Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar has never shied away from celebrating the band’s full legacy, including the era before his own. In a recent interview, Hagar opened up about his decision to continue performing songs from the David Lee Roth years, explaining that his approach comes from a place of respect for the music, the fans, and the band’s enduring history.
“I Think Everyone Appreciates Them”
Reflecting on his live performances with The Circle and his ongoing tour celebrating the music of Van Halen, Hagar emphasized that his setlists aren’t about rivalry or comparison, they’re about inclusion.
“I sing the Roth-era songs because I think everyone appreciates them,” Hagar said. “They’re part of what made Van Halen who they are. When you hear those riffs and those hooks, it just takes you back. It’s a celebration, not a competition.”
The Red Rocker has often been candid about his mixed history with Roth, but over the years, he’s softened his stance, acknowledging the significance of the early material that helped launch Van Halen into rock superstardom in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
Bridging Two Eras Of Van Halen
Hagar joined Van Halen in 1985 following Roth’s departure, fronting the band through some of its most commercially successful years, including albums like 5150, OU812, and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. While his arrival marked a stylistic shift toward a more polished and melodic sound, Hagar insists that both eras deserve equal recognition.
“When we go out and play, we mix it up. We do ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love,’ ‘Jump,’ then we do ‘Right Now’ or ‘Finish What Ya Started,’” Hagar explained. “It’s all Van Halen. Eddie’s playing, Alex’s groove, it’s the same DNA. The fans don’t separate it, and neither should we.”
A Tribute To Eddie Van Halen’s Legacy
Since the passing of Eddie Van Halen in 2020, Hagar has spoken frequently about the guitarist’s genius and their eventual reconciliation after years of estrangement. Performing songs from all chapters of Van Halen’s history, he said, is also a way of honoring Eddie’s entire body of work.
“When I sing those songs now, I’m thinking about Ed,” Hagar noted. “His playing is all over them, whether it’s ‘Panama’ or ‘Dreams,’ you can feel his energy. That’s why I do it. It’s not about me or Dave; it’s about keeping the spirit of Van Halen alive.”
Fans Embrace The Full Picture
Audiences have responded warmly to Hagar’s inclusive setlists, often cheering just as loudly for the Roth-era hits as for Hagar’s own classics. The gesture reflects how deeply intertwined both singers are in Van Halen’s legacy, two distinct voices that together tell the story of one of rock’s greatest bands.
While some fans have historically debated over which frontman best defined Van Halen, Hagar’s performances remind everyone that the magic of the band transcends any one lineup.
“I think time heals all that stuff,” Hagar added. “Now it’s just about the music, and man, what a catalog we had. That’s something worth celebrating.”
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