Full performer name: Sammy Hagar/Neal Schon/Kenny Aaronson/Michael Shrieve. Personnel: Sammy Hagar (vocals); Neal Schon (guitar); Kenny Aaronson (bass); Michael Shrieve (drums). Journey axeman Neal Schon satisfies his yearning for a four-piece Van Halen/Montrose environment through meat-and-potatoes metalhead Sammy Hagar on this heavily doctored live document, the creatively titled Through the Fire. Journeyman Aaronson, who looks cool and played bass on tour with Billy Idol, gives some new wave credence to this quartet, in image only. Like Schon, drummer Shrieve also boasts Santana roots. Most importantly, each member held the same management. Of course, Through the Fire is by-the-numbers, not in a league with Hagar's peak on the landmark Montrose, but as enjoyable as his solo '80s work. HSAS approaches each cut as an epic, and some fat could be cut from each, but Bay-Area brothers Hagar and Schon wisely use the opportunity to stretch their considerable AOR muscles. Hagar's always dubious lyrics try the patience at times: Who or what is "Giza"? Is "He Will Understand" feminist? But radio song "Missing You" captures sizzling prime Schon, and hot-clockin' dinosaur juggernaut "My Home Town" lumbers like an extinct GFR/BTO/FM staple. ~ Doug Stone

• Format: CD
• Released: 05/27/1997