SAMMY HAGAR Says His Autobiography Is 'Basically Done'

Legendary rocker Sammy Hagar is putting the finishing touches on his autobiography, tentatively titled "Red", for a 2011 release via It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

"The book's basically done, but the editors want me to go deeper in a couple of areas," Hagar tells the Marin Independent Journal. "They said, 'There were problems in VAN HALEN? Well, what kind of problems?' The way I've written this book is that I'm just telling the stories, from childhood until now. It's humorous in places, there are sad things, inspirational things."

According to Sammy, his book won't pull any punches.

"It's sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, tequila and success and cars and money and fame and fortune," he said. "I've gone over the top. It really is crazy. I was shocked when I read my own book. It floored me. I said, 'Wow, what a guy.' I've had the most complete friggin' life on the planet. I can imagine people thinking this guy couldn't have done all that in one lifetime. But I've been a busy boy."

Hagar, the multi-platinum Red Rocker, is best known as the bombastic frontman of VAN HALEN, one of the biggest-selling rock groups in history, and the lead singer of the hard rock group CHICKENFOOT.

The book was acquired by Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Director of Creative Development for HarperCollins from Frank Weimann, President of The Literary Group International. Senior Editor Matt Harper will edit the book.

Hagar will provide readers with incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his multi-platinum career, including his rise as a solo artist and his eleven years with VAN HALEN, after the controversial departure of original lead vocalist David Lee Roth. During Hagar's time with VAN HALEN, the band released four consecutive No. 1 albums. From worldwide stadium concerts tours to private jets, Hagar enjoyed the trappings of fame and success with VAN HALEN until he was, as he puts it, "unceremoniously fired." Hagar later thrived as a solo act, leading his band, the CABO WABOS, before returning triumphantly to VAN HALEN for an historic reunion tour after which he set off on his own once again.

Honest and compelling, Hagar's account spares no one, least of all himself. Hagar's autobiography reveals the inside story of one of rock music's most recognizable voices, from his humble beginnings in the town of Fontana, California, to his incredible business success with Cabo Wabo Tequila and the Cabo Wabo Cantinas. The book is being co-authored by Joel Selvin, longtime pop music writer for the San Francisco Chronicle.