Van Halen's Sammy Hagar launches Mexican-style beer in Detroit

DETROIT, Mich. (FOX 2) - Van Halen's beloved Sammy Hagar is calling all the shots when it comes to his new beer, and he decided it should be brewed in Detroit.  

"I've always wanted to make beer because I know my fans are beer drinkers," Hagar told Fox 2. "I’ve been pouring tequila down their throats for like 35-40 years."

The ex-lead singer of Van Halen, who pioneered the Cabo Wabo lifestyle and tequila, celebrated the launch of his own Mexican-style beer –Red Rocker Lager– during his current band's show at the Fillmore in Detroit Monday night. Hagar is now the lead vocalist of The Circle. 

The beer is in collaboration with Brew Detroit, a full-service contract beer maker in Corktown.

"It’s friggin Detroit! Come on. The rock and roll capital of the world in my opinion. …It’s an industrial town. It’s a blue-collar town. It’s my kind of fans' town," he said. "It’s the auto industry which is my first love – our cars you know! I’ve been a car collector from day 1."

By next summer, Red Rocker Lager is expected to be produced in nine different cities.

"I like to invest in myself and my other dreams," Hagar said.