Gibson.com caught up with SAMMY HAGAR (CHICKENFOOT, ex-VAN HALEN) in the studio, where he openly (and, at times, fondly) spoke about his days in Van Halen, including the fact that he took a pay cut when he joined the band. Sammy also spoke about tequila, his MONTROSE days, and just how many clams he earned from the sale of his tequila company.

When asked if he was hesitant about joining Van Halen, Hagar responds: "I was sort of apprehensive about joining Van Halen, 'cause I kinda didn't like their image, you know, 'cause of Dave (DAVID LEE ROTH), to be honest with you. Nothing against Dave, I just didn't like that image that they were kinda holding on to. But once I went and played with Ed (Eddie Van Halen), Al (Alex Van Halen) and Mike (Michael Anthony), I decided that the music was too good, it was just fantastic, so that's what sold me. But yeah, I was apprehensive, I wanted to go do it 'cause I thought I was just maybe going to get Eddie to play on one of my records as a solo artist."

Check out the video interview at this location.

According to MillValleyPatch, Sammy Hagar, the longtime Mill Valley, California resident whose 40-year career has spanned multiple bands and a slew of successful business ventures, is among the seven locals picked to receive 2011 Milley Awards.

The Milleys - being presented at an October 23rd ceremony - were created by Abby Wasserman in 1988 to honor one local person a year for their creative achievements. By 1995, the Art Commission realized that Mill Valley suffered from an overwhelming abundance of great artists, and expanded the event to include five recipients.

What began as a paper certificate awarded during a break in City Council proceedings has evolved into a full-fledged gala with winners receiving a bronze statuette crafted by Sausalito sculptor John Libberton. Author and former San Francisco Chronicle columnist Joel Selvin will serve as the host of this year’s event.