Sammy Hagar Reflects on Van Halen Split

It’s been over 20 years since Sammy Hagar last toured with the Van Halen band, and lately, he’s hinted that a reunion might not happen. In a recent conversation, the 78-year-old shared a sentiment similar to that of David Gilmour regarding Roger Waters: “I know what he means,” Hagar noted, emphasizing his feelings towards Alex Van Halen. “They’re negative people.”

Taking a look back, Hagar remarked that he and Alex hadn’t spoken in two decades, recalling a vivid dream he had about Alex where he questioned why Alex seemed upset with him. “It felt so real,” he explained, trying to understand the unresolved tension.

Interestingly, in Alex Van Halen’s memoir, “Brothers,” he didn’t even mention Hagar, which seems telling. It was suggested that Alex was upset over how Hagar addressed Eddie Van Halen’s personal struggles in his own memoir, but Hagar disagrees with that perspective.

“I discussed this with several people, even former manager Irving Azoff,” he shared. “I wanted to know what the issue was.” He mentioned that some believed Alex was resentful because of Hagar’s successful ventures, like Cabo Wabo, after they had relinquished control of the band. “But why would they be upset about that?” Hagar questioned.

Moreover, he feels confusion around why Alex seems to harbor resentment. “They turned it all over to me, and I made something of it,” he said, reflecting on the past.

Hagar also speculated that part of the animosity might stem from the fact that he and Michael Anthony are still active, while Alex appears to have stepped back. “Alex isn’t the band’s songwriter—he’s the drummer,” he commented, explaining that he and Eddie wrote many of the songs.

After Eddie’s passing and Alex selling his drum kit, Hagar feels a sense of freedom to revisit their shared history. “With Mike in the band, it’s great to perform those classic songs because they were such a significant part of our lives,” he remarked.

Looking back, Hagar fondly remembered his first encounters with Eddie: “He was such a superstar. It was hard not to admire him, but he struggled with his demons.” Hagar expressed gratitude for the reconciliation they achieved months before Eddie’s death.

“Being able to talk then was really important to me,” Hagar reflected. “I wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on saying ‘I love you’.” He noted how crucial it’s been for him to have resolved past tensions because it allows him to cherish the memories associated with Van Halen instead of holding onto grudges.

Lastly, he discussed his relationship with David Lee Roth, sharing that they are quite different. “David and I just don’t click,” he admitted. “I had hoped we could be friends, but it just hasn’t worked out.” Hagar is aware that these complexities contribute to the legacy of Van Halen, which remains a pivotal part of rock history.