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In a surprising turn of events, Sammy Hagar has thrown down the gauntlet, inviting former Van Halen bandmates Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth to share the stage with him and Michael Anthony during their highly anticipated 2024 tour. The news comes as a breath of fresh air for fans who are well aware of the historical tension between Hagar and Roth.
The dynamic between Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth has been far from harmonious. Roth, an undeniable rock superstar, never fully embraced the decision to be replaced by Hagar in Van Halen. In return, Hagar responded in kind, creating a rift that seemed insurmountable. Yet, as time progresses, individuals evolve, sometimes softening their stances and extending olive branches to those they once wished to keep at arm’s length.
Via UG – Sammy Hagar recently made waves when he appeared on the Howard Stern Show on Tuesday, November 14, shedding light on his upcoming summer 2024 tour. The star-studded lineup includes Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Jason Bonham, and guitarist Joe Satriani.
Speaking about the tour, Hagar revealed that the setlists would encompass Van Halen songs from various eras, setting the stage for a nostalgic celebration. In a surprising twist, Hagar openly invited both Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth to join the ensemble on stage, showcasing a willingness to put past differences aside for the sake of the music
He stated: “If Dave goes out, he can’t sing my stuff. [But] we can do a few of the early Van Halen songs. I have no problem with that; I did it when I was in Van Halen. This is really a celebration of all that, and we are the only ones who can do it. We’re gonna invite every musician in every town.”
Acknowledging the potential challenges with Roth covering Hagar’s material, Hagar expressed a genuine openness to performing early Van Halen classics. He emphasized the collaborative spirit of the tour, extending the invitation not only to his former bandmates but to musicians in every town they visit.
He went on: “First of all, whenever you play, if there’s a guitar player in town, no matter what city it is, they come out to see Joe, just like they used to for Eddie [Van Halen]. So if we’ve got other guitar players, we’ll get them involved, other singers, get them involved. If [Van Halen drummer] Alex Van Halen wants to jump up, if David Lee Roth wants to come out and join us, come on, motherfucker. You are welcome. This is about Van Halen.”
Hagar’s sentiments echo a desire for unity and celebration, emphasizing that the tour is fundamentally about Van Halen’s enduring legacy. The prospect of a Van Halen reunion, even if fleeting, has sent shockwaves through the music community. As fans await further developments, Sammy Hagar’s gesture serves as a testament to the transformative power of time and music, proving that sometimes, bridges once burned can be rebuilt for the sake of a common passion.
