Sammy Hagar Talks Alex Van Halen, New Las Vegas Show & Tribute Song About Eddie
Rocker Sammy Hagar has been plenty busy with preparing for a new Las Vegas show and music, but not too busy to discuss his former bandmate Alex Van Halen’s memoir. Hagar has shared his thoughts on being left out of Alex Van Halen’s new memoir, Brothers, a heartfelt tribute to the bond between Alex and his late brother Eddie Van Halen.
The book shares the brothers’ personal and professional journey, but it noticeably skips over Hagar’s time in Van Halen, a chapter of the band’s history that brought fans some of the band’s most iconic hits. Reflecting on excerpts that he has seen, Hagar admitted that it “breaks his heart” to be removed from the story, but he remains focused on preserving the music’s legacy for fans and is still hopeful for a reconciliation.
Hagar explained, “I’ve put the olive branch out there many times. I want to be friends. … I don’t want to play in a band with Al. I’m not asking for that. I can see that he’s not capable of doing that. If he was, I’d be happy to play with him, but it’s not what I’m looking for. I just want to be friends again.”
New Sammy Hagar Las Vegas Residency
Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Live Nation
Meanwhile, Hagar continues to pay tribute to Alex’s brother and his former bandmate the late Eddie Van Halen. Alongside Joe Satriani and Michael Anthony (pictured above), Hagar is working on a tribute song to honor Eddie’s legacy. The project has been very emotional for Hagar, who admitted to getting choked up during recording sessions. Along with recording the new song, Hagar, Satriani, Anthony and Kenny Aronoff are heading to Las Vegas for a residency of the Best of All Worlds Tour in 2025. The show promises an “only in Las Vegas” setlist with a deep dive into his tenure with Van Halen, along with career-spanning hits from Montrose, iconic solo hits and Chickenfoot. Tickets are on sale now.
Hagar also spoke about a recent meeting with Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen. Hagar described the emotional moment backstage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where Wolfgang performed a stunning rendition of “Crazy Train” in honor of Ozzy Osbourne. “I feel like it’s Eddie,” Hagar said to Wolfgang. “I can’t even look at you, Wolf. I’m getting teared up.”
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February 2024
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