Tensions surrounding the legacy of Van Halen have surfaced once again after former frontman Sammy Hagar made a pointed comparison between drummer Alex Van Halen and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd.
In a recent interview reflecting on his complicated history with the Van Halen camp, Hagar said he believes he understands the mindset of Waters, but suggested Alex may be taking a similar approach when it comes to controlling the band’s legacy.
“I know what he means,” Hagar said while referencing Waters’ famously protective stance toward Pink Floyd’s catalog and identity. “But sometimes it can feel like one person wants to decide what the band is or isn’t.”
The singer’s remark came as he discussed ongoing tensions with Alex Van Halen and the lingering divisions among members of the iconic rock group. Since the death of guitar legend Eddie Van Halen in 2020, discussions about how the band’s legacy should be handled, including archival releases and unfinished music, have frequently sparked debate.
Hagar, who fronted Van Halen during one of its most commercially successful eras from 1985 to 1996 and again in the early 2000s, suggested that disagreements over the band’s history and direction remain unresolved.
While he didn’t directly accuse Alex of blocking projects, Hagar hinted that the drummer’s vision for the band may differ sharply from that of other former members. The comparison to Roger Waters is particularly striking given the long-running disputes between Waters and the remaining members of Pink Floyd about how the band’s legacy and music should be presented.
Waters has famously clashed with guitarist David Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason over control of Pink Floyd’s catalog, public messaging, and social media presence. Those disagreements have spilled into the public sphere in recent years, with both sides exchanging pointed comments.
Hagar suggested he sees a similar dynamic emerging in the Van Halen camp.
According to the “Red Rocker,” the band’s history belongs to more than one person, and its story includes multiple eras and contributors.
“It’s a band,” Hagar explained. “It’s not just one guy’s story.”
Despite the frustration, Hagar has repeatedly said he remains open to celebrating Van Halen’s music and even participating in projects tied to the band’s archive, especially if it means honoring Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar work.
The guitarist’s influence on rock music remains immense, and fans have continued to speculate about unreleased material that may still exist in the band’s vaults. Rumors about potential posthumous projects have circulated since Eddie’s passing, though nothing official has been confirmed.
For Hagar, the situation appears bittersweet. While he continues to perform Van Halen classics live and celebrate the music with fans around the world, the internal fractures within the band remain a lingering part of its story.
And with his latest comments comparing Alex Van Halen to Roger Waters, it’s clear that, even years after their time together, the Van Halen saga is far from finished.
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