Two rock and roll giants, two distinct eras within the mighty Van Halen. David Lee Roth, the original frontman, led the band to early dominance with his flamboyant charisma. Sammy Hagar, armed with a powerhouse voice and a knack for crafting radio-ready hits, took the reins in 1985 and propelled Van Halen to new heights.
Though both singers undeniably left their mark, their personal relationship remained a constant source of intrigue. While their contrasting styles brought success to Van Halen, rumors of a simmering feud swirled for years. Did their clashing egos prevent a friendship? Was it simply a case of mutual indifference?
In a recent interview on The Opie & Anthony Show, Hagar finally addressed the elephant in the room, revealing why he and David Lee Roth never truly connected. Join us as we unpack Hagar’s insights and explore the reasons behind this enduring rock and roll mystery.
The Glamorous (and Grumpy?) David Lee Roth
David’s stage presence was undeniable. Full of showmanship, he embodied the spirit of Van Halen’s early success. Roth’s signature mix of theatrics – from the suggestive to the goofy, often punctuated by impressive acrobatics – made him a rock and roll icon. He fronted the band during their rise to fame in the early 1980s, belting out party anthems like “Panama” and “Jump”. However, Sammy Hagar paints a different picture of the man behind the persona.
Despite Roth’s flamboyant image, Hagar suggests a more reserved personality lurks beneath the surface. In a 2023 appearance on Steve-O’s Wild Ride, Hagar referred to Roth with a colorful epithet, implying a less-than-pleasant demeanor.
“He’s not a fun guy. He doesn’t play well with others. I’m not sure what his problem is…”, Hagar recalled. He further elaborated, describing Roth as someone who doesn’t enjoy collaboration and struggles to get along with others. The source of this alleged negativity remains unclear, but according to Hagar, it seems to be a recurring theme in Roth’s life.
“We Have Always Hated Each Other”
The tension between Roth and his former bandmates didn’t end with his initial departure. Years later, when Van Halen released their 1988 album OU812 (a title some speculated was a playful jab at Roth’s own record Eat ‘Em and Smile, rumored to be a dig at Van Halen itself), it seemed the animosity continued. This cryptic tit-for-tat fueled the fire of the “Van Halen” vs. “Van Hagar” fan divide.
Despite a reunion in 2004 and a stint back with the band until their disbandment in 2020, the reconciliation wasn’t built on a foundation of friendship. In a 2019 interview, Roth himself shattered any illusions of camaraderie.
Appearing on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast, he bluntly admitted, “We have always hated each other, right up until the last phone call.” This statement solidified the reality: while their music made history, the personal connection between Roth and the original members of Van Halen remained fractured.
The “Sans Halen” Tour Was Just a Business Arrangement
Despite their shared history with Van Halen, Sammy maintains there’s no friendship between him and Diamond Dave. On the Opie & Anthony Show interview, Hagar bluntly stated, “I’ve never been friends with Dave. I never even knew him.”
The 2002 Sam & Dave Tour offered a clearer glimpse into this dynamic. Though the tour was commercially successful, it wasn’t fueled by camaraderie. Both Hagar and Roth had exited Van Halen by that point (Hagar in 1996 citing substance use and personal issues), allowing them to tour together under the moniker “Sans Halen”.
However, their collaboration remained strictly professional. They refused to share the stage, and Hagar expressed his reservations about Roth, telling MTV at the time, “We don’t know each other well enough. I don’t trust him.”
The Wall (Literally) Comes Down Between Sammy and Dave
The lack of trust between Hagar and Roth escalated to a point where physical altercations were a concern. In a 2022 Rolling Stone interview, Hagar revealed that tour managers resorted to building a makeshift plywood wall to keep them apart.
Apparently, things got heated backstage one night, prompting the promoters to take action. They prioritized the financial success of the tour, fearing a lawsuit if the animosity between the two vocalists caused an early cancellation.
Hagar further detailed the strained dynamic, claiming Roth wouldn’t even acknowledge him. He described attempting to invite Roth to join him onstage for a few songs, but alleges Roth wouldn’t even respond. This paints a picture of a purely transactional relationship, devoid of any personal connection.