songs with lyrics that are just as relevant- if not more so- five decades after the song's release?! It's almost like Sammy borrowed Marty's Delorean to write the eerily prophetic "Crack in the World" off 1976's Musical Chairs.  This song's incredibly spot-on lyrics warn about the coming  social/political/financial polarity and that specifically "in 2025" there will be a "great divide". CRAZY RIGHT!? How did Sammy nail this insights like these 50 years ago?! Hold up, it's not Sammy's only prophetic song, but it could be his "prog-rock-iest" lyrical prediction for sure! Is this Sammy in "full Floyd" mode? Well, let us know as we slowed down the outro by 10%...so put your feet up and join the Bo-Hosts for another lazy, hazy, Sammy Sunday! All songs available for purchase on iTunes! We bought it- so should you! Be sure to check out our Sammy Sunday Mornings playlist on Spotify! "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this episode, the Bo-Hosts are joined by Canadian rock historian, podcaster and author Tim Durling (Tim’s Vinyl Confessions) to continue the 40th-anniversary celebration of Van Halen’s 5150. Tim shares his "on-ramp" story—the moment "Why Can’t This Be Love?" changed everything—before diving into a world of physical media mysteries. From the "holy grail" 5150 8-track (yes, they existed in 1986!) to the hunt for the highly-elusive VOA, the trio explores the technical quirks and bizarre track-lists of a dying format. Then the guys bridge the gap from 5150 to Sammy’s 1987 solo record, I Never Said Goodbye. They dissect Eddie Van Halen’s quiet fingerprints as a producer & bassist on the album and how this "contractual obligation" record became a Gold-selling bridge between 5150 and Ou812 eras and in some cases, "honorary" Van Halen tracks! It’s a high-speed session on rare gear, 80s nostalgia, and the peak of the Red Rocker era. Get Up and listen now! Find Tim here: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimsVinylConfessions https://www.instagram.com/timsvinylconfessions/ https://linktr.ee/timsvinylconfessions https://www.teepublic.com/user/timsvinylconfessions "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

Kick-off those worn-out shoes, let your hair down and pour yourself some lite roast, because the Bo-Hosts welcome you to: Sammy Sunday Mornings!  The "BONUS OTIS" mini-episodes are bite-sized and focus on the mellower side of the RedRocker's catalog! In this episode, the Bo-Hosts turn the DeLorean towards 2011's epic Zeppelin-esque "Something Going Wrong".  While Chickenfoot's follow-up album rocked, this foreboding tune is chill and can be classified as a Sammy Sunday Mornings track!   Is "III" even better than Chickenfoot's killer-no-filler 2009 debut? Possibly. It's hard to say, but this album's closer evokes some very reflective lyrics and some very deep thoughts, for a Sunday. Could it also be the sibling-song to Balance's "Feelin"?  Possibly!! To find out, pour yourself a coffee, put your feet up and join the Bo-Hosts for another lazy, hazy, Sammy Sunday! All songs available for purchase on iTunes! We bought it- so should you! Be sure to check out our Sammy Sunday Mornings playlist on Spotify! "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

"It's not who you are its how you dress!" In this episode, the Bo-Hosts revisit the fun and the fashion of the 5150 era!  1986 was a pivotal year as Sammy started his mega-successful run fronting Van Halen. Pink parachute pants, yellow watches, white teeth and RED guitars permeated 5150's tour book. The band arguably sounded a bit different, but they also looked a bit different as the back half of the 80's unfolded. The fun matched the fury and the clothes were as loud as the guitars during the heights of Yuppie" culture, consumerism, and the aggressive musical pursuit of wealth!  So grab your 5150 tour book (if you can still find one) as the Bo-Hosts reminisce over one of the most colourful decades, and colourful moments, in Van Halen's history.  "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

Kick-off those worn-out shoes, let your hair down and pour yourself some lite roast, because the Bo-Hosts welcome you to: Sammy Sunday Mornings!  The "BONUS OTIS" mini-episodes are bite-size and focus on the mellower side of the RedRocker's catalog! In this episode, the Bo-Hosts chill out and reflect on Sammy's 1979 classic cover of Otis Redding's  "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay".  This soulful rendition definitely qualifies as a Sammy Sunday Mornings track!   Sammy has stated many times how much soul music has inspired him, and he definitely delivers soul on this laid-back track that could be the sibling-song to his Staples Singers cover of "I'll Take you There" which became "Let Me Take You There". So pour yourself a coffee, put your feet up and grab a seat on the dock for another lazy, hazy, Sammy Sunday! All songs available for purchase on iTunes! We bought it- so should you! Be sure to check out our Sammy Sunday Mornings playlist on Spotify! "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]

In this segment, the Bo-hosts welcome Eric Senich, longtime VHND contributing writer and creator/host of the highly-popular Booked on Rock podcast, for a high-energy discussion to coincide with 5150's 40th anniversary deluxe reissue. Along with discussing the merit's of 5150's enduring legacy, and stadium-ready riffs, the group discusses the title track’s technical layers and its significance as a mission statement for the "new" Van Halen in 1986. Crack a cold one (RRL recommended), grab your deluxe reissue, which was released today, and come hear "what's goin' down...on the Inside"! Find and listen to Eric here: https://www.bookedonrock.com/ https://www.vhnd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bookedonrockpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/bookedonrockpodcast "What is understood...NEED be discussed" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BogusOtisShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBogusOtisShow Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebogusotisshow Connect with the Bo-Hosts: [email protected]