Sammy Hagar is set to make his long-awaited return to the United Kingdom, announcing a newly reworked “Best Of All Worlds” tour that now places a stronger focus on smaller, more intimate venues.
The run marks Hagar’s first UK tour since 1996, adding extra weight to what is already being billed as a landmark return. The shows will also feature a setlist celebrating his 50-plus-year career, including what promoters describe as the deepest dive yet into his tenure with Van Halen. Fans can expect a hit-packed night featuring classics such as “Why Can’t This Be Love”, “5150”, “Best Of Both Worlds”, and “I Can’t Drive 55”, among others. It will also mark the first time Hagar has performed Van Halen material in the UK since the band’s iconic Wembley Stadium shows three decades ago.
Originally, Hagar and his band—guitarist Joe Satriani, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, and drummer Kenny Aronoff—were scheduled to play large arenas including Manchester’s AO Arena, Birmingham’s BP Pulse Live, Leeds’ First Direct Arena, and London’s O2 Arena. However, those plans have now been replaced with a more condensed and venue-focused itinerary.
The revised UK leg will now see the group perform at University of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall on July 6, Manchester’s O2 Apollo on July 7, and conclude with a three-night residency at London’s British Airways ARC on July 9, 11, and 12.
Promoters AEG explained the reasoning behind the change in a statement, linking the decision to Hagar’s recent live production experience in Las Vegas. “Inspired by the breakthrough success of his recent Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live, where advanced sound and immersive technology redefined the live experience, the July 2026 dates have been reconfigured to prioritise similar venues across the UK.”
Hagar himself also reflected on the shift and the intention behind the updated approach, saying: “After waiting 30 years to come back, we really wanted to get this right. Several factors pushed us toward revising this tour but after wrapping our Las Vegas residency last month at Dolby Live where the sound, the technology, and the more intimate size really lets us connect with the audiences, it was clear that we wanted to deliver an experience like that for our fans in England.
“When I heard our promoter was opening a similar tech-forward venue in London that really sealed the deal for me. Three nights, a fresh set every night, and I get to stay in London, one of my favourite cities in the world, for a week. That’s the Best of All Worlds!”
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, who were initially set to support Hagar on the original UK arena dates, will now embark on their own headline tour.
Fans who purchased tickets for the original UK arena shows will be contacted directly and offered priority presale access for the new dates, along with a 10% merchandise offer on show nights.
