This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/9/2026
Offered Here: Van Halen 1985 Farm Aid Concert Muscle Sweatshirt First Performance w/ Sammy Hagar. This historic piece of rock-and-roll apparel captures the exact moment one of the most successful partnerships in music history was solidified. Originating from the inaugural Farm Aid benefit concert held in Champaign, Illinois, on September 22, 1985, this vintage pullover sweatshirt represents the very first time Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen shared a stage together publicly. The sweatshirt features a vintage size Large tag, measuring 20 inches from pit to pit and 23 inches in length.
Additional Information: The 1985 Farm Aid concert was a significant event aimed at raising awareness and funds for American farmers. The debut of Sammy Hagar with Van Halen at this concert marked a turning point for the band following the departure of original frontman David Lee Roth. This performance paved the way for Van Halen's subsequent tours and albums with Hagar as the new lead vocalist.
Provenance/Authenticity: Randall "Zeke" Clark is a renowned luthier and legendary guitar/amp technician who got his start in the San Francisco music scene in the 70s, working with various A-list artists until moving to LA in the 80s, where he worked for Eddie Van Halen. From 1985 to 1993, he served as Edward Van Halen’s lead guitar and amp tech, transitioning to the crew with Sammy Hagar to maintain the band's gear through the monumental 5150, OU812, and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge eras. Beyond his historic tenure as the custodian of Eddie's tone, Clark's elite five-decade career includes building, repairing, and maintaining specialized gear for iconic artists such as Prince, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Heart, Poison, and others. This curated selection of items offers collectors a unique and direct connection to rock history through the hands of a master craftsman who shaped the sound of guitar royalty.
This item was personally handled, vetted, and released by Zeke Clark, ensuring its authenticity and rock-history provenance. Zeke Clark utilizes an Official Personal Signature Stamp to validate and inventory documents and artifacts released directly from his private estate. This item comes with his personal ink-imprinted signature stamp on the certificate of authenticity, which serves as his legally binding, authorized mark of verification and carries the full weight of a hand-signed signature.
Condition: The sweatshirt is in very good vintage condition, exhibiting character-rich, common signs of wear, aging, and storage that reflect its forty-year-old concert heritage. The sleeves have been removed to create a classic muscle shirt silhouette, and the core fabric remains strong. The main graphics are well-preserved, maintaining an exceptional balance of genuine rock patina and structural integrity.
SKU: RZC1114