JENNINGS: Revisiting the Van Halen debate | Night and Day
Growing up with the Van Halen band playing undoubtedly contributed to many people’s musical experiences. However, after Eddie Van Halen’s passing in 2020, there were still numerous lingering questions surrounding the band. Despite Eddie’s massive influence and contribution to rock music, there was no grand public concert to honor his legacy, leaving some fans and music enthusiasts wondering about the band’s future.
The group’s trial was always comparing David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, Van Halen’s two major lead singers. Roth, from the band’s onset and the majority of the following years, had a stronger association with their most memorable albums. His flamboyant persona and on-stage showmanship were in stark contrast to Hagar’s more subdued and soulful approach. Roth’s first tenure with the band was the height of his abilities, creating spellbinding, compelling, and awe-inspiring music.
However, Hagar also deserves recognition for his role in the band’s evolution after taking over as lead singer. What set him apart was his more melodic, polished voice that helped the band transition into a more radio-friendly sound. Many fans appreciated the band’s significant musical changes during Hagar’s tenure. Still, the debate between Roth and Hagar’s eras was destined to rage on as each displayed unique styles and musical impacts during their respective times with the band.
The 2015 Van Halen tour, featuring Roth accompanied by Eddie, Alex, and Wolfgang Van Halen, hinted at the band’s potential to make music that carried the classic Van Halen style from their earlier years. However, the post-tour statements raised questions regarding the band’s future, especially with conflicting information coming from different band members. These situations fueled the uncertainty surrounding Van Halen’s future as a band without Eddie Van Halen’s unparalleled guitar touch.
The often underappreciated factor within Van Halen’s history was bassist Michael Anthony, known for his signature backing vocals that significantly contributed to the band’s sound. Anthony, a steady presence through the transitioning lead singers, offered an essential backbone to the group’s vocal harmonies, making their music richer and more versatile.
Looking back on the group’s legacy, would a farewell tour to honor Eddie Van Halen’s memory and musical gifts be appropriate? Fans and music enthusiasts might argue in favor of such a concert to provide a proper farewell to the legendary guitarist. Celebrating Eddie’s life and work by performing his compositions on tour could serve as a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on the rock music scene and his devoted fans.
Regardless of the band’s future direction, the great Van Halen debate between Roth and Hagar’s eras will likely continue among fans and music enthusiasts. Both have left an indelible mark on the band’s history and its musical evolution. The appreciation for Van Halen’s music, no matter the lead singer, is a testimony to the enduring legacy of the band and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide with their distinctive sound and charisma.