Rock legend refuses to end feud with jealous former drummer, declares, “Just let me be.”
Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen, former bandmates in the iconic rock band Van Halen, have been embroiled in an ongoing feud for over two decades. Sammy Hagar recently shed some light on the situation, sharing his thoughts on why Alex Van Halen may still be holding a grudge against him. Hagar recalled a vivid dream he had about Alex, prompting him to question why there was animosity between them. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Hagar revealed, “I hate to say it, but I dreamt about Alex the other night, man. It was crazy. And it was so friggin’ real. I was saying, ‘What are you pissed off at me about, man? What the f—? Now just tell me what your problem is. What did I do? Just tell me.’”
In Alex Van Halen’s memoir, “Brothers,” there was a noticeable absence of any mention of Hagar’s time with the band from 1985–1996 and briefly from 2003–2005. Speculation arose that perhaps the tension stemmed from Hagar’s 2011 memoir, “Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock,” where he delved into what he described as the “worst period in Eddie’s life.” However, Hagar dismissed this theory, suggesting that the root of the issue could be related to their business ventures. According to Hagar, some people have insinuated that Alex may be harboring resentment towards him due to the success of Cabo Wabo, a business they were once partners in but that later turned a profit after they stepped away.
Hagar also hinted at a potential jealousy on Alex’s part, pointing out that he and former Van Halen bassist, Mike Anthony, continue to perform music while Alex is no longer active in the industry. Hagar posited, “I think Al’s angry because I’m out doing it, and bassist Mike [Anthony] and I are out doing it, and he can’t. He’s not a singer. He’s not a guitar player. He is not really a band leader. And he seems like he doesn’t want to play drums or can’t play drums anymore, and he can’t go write a new record. Alex wasn’t the songwriter in the band. He was the drummer. Eddie and I wrote the songs.”
The rift between Hagar and Alex highlights the complex dynamics that can exist within bands, particularly those that have experienced substantial success and subsequent challenges. While fans may lament the estrangement between these former bandmates, it serves as a reminder that even in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, personal differences and business ventures can strain relationships beyond repair. As Hagar continues to reflect on the situation, it remains unclear if the two will ever reconcile. Despite the passing of time, the wounds appear to remain fresh for both parties, leaving fans to wonder if a resolution will ever be reached.