In a recent interview with “Zach Martin’s Big Fat American Rock Show!”, Vivian Campbell was asked which version of VAN HALEN he prefers — the classic VAN HALEN with David Lee Roth on vocals, or the “Van Hagar” era with Sammy Hagar.
Here’s the answer:
“Dave Lee Roth, no doubt. That was part of the original character of the band. There was a humor in early VAN HALEN that came across in the music, and that was essentially Dave Lee Roth‘s input on that.
He continued:
He wasn’t a tremendous vocalist, but he had a tremendous style and a unique character and personality, and that was as important to the early band as Eddie‘s guitar playing and Alex‘s drumming and Michael Anthony‘s bass playing.”
“They were a great band — the original band. That’s not to detract in any way from Sammy Hagar, who’s a remarkable singer. And what they did with Sammy was different. I mean, it was good, but it was different. It was a little more mainstream, to my ears. It was also not just Sammy‘s influence that changed the sound of VAN HALEN.
It was also around the same time that Eddie discovered the keyboards. [Laughs] Which is all well and good, but I prefer to listen to him as a guitarist. So those two elements definitely reshaped the sound of the later VAN HALEN. But I’m very much a fan of the early band.”
6 comments
I think his view is spot on. But, you didn’t have to title the article in a way that sounds malicious. It’s common knowledge that Dave wasn’t the greatest singer of all time. But, he definitely contributed to the sound and attitude of early Van Halen.
I agree with Campbell. David wasn’t the greatest singer but a fine vocalist and one of greatest front man in rock history.
Viv was a part of the original Dio band. Some of the rawest, purest metal ever on the first album. The next two were awesome as well.
D it was different times and each worked for their time slot. Dave brought larger than life excitement. Sammy is one of the best rock singers ever. Going back to Montrose for me. For my taste both were great. I preferred Sammy though.
DLR! Greatest frontman of all time! Yes, Van Hagar was good, but the original VH lineup was the best. I prefer Sammy solo. Let’s see a David Lee Roth, Ted Nugent, Jason Bonham and Jack Blades line up!
If you’re really into old school Van Halen, you should check out this YouTube video on DLR and his lyrics. It explains ALOT.