For decades, fans of Van Halen have debated the divide between the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar eras, two distinct chapters in the band’s history, each with its own sound, style, and attitude. But for Hagar himself, that divide no longer matters. In recent years, the Red Rocker has made it clear that he’s come to fully embrace the Roth era, viewing it not as competition, but as an essential part of the Van Halen legacy.
“I Have Nothing But Respect For That Era”
Speaking in a recent interview, Sammy Hagar reflected on how his perspective toward the Roth years has evolved over time. Once hesitant to perform songs from the band’s early catalog, Hagar now performs several of them proudly during his live shows with The Circle and Sammy Hagar & The Wabos.
“I have nothing but respect for that era,” Hagar said. “Those songs, ‘Runnin’ with the Devil,’ ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love,’ ‘Unchained,’ ‘Panama,’ they’re part of rock history. When you hear Eddie’s guitar kick in, it’s electric. You can’t ignore that energy.”
The singer, who joined Van Halen in 1985 following Roth’s departure, fronted the group through four No. 1 albums — 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995). His arrival marked a new creative direction for the band, but Hagar admits he now sees the earlier Roth era as the foundation that made everything possible.
“Without what they built with Dave, there wouldn’t have been a Van Halen for me to join,” Hagar acknowledged. “They were a monster band already. I just took the baton and ran with it in a different direction.”
A Change In Perspective
Hagar’s attitude toward the Roth years wasn’t always so relaxed. During his time with Van Halen, and even in the years following his departure, the rivalry between him and Roth was often played up by the media, and occasionally by the two singers themselves.
Now, at 78, Hagar says time and maturity have shifted his outlook.
“We were both young, competitive guys trying to prove ourselves,” Hagar explained. “But looking back now, I can appreciate what Dave did. He was one of the greatest frontmen ever, no question. He brought style, humor, and showmanship. And those songs? They’re classics.”
Honoring The Whole Legacy
In recent tours celebrating the music of Van Halen, Hagar has made it a point to include several Roth-era tracks in his setlists, a gesture that fans have applauded. He sees it as a way to honor Eddie Van Halen’s full musical legacy rather than focus on the division between eras.
“When I sing the old songs, I do it for Eddie,” Hagar said. “His guitar is the thread that ties it all together. Whether it’s ‘Jump’ or ‘Right Now,’ it’s all Eddie, that’s the real magic of Van Halen.”
Putting The Rivalry To Rest
The Red Rocker insists that any lingering rivalry between him and Roth is behind him. These days, Hagar says he’s more interested in celebrating the band’s music than in comparing their respective eras.
“People ask me all the time: ‘Sammy, which era was better?’ I just tell them, ‘Man, it’s all Van Halen.’ There’s no need to choose. We both brought something special to the table.”
Looking Back With Gratitude
For Hagar, his journey with Van Halen, and his evolving respect for the Roth years, reflects a deeper appreciation for what the band achieved as a whole.
“At the end of the day, I’m proud to have been part of something that meant so much to so many people,” he said. “Van Halen changed rock music, and that started long before I came along. Now, I just feel lucky to have added my chapter to that story.”
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