Sammy Hagar is publicly voicing his frustration towards Alex Van Halen, accusing him of ?blasphemy? for neglecting the significant achievements and success of Van Halen during the years when Hagar served as the band’s second lead vocalist. This period, often referred to as the ?Van Hagar? era, was marked by a series of commercially successful albums and sold-out tours that left an indelible mark on rock music history.
In his recent memoir titled Brothers, Alex Van Halen primarily recounts his experiences alongside the legendary Eddie Van Halen, but notably concludes the narrative with David Lee Roth’s departure in 1985. This omission has drawn criticism from Hagar, who feels that the contributions made during the subsequent years are equally important and deserve recognition.
Alex defended his stance by stating, ?What happened after Dave left is not the same band. ? The magic was in the first years, when we didn?t know what we were doing; when we were willing to try anything.? While this perspective highlights the early experimentation of the band, it also raises questions about the legacy of the music produced during Hagar’s tenure.
READ MORE: Explore the Top 10 Most Iconic Van Hagar Songs
Hagar’s comments came after he shared a nostalgic photo on Instagram from 1991, capturing a moment before they took the stage together. In his post, he humorously reflected on the fashion choices of that era, stating, ?we all survived? the fashion disasters that were prevalent at the time. The post initially evoked laughter and fond memories among fans.
However, the mood shifted when a fan commented that their father always said the Roth era was about partying, while the Hagar years focused on the music. This sparked a heated discussion, with one follower suggesting that it?s acceptable to appreciate both eras, even if Alex doesn’t. Another fan claimed that most purists believe Van Halen ceased to exist after David Lee Roth, prompting an exasperated response from Hagar.
Sammy Hagar’s Passionate Defense of Van Halen’s Legacy
In defending his contributions, Hagar passionately stated, ?It could have [ended], my friend, but instead we went on to sell over 50 million records for [a] No. 1 album [then] sold out every building and stadium in the world for a whole decade. That never happened again.? His words emphasize the commercial success and enduring popularity of Van Halen during his time with the band, highlighting that their achievements were monumental and unprecedented in the rock music scene.
Hagar further stressed that ?Alex is not doing his brother?s musical legacy justice by not acknowledging all the No. 1 albums and some great music Eddie and I wrote together ? not Alex ? but Eddie and I wrote together.? He believes that failing to recognize the decade of music created during this period undermines Eddie Van Halen?s artistry and songwriting prowess, which deserves to be celebrated just as much as the band’s earlier work.
Recently, Hagar expressed a desire to reconcile his differences with Alex Van Halen, stating, ?It?s on my bucket list that I will not take this to my grave, and I don?t want Al taking it to his grave.? He added, ?I?d be happy to play with him, but it?s not what I?m looking for. I just want to be friends again.? This sentiment indicates Hagar’s willingness to move past their differences and honor their shared musical history.
Musicians Erased from Band History: A Closer Look
Many talented musicians have found themselves forgotten by the bands they once contributed to, often leaving them off album covers or even erasing their contributions from official websites. Such situations highlight the complexities and sometimes contentious relationships within the music industry.
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
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