Sammy Hagar has defended a show scheduled for a Fourth of July event, saying it was seen as having political ties.
The Red Rockers were one of several acts scheduled to perform at the Freedom 250 event “Salute to America” on July 4, but most programs were canceled due to weather concerns. Other artists who were part of the original lineup included Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, and Lee Greenwood.
However, before his performance was called off, Hager gave fans a preview on social media. After posting a video of the rehearsal, the former Van Halen frontman received backlash from some fans over the event’s association with President Donald Trump.
The group organizing the event, Freedom 250, was formed under the direction of President Trump and has been criticized by some celebrities for its collaboration with the Trump administration.
In May, a number of musicians scheduled to perform at Freedom 250’s 16-day state fair event withdrew due to politics.
However, the group has previously denied allegations of partisanship.
“Freedom 250 is a bipartisan organization and a complete organization. Our track record of collaboration across red, blue and purple states speaks for itself,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Rachel Reisner previously told USA TODAY.
Hagar said of this criticism:
Sammy Hagar says participating in Freedom 250 event was ‘not political’
When Hager posted a video of his rehearsal for the Fourth of July event on Instagram on July 2, some fans criticized his scheduled performance in the comments section.
One commenter said, “This is the most tone-deaf thing you’ve ever done.”
Another fan wrote, “Anyone involved in this fiasco is not someone I can support. I’m extremely disappointed in your choices.”
Hager responded to his detractors the next day, saying in a comment on the post, “I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would have a problem with this.”
“This is not political! This is a celebration of our nation’s birthday, regardless of who is president at this time,” he wrote.
Some agreed with him in the comments.
“This celebration is not about party politics. It was always about celebrating our Independence Day!! Glad to see everyone participating,” said a source.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, who was also scheduled to perform, similarly addressed their scheduled appearances at the canceled show.
The band posted photos and videos of rehearsals ahead of July 4 on Instagram, with the caption, “We had other plans last night due to the weather, so we’re still disappointed.”
Sammy Hagar plans speech about unity over Freedom 250 concert cancellation
After the performance was canceled, Hager took to social media again to share the message he had intended to convey at the Freedom 250 event.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that tonight’s #fourthofjuly event in Washington DC has been cancelled,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was so excited to share this speech with the world at the beginning of the Van Halen song ‘Now.’
Hagar shared a photo of a speech that begins, “Now as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, now is a good time to reunite our country.”
“Let’s unite now. Let’s stop the violence. Let’s stop the hate,” the speech continued.
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.
