Rock legend Sammy Hagar has set the record straight after a recent video showing him in the studio with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee went viral online. Fans quickly speculated that the clip hinted at a potential new supergroup or project involving the trio. However, Hagar has now clarified that the session was simply a spontaneous collaboration that spiraled into online buzz.
The Red Rocker revealed that the moment captured in the viral clip came from a casual recording session where he lent his vocals to a new Nickelback track — one that Kroeger wrote in Hagar’s signature upbeat and positive style.
“It’s not a supergroup, and it’s not some secret new project,” Sammy Hagar explained. “It was just a fun day in the studio. Chad wrote a song that had this uplifting, feel-good vibe that reminded him of something I’d do, so he invited me down to sing on it. That’s all there is to it.”
A Spontaneous Studio Jam
According to Hagar, the collaboration happened organically. While he was in town, Chad Kroeger invited him to visit the studio where Nickelback was working on their upcoming album. One thing led to another, and the jam session quickly turned into something special — featuring not only Kroeger and Hagar but also Tommy Lee on drums and Charlie Benante from Pantera joining in.
“It was just one of those crazy rock ‘n’ roll moments,” Hagar said. “You’ve got Chad, Tommy, and Charlie all in the room, and someone hits record — and suddenly, we’ve got this killer track. It wasn’t planned; it just happened naturally.”
The collaboration, while unplanned, blended the distinct personalities and musical styles of all involved. Hagar’s energetic vocals, Kroeger’s polished songwriting, and Lee’s thunderous drumming created a sound that fans described as “pure rock euphoria.”
But despite the viral excitement, Hagar insists the get-together was never meant to signal a new band or long-term partnership.
“People see three or four big names in a studio together and automatically think, ‘Here comes the next supergroup,’” Hagar laughed. “But honestly, it was just us having a blast. No big business plan, no big announcement — just rock ‘n’ roll fun.”
The Song That Started It All
While details about the song remain under wraps, Hagar confirmed it will appear on Nickelback’s upcoming album. The track reportedly carries a message of optimism and celebration — a hallmark of Hagar’s songwriting philosophy.
“Chad wrote this tune that felt very much like something I’d write,” Hagar shared. “It had that positive energy, like, ‘Let’s live life, have fun, and enjoy the ride.’ When I heard it, I told him, ‘Man, that sounds like me!’ and he said, ‘Exactly — that’s why you should sing on it.’”
The track, featuring Pantera’s Charlie Benante on drums, adds an unexpected layer of heaviness beneath Hagar’s trademark melodic delivery. Fans who have heard brief snippets online have described it as a powerful mix of Nickelback’s modern rock sheen and Hagar’s classic arena-rock spirit.
Industry insiders have noted that collaborations like this are becoming more common, especially among veteran artists who want to create without pressure or label politics. For Hagar, this one-song session was a refreshing reminder of what music is supposed to be about.
“That’s what rock ‘n’ roll is — having fun and making noise with your friends,” Hagar said. “No contracts, no egos, no deadlines. Just pure joy.”
The viral video, which spread quickly across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, shows the four musicians laughing, jamming, and sharing high-energy moments in the studio. Fans immediately flooded the comment sections with speculation about a “supergroup,” suggesting names like “Redback” or “HagLee.”
Within hours, rock media outlets picked up the story, fueling further buzz. But Hagar was quick to step in before rumors spun out of control.
“It’s flattering that people get so excited, but let’s keep it real — it’s just one song,” he said. “Still, I love how pumped everyone got. That means rock ‘n’ roll is still alive and kicking.”
Even though it’s just a single collaboration, Hagar acknowledged that the chemistry between everyone in the room was undeniable. He didn’t rule out the possibility of future one-off projects if the vibe feels right.
“When you’ve got guys like Chad and Tommy in the same space, magic’s bound to happen,” Hagar added. “So who knows? Never say never. But for now, it’s just this one track — and it rocks.”
Rock Icons Having Fun
Each of the musicians involved in the session has a storied career. Sammy Hagar, known for his work with Van Halen, Chickenfoot, and The Circle, has long been celebrated for his high-energy performances and infectious positivity. Chad Kroeger continues to lead Nickelback, one of the best-selling rock bands of the past two decades.
Tommy Lee, a founding member of Mötley Crüe, remains one of rock’s most flamboyant and technically gifted drummers. Meanwhile, Charlie Benante is keeping the legacy of Pantera alive with his thunderous percussion.
Their spontaneous meeting wasn’t planned as an all-star collaboration — but it served as a reminder that rock’s biggest names still love to create purely for the joy of it.
“It’s easy to forget that the best music often happens when nobody’s trying to make a hit,” Hagar said. “You get a few musicians in a room, turn up the amps, and suddenly you’ve got something special.”
No Supergroup — Just Super Energy
Hagar reiterated that the project is not the beginning of a formal group, tour, or album. Instead, it’s a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration that has always fueled rock ‘n’ roll.
Fans can expect to hear the full track when Nickelback releases their next record — though no official release date has been announced yet. Until then, the viral clip continues to circulate, reminding fans that even casual jam sessions can turn into moments of rock history.
As Hagar summed it up perfectly:
“We just did it for fun. That’s what music’s all about — good friends, good vibes, and good times.”
