Vice president of the Association of Retired Van Halen Frontmen, Sammy Hagar has finally gotten over it. He's not bitter. He's not angry. He's an entrepreneur -- and damn proud of it. |

Two years, one month and several raving media rants after parting ways with Van Halen, the notorious singer is concentrating tremendous energy on finishing another solo release, and absolutely nil on his former bandmates. Hagar hopes to wrap up work on Red Voodoo this summer, and ultimately release the MCA Records disc on or around his 51st birthday.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Hagar plans to sip his signature beverage -- a tequila-doused "Waborita" -- on the veranda at the Cabo Wabo Cantina before launching into an intimate birthday concert consisting mainly of new and unreleased songs. On Tuesday, a spokesman for the singer told JAMTV that Hagar will jet down to the sultry Mexican oasis next week to shoot publicity photos and surprise bar patrons with an impromptu rehearsal show with the musicians contributing to Red Voodoo.

Named for the aforementioned mind-altering concoction, the Waboritas comprises longtime drum collaborator David Lauser, guitarist Victor Johnson, female bassist Mona and keyboardist to the stars Jesse Harms, who may produce the disc with Hagar. According to their spokesman, the band has completed two tracks entirely, and now hopes to polish off a dozen more before Labor Day.

In the meantime, the ever-inventive Hagar will continue to plug and hock his premium namesake alcohol -- Cabo Wabo Tequila -- which debuted early this spring at finer liquor stores across the West and in Florida. Though the potent potion is only available in three states now, Hagar plans on expanding his business to Illinois soon. (Anni Layne)