samuel roy hagar (born october 13, 1947), nicknamed "the red rocker", is an american singer, songwriter and guitarist. he became famous in the 1970s, as the lead singer of the hard rock band montrose. he then had a successful solo career. he had a hit single in 1984 with "i can't drive 55". he replaced david lee roth as the lead singer of van halen in 1985. he left the group in 1996. he later returned to the band for a two-year reunion from 2003 to 2005. on march 12, 2007, hagar was added into the rock and roll hall of fame as a member of van halen.