Hagar Inks Deal to Publish Memoir

The life and times of Mill Valley's Red Rocker are coming to a bookshelf near you. Sammy Hagar, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and tequila and restaurant magnate, has inked a deal with HarperCollins' It Books imprint to write a memoir. The book is set to be released in 2011.

"I've been writing this book my whole life," the 62-year-old Hagar said in a statement. "It's time to put it between two covers."

Hagar, the solo star and former frontman for Montrose and Van Halen, is currently the lead singer of the band Chickenfoot, which includes fellow ex-Van Halen member Michael Anthony as well as guitarist Joe Satriani and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.

Hagar "will provide readers with incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his multi-platinum career, including his rise as a solo artist and his 11 years with Van Halen after the controversial departure of original lead vocalist David Lee Roth," according to the publisher.

During Hagar's time with Van Halen, the band released four consecutive No. 1 albums before he was, in his words,  "unceremoniously fired."

Hagar describes growing up in a small steel town with his brother, two sisters and his single mom raising the four children.

"When you read my family background you're going to ask 'How did this happen? It's a miracle,'" Hagar said. "My mom [who passed away a couple of years ago] was totally uneducated, she only went through eighth grade, but she had heart and soul and creativity. My brother and sisters all have had good lives and no problems, and it's because of my mom. Fontana was rough and tough and nothing was given to you. This is where I came from and can brag a little bit and put a feather in my cap — I came from nothing, zero."

Although best known for his musical exploits, Hagar has turned himself into something of a mogul in recent years with his Cabo Wabo Tequila brand and restaurant chain. In 2007, he sold an 80 percent stake in his Cabo Wabo Enterprises to Campari/Skyy Spirits for $80 million. Hagar remains actively involved in the company.

Hagar has also teamed up with Mill Valley celebrity chef Tyler Florence to revamp the local restaurant El Paseo, which is set to re-open this year serving "fine dining in a rustic setting."