Sammy Hagar on David Lee Roth’s Return: A Mix of Support, Skepticism, and Van Halen Legacy
The rock world is buzzing with talk of David Lee Roth's return to the stage, and no one has a more interesting perspective than his former Van Halen bandmate, Sammy Hagar. Roth's comeback, marked by a performance at the M3 Rock Festival and a string of upcoming tour dates, has elicited a range of emotions from Hagar, spanning from cautious optimism to a revisiting of past conflicts. What does the "Red Rocker" really think about Diamond Dave hitting the road again?
Hagar initially offered a supportive sentiment via Instagram, stating, "It's all about Van Halen, one of the greatest bands, some of the greatest songs in rock history...I am happy that Dave is out there doing it like Mikey and I, supporting some of the greatest rock songs in history." He emphasized that fans deserve to hear these iconic tracks, regardless of any perceived imperfections in the performances. Hagar added that Roth is “supporting his era” of Van Halen, and that he will support his own era as well as his solo and side projects.
However, Hagar's enthusiasm appears tempered by past experiences. In an interview with Rolling Stone, when asked about Roth's return, Hagar seemingly couldn't contain his initial reaction, reportedly falling off his chair with laughter. He quipped, "Let’s see if he makes the shows. Who knows what Dave is up to?" There’s a healthy dose of skepticism there, hinting at potential unpredictable behavior and whether Roth will even complete the announced tour.
The roots of this skepticism seem to stem from their infamous "Sam and Dave Tour" in 2002. Hagar recounted instances where Roth allegedly tried to sabotage his performances, a sentiment echoed in previous comments about Roth's on-stage persona being "totally bullshit" and an act. He has described Roth as someone who "always wants too much" and tries to "upstage" others.
Despite the lingering tension, Hagar acknowledges Roth's significant contribution to the Van Halen legacy. He expressed his desire for Van Halen to be remembered as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, encompassing both eras of the band. He also stated he doesn’t want to “ruin anything to do with what he brought to that legacy.” This sentiment underscores the complex relationship between the two frontmen – a blend of respect, rivalry, and a shared connection to the legendary band.
It's clear that Hagar views Roth's return with a mixture of emotions. While sincerely happy that the singer is keeping the music of Van Halen alive, he couldn't resist addressing his past, and adding a pinch of salt to the equation. Only time will tell if Roth’s latest act is the “same old” or if it’s a matured, legacy-focused endeavor.
What do you think? Are you excited about David Lee Roth's tour? Do you believe Hagar's skepticism is warranted or simply the product of past conflicts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
