The long-running rivalry between Van Halen’s two most famous frontmen may finally be softening. In a recent interview, Sammy Hagar opened up about his feelings toward David Lee Roth and admitted that, after decades of tension and public jabs, he’d like to put the past behind them and simply be friends.
Hagar, who replaced Roth as Van Halen’s lead singer in 1985, has often been outspoken about the band’s inner conflicts, both during and after his tenure. For years, he and Roth traded barbs in the press, with Roth leaning on his flamboyant showmanship and Hagar emphasizing his broader musical and business success. Fans of Van Halen have long been divided between the “Roth era” and the “Hagar era,” fueling one of rock’s most enduring debates.
But Hagar seems ready to move forward. “Life’s too short to hold on to all that negativity,” he said. “At this point, I don’t want to fight with Dave. I’d rather just be his friend and celebrate the fact that we were both part of something as great as Van Halen.”
The timing of his remarks comes as Van Halen’s legacy continues to be celebrated in the wake of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. With Wolfgang Van Halen carrying the family torch through his band Mammoth WVH, many fans have wondered if the two legendary singers could ever share the stage in tribute. While no plans have been confirmed, Hagar’s words leave the door open for a reconciliation that once seemed impossible.
For fans, the idea of Roth and Hagar burying the hatchet is more than just wishful thinking, it’s a chance to honor Van Halen’s history as a whole, rather than dividing it into camps. Whether the two men actually become friends remains to be seen, but Hagar’s public olive branch is a rare and hopeful sign that some rivalries don’t have to last forever.
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