Sammy Hagar and his band The Circle have premiered the seventh in a series of remotely recorded “Lockdown Sessions” performance videos, which you can watch at the Red Rocker’s YouTube channel and social media pages.
The new clip features Hagar, bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Jason Bonham and guitarist Vic Johnson paying tribute to the late Little Richard with a fiery rendition of the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer’s 1957 hit “Keep A-Knockin’.”
Bonham kicks off the performance with a drum beat that’s a clear nod to the part his father, late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, played at the beginning of his band’s classic song “Rock and Roll.”
Hagar explains in a note about his and The Circle’s rendition of “Keep A-Knockin’,” “I had the hardest time with this one because every time I came in singing, I started singing Led Zeppelin ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’! It took me three damn takes.”
Sammy adds, “My favorite drummer and my favorite singer of all time — love this one hope you do too. Long live the music of John Bonham and Little Richard!”
Little Richard died May 9 at age 87 of bone cancer.
All of the “Lockdown Sessions” videos have been put together with clips that Hagar and his Circle band mates have recorded separately while self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, this past week, Sammy and The Circle released a joint statement announcing that the group’s 2020 summer tour has been canceled due to the pandemic.
“We can’t wait for the day when we’re safely on the other side of this and can hit the stage and celebrate with you again,” the message reads. “Until then, stay safe and we’ll do our best to continue entertaining you with our Lockdown Sessions!”
