Imagine a legendary rock icon belting out one of the most iconic grunge anthems of all time, alongside the very guitarist who co-created it. That’s exactly what happened when Sammy Hagar took the stage with Jerry Cantrell to perform Alice in Chains' 'Man in the Box' at his annual Birthday Bash. But here's where it gets even more electrifying: this wasn’t just any performance—it was a raw, growling rendition that pushed Hagar’s vocal limits, as captured in fan-recorded footage. And this is the part most people miss: it was just one of many jaw-dropping moments during Hagar’s four-show extravaganza in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, held at his iconic Cabo Wabo Cantina from October 7th to 13th.
The Birthday Bash, a tradition as legendary as Hagar himself, is more than just a celebration—it’s a rock ‘n’ roll summit. This year’s lineup was nothing short of stellar, featuring not only Cantrell but also Belinda Carlisle, Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna, and other rock royalty. Each night was a masterclass in musical collaboration, with Hagar’s rhythm section—drummer Kenny Aronoff and Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony—providing the backbone for unforgettable performances. Cantrell’s appearances were particularly noteworthy, as the grunge pioneer joined forces with guitarist Zach Throne to deliver blistering renditions of Alice in Chains classics like 'Would,' 'Rooster,' and, of course, 'Man in the Box.'
But here’s where it gets controversial: On the third night, Cantrell flipped the script, taking lead vocals on a festive cover of Van Halen’s 'Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love' before handing the mic to Hagar for 'Man in the Box.' Was this a bold move or a risky one? Did Hagar’s deeper growl do justice to the grunge anthem, or did it stray too far from the original? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Beyond Cantrell’s show-stealing moments, the Bash was packed with highlights. Belinda Carlisle delivered nostalgic performances of The Go-Go’s 'We Got the Beat' and her solo hit 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth,' while Joey Belladonna showcased his versatility with renditions of Journey’s 'Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)' and a duet with Hagar on Van Halen’s 'Best of Both Worlds.'
As the Cabo festivities wrap up, Hagar is already looking ahead to his 2026 Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, where he’ll perform 11 shows across March and September. Will this residency top the energy of the Birthday Bash? Only time will tell. In the meantime, you can relive the magic of Hagar’s 2025 Birthday Bash, including his performances with Jerry Cantrell, in the footage below. What’s your take on Hagar’s 'Man in the Box' rendition? Did it hit the right notes, or did it miss the mark? Share your thoughts below!
