In a new Interview with Planet Rock magazine, Sammy Hagar spoke about David Lee Roth.
He said:
“It wasn’t even a blip on my radar.
“I don’t respect Dave‘s artistry, but I do think he’s clever and a great showman and what he did with VAN HALEN in the early days was fantastic. VAN HALEN couldn’t have made it without him.
“God bless Dave, but he refuses to acknowledge that VAN HALEN with me was even more successful than VAN HALEN with him, and that’s very stupid of him. That’d be like me not acknowledging what he did for the band before I joined: that would be stupid, wouldn’t it?”
Hagar also spoke about the circumstances that led to the end of his first stint with the band.
“We had eight years of [huge success], and then suddenly people in the band started changing… and it wasn’t me and it wasn’t Mike [Anthony, bass],”
“The ‘Balance’ record was like pulling teeth, things got very dysfunctional by then. Drugs and alcohol and insecurity and bad management killed that band.”
95 comments
Sorry Sam, but that’s BS. With mr Hagar, it was more pop/disco than true hard rock.
Pop? Disco? Ha ha. Van Halen was more pop with Roth. I mean ” jump” was ridiculously pop. Hagar has done rock before Dave was in diapers. Yeah, they had focused on writing mainstream, but that’s been Eddies vision since the first album and “you really got me” and others on the first CD warranted Warner Bros to push RADIO play. Otherwise their is no vehicle for VH to blow up unless they go the underground route. They’ve always been a pop rock band. It’s just that Eddie’s Innovative guitar playing, his style, was signature, and an event that has changed the history of Music literally.
Wrong! The first VH album was by far the of all time best in my opinion! The fact that it’s the only one I can listen to nowadays proves that. It was/is and always will be a classic. Every song on that album rocks from start to finish. The rest of the Van Halen albums are all mediocre. They made a huge mistake ditching the leather & chains after the first album and going commercial with spandex! It was such a disappointment! Then when they got rid of David Lee Roth and became Van Hagar, it was like Van Halen ceased to exist! I always liked Sammy Hagar. He was by far the best opening act for any band!
I saw him 2 dozen times as an opener for other bands and he never disappoints. Well that is until he became Van Hagar! Still like Sammy! However, after a few Van Hagar shows the Van Halen magic was lost forever!
Sorry but your opinion is not fact. And saying it’s the only one you can listen to does not mean it is the best. Fact and opinion are different beasts.
👍
Totally agree. I think Ted Templeman made the first album what it is. I’m pretty sure he picked the songs and had an influence on the look of the band and the sleeve. I listened to ‘Zero’ and I feel he also had some musical input. Would love to talk to the man.
I agree 100%. If Van Halen started with Sammy, they would have been as forgettable as Sammy’s solo career minus a couple hits. Dave’s contributions were just as important as Eddie’s playing.
The operative word is were for Dave. Sammy is still rocking at 75. Dave couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.
He said more successful, as in album sales and chart activity. It isn’t about preference, but overall success.
Roth absolutely wins the Van Halen commerce battle with 57 million sales worldwide to Hagar’s 27 million worldwide sales.
He is going by all 4 of their studio albums hitting #1. But album sales. Dave Era VH sold pretty much twice the number of units that Sam Era VH. VHI and 1984, together sold more than all Sammy era
YOUR ability to listen to an album is the measure? Narcissism runs deep in this one.
Now lets look at what Hagar actually said “VAN HALEN with me was even more successful than VAN HALEN with him”
How do we measure that? All of the Hagar period albums hit number one on the charts in the US, and did better globally. None of the Roth Era did that.
All of both Eras were certified Platinum, but VH1 was also diamond. It also had a 2 decade head start on sales.
The question isn’t what you like, or even what was the best (a very individual measure) but what was the most successful. In terms of radio airplay, chart standings, and mass appeal, it was clearly the Hagar era.
(source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Halen_discography)
1984 is also diamond with 15.1 million sales
5150 came out 2 years later with 8 million. It’s the highest selling with Sammy.
The only one you can listen to shows your very limited musical likes and complete lack of taste if you ask me. 🤷
Sammy doesn’t acknowledge that things don’t turn on a dime. His success is actually riding on a wave of the band’s early success. Does he think he would have been more successful if they only played the new stuff from when he joined?
Bro! No Fair Warning?
Thanks! I love fans with some sense!
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!! DLR is the sweetheart of many girls!!! And truly VHS. Originals are the best!
Very true, but he said more successful.. meaning awards album sales tours etc the Hagar era was definitely more successful in all those areas those are facts but I do agree with your comment.
Roth/Hagar: divisive after all these decades.
Album sales? Check the numbers.
Seven years age difference and Van Hagar doesn’t hold a candle to DLR Van Halen
Why doesn’t Sam just chill. Him and Dave don’t care for each other. They were both very successful in VH at one time in their lives. How many accolades do you want. Really ? It was great with both so both of you shut up and enjoy your success without making fools out of yourself.. It’s past annoying.
Light up the sky , Mean streets Unchained , pop right… Give me a break….
Jump is supposed to be hard rock? It failed then.
The numbers don’t lie. Van Halen had far more commercial success with Sammy. You are entitled to your opinion on which version you liked better, but, the numbers tell the real story.
What are you talking about? DLR era sold more albums, more concert tickets, more influence on other artists etc etc. VH I and 1984 both sold in the ballpark of 15 million copies in the U.S. alone. Just those two albums outsold the 5 Van Hagar albums combined.
I believe they both were successful! However DLR had great showmanship. He really was able to popularize the group as VH. There’s no denying Eddie was also a huge success with his innovative guitar playing. None like him. Never will be!. I love songs from both Sammy and Dave but you can’t have that great song without Eddie.
Van Halen (DLR) total albums sold – 72 million
Van Hagar total albums sold – 30 million
Sorry Todd but you’re entirely wrong.
Source: https://chartmasters.org/van-halen-albums-and-songs-sales/
Disco? Your an idiot. Roth was not a great singer. All he had was his fake scream. Wowww ohhhhh!
Your insane Roth had a 5 octive voice! Cancer sticks destroyed it
Not really if you look at 1984 Eddie called that album the beginning of the new VH and the direction that he wanted and was heading towards. With Sammy being in the band just help project that insight for Eddie 10 folds. Music marriage made in heaven
So, because you think that it wasn’t rock, it wasn’t more successful? Lol
your comment is bs
And yet, they sold a gazillion more albums and concert tickets during the Hagar era than the Roth era. So yes, VH was more successful with Hagar than with Roth.
Seriously? Van Halen was doing cover songs under Dave that weren’t even close hard rock. “Happy Trails to You”? “Big Billy is Sweet William Now”? Sammy would have never given those songs the time of day. In pure sales and concert attendance Van Hagar outdid Dave’s Van Halen. And I’m a Dave fan – really love his time with the band. But let’s be realistic here.
Can’t Sammy open his mouth without mentioning Van Halen?
Sammy can’t acknowledge that he’ll never “be in Van Halen” again.
Not true at all. Van Halen was the best with David Lee Roth.
Andy my Sammy’s nose has grown.
Devi’s Lee Roth net worth 60 million
Sammy Hagar net worth. 150 million
Music taste is subjective. So I dont care about others opinions. For me, I like both Roth and Hagar version of VH. They were different, but still VH and as good as the other.
A voice of reason! Thank you! Music is not a contest, and liking one doesn’t mean you can’t like another, and everyone is entitled to their favorite. I would enjoy listening to Ed playing with ANYONE, or by himself. Dave is a great showman, Sammy is a more talented musician, Micheal was a brilliant but tortured artist, and I can still enjoy Gary. ( I know, I’m probably responsible for all 3 CDs of VH3 that sold, but even that album can make me smile) and I can still love Satriani, Hoey, Martone, Johnson…
Just listen to the songs they are playing since Eddie’s passing. Mostly Roth era. RIP Eddie !
Who is “they”?
For me, it’s like this: KFC may sell far more chicken, but there’s a little hole-in-the-wall joint here in Jacksonville on Myrtle Avenue that has wings that will bring tears of joy to your eyes. True indeed, Van Hagar was a far more commercial band, made crap-loads of money, but for me, they were Journey on steroids. Van Hagar was a better band, but Van Halen with Dave was a cultural phenomenon…
Spot on Mr. Bryant.
Hagar’s ego is showing on this one. But I can’t say that he isn’t right either.
I seen them in 80 at Maple leaf Gardens which sucked and 95. at the Molson Amphitheatre which rocked. 1984 was their height because that’s when music videos were at their peak for most artists and your right about *a cultural phenomenon*
I ask people all the time what lead singer was better and without a DOUBT David lee Roth wins period!!!!
I saw both incarnations of VH. I Never did like Dave, and he has become an embarrassment on stage. Sammy still rocks!
Yes he does still rock. Sammy never got lost in dope like Roth did. Just a shadow of his former self.
Van Halen with Dave was just a successful cover band, with an incredible guitarist. Van Hagar was a supergroup. 4 incredible musicians pushing each other to the bests of their abilities.
I don’t care much for Van Halen, no matter who the lead singer is. But what he’s trying to say here is that they sold more records and made more money when HE was in the band than when Dave was. And the numbers back him up. If “more records sold” and “more money made” = “more successful” (and I would venture that they do), then he is correct. Whether or not you like him.
Van Halen sold more records and sold more tix to concerts that Van Hagar – fact.
As a singer? Absolutely no shot is DLR a better singer than Sammy. I’m not buying what you’re selling. Find the videos where they strip the song down to just the singer acapella. DLR is PAINFUL to listen to.
Better showman? Maybe. Diamond Dave sure could do the splits and spin a stick around really fast better than Sammy could ever dream of doing.
If “more successful” means number of albums sold then Sammy is right. But who determines what more successful really is? Sammy has a better voice, is a better musician, sold more records, but a lot of people prefer Roth era VH (me included). So what is success?
Who determines what more succes is albums and tickets sold. DUH
Van Halen was absolutely way better with David Lee Roth
You obviously didn’t see them in the last 3 yrs before they gave dave the boot, when he’d down a 1/5 of jack in less than 1/2 hr, forget the words to songs or switch songs mid song leaving eddie, alex & michael shaking their heads and trying to figure out which song he changed to so that they could join in.
Roth absolutely wins the Van Halen commerce battle with 57 million sales worldwide to Hagar’s 27 million worldwide sales. …
However, it took seven albums for Roth to reach that number (Van Halen in 1978, Van Halen II in 1979, Women and Children First in 1980, Fair Warning in 1981, Diver Down in 1982, 1984 in 1984, and A Different Kind of Truth in 2012), while Hagar hit his mark with four albums (5150 in 1986, OU812 in 1988, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge in 1991, and Balance in 1995).
So about 8M per to 6M per?
You can’t measure success by profits. Because the income inequality gap grew. You measure it by popularity. We all know the names of countless Van Halen songs with Roth and only a few with Hagar. Sorry bud it ain’t all about cash flow.
OK, I’ll bite. What was VH’s first #1 album on the Billboard 200? 5150, with Hagar. Oh and the next three (OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and Balance) all hit #1. How many did VH have with DLR? ZERO.
This isn’t comparing profits. This is pure number of records sold. VH had the highest selling record in America on 4 different occasions. If that’s not popularity, I don’t know what is.
I think the Van Halen with Sammy was the best and most successful of them all. Thats a fact. Just compare them to the billboard charts. I know it’s a matter of opinion of what taste you have Dave or Sammy. Dave was a better front man and Sammy was a better singer.
Both versions of Van Halen were hugely successful in they’re own unique ways and it’s only a personal preference of the listener as to which era they think is best . To have two mega versions of the band is testament to one man only …. the late great Eddie Van Halen .
You know It seems like everything went down hill when Sammy took over. Ed’s playing was not the same with Sammy’s voice and songwriting. Technically better does not mean anything when the songs are soft and safe. Just listen to Fair Warning and it becomes a joke that Sammy thinks his stuff with Ed is that good.
He seems like a super cool guy but you can’t rewrite history with what was witnessed with classic vh. Please Sammy try and move on it’s gross you are trying to compete with the original line up.
Hagar is correct in that they moved more product, and made more money in his era, so those of you that prefer the Roth era can calm down.
You can’t argue with hard facts like math.
That said I still prefer the Roth era Van Halen musically. It has a harder edge, at least up until 5150. That was the transition record to the more pop sound.
Gary doesn’t get enough love.
DLR was better and you know it. It has 2 be killing you inside but youll never admit that Eddie and Dave never got along and They FU when they fired. Dave because 2 me Dave was the singer Not you Hagar never like your singing anyway thats when the band died and no they couldn’t have made it without him Eddie was the best but without DLR they wouldn’t never made and you know keep lying to yourself but inside its has 2 be killing you.
DLR was better and you know it Hagar your singing sucked 2 me.Thats when the band died it has 2. Kill you inside doesn’t it..
Try speaking English
Love Sammy, but global sales of just VH 1 and 1984 combine for over 30 million, which is more than ALL Sammy era global sales. DLR era albums are over 2/3 of all VH global sales. Is Sammy talking tours or what? On just album sales, like it or not…..Dave is the champ.
You’re all wrong. Both versions sucked.
Who F5*king cares. Its all personal taste. They both had their moments in the band.
Sam is spot on! Roth couldn’t touch Sammy’s tunes with VH yet Sammy sings David’s stuff far better! Roth is no more than a washed up clown. He can’t sing anymore yet tries and it’s awful. He really couldn’t sing back with VH.
With David, Eddie and Mike, Van Halen became the great band they were…..Sammy just had to step in to that success the others had already established, making it quite easy. Sure , the Sammy era may have had more financial success, but without the road already being paved, I don’t know if it would have worked out the same way……with that said, I still think the Sammy era of VH was great, but it didn’t have the same pizzazz as the David era.
Not a big deal in the scheme of things but there wouldn’t have been a “Van Halen” for Sammy to step into if Dave hadn’t participated in building it. Lots of garage bands don’t get out of the garage. They became famous with Dave. Sammy stepped into something that Dave and the other boys had already built. In the infamous words of Barack Hussein Obama, “You didn’t build that”.
Maybe more successful, but I’ll take the Roth Van Halen over Sammy’s Van Halen every day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Just went to to the riaa website and counted the Roth album sales at 39 million . Then I counted the Sammy album sales at 17 million . That’s all usa sales for both . Maybe Ecuador bought the rest the Sammy that are not there. .
Well first off, why the hell does Hagar care is Dave thinks Van Hagar was more successful. He’s stated multiple times that he doesn’t like Roth, so why the hell does he care about his opinion.
Also…Van Hagar had the edge in record sales, sure, but the only reason people were even paying attention was because of all the attention garnered from the split with Dave. And most of the songs with Hagar are just plain forgettable. “Ballady BS!” Dave’s Van Halen was simply iconic!
McDonalds has sold more burgers than any company on the planet. Do they have the best burger? Are they the best restaurant??? It aint all about the money. Sometimes people just want a cheap, accessible bite to eat.
I just don’t think the Hagar era compares to the Dave era. Can you compare anything Hagar did two songs like in a simple rhyme and on fire and light up the sky and so on and so on and so on. Hell no you can’t. Roth wins. Come on guys this isn’t even a fair comparison to who the real and the better Van Halen is
I was one of those who saw Van Halen at Back yard parties in and around, Pasadena, before they had record contract. I also saw them at Anaheim Stadium in their early years when they played with Sammy, Boston, Black Sabbath. I certainly can say Sammy is a much better song writer than David Lee Roth was, he’s a better singer and yes, Van Halen’s songs sold much more under Sammy, but David Lee Roth was a great showman. His antics and (dare I call it dancing) on stage are second to none. His ideas to parachute into the Big “A” (or at least let look-a-likes do it) was amazingly smart. I think Van Halen does exist with our David Lee and his PA but they reached new heights in rock with Sammy as their front man. There are things about both of them to like.
In the music industry, success is measured in album sales and revenue. Being popular doesn’t translate into sales and vice versa. Sammy’s version of Van Halen was HUGE on both a sales and revenue generation. Dave’s was more popular with the Van Halen purists. Sammy’s comment is spot on.
I like the Sammy era better but if you look at album sales Dave era wins.
Well…. Jump was all Eddie’s idea not Dave’s!
The soul of the band will always be the original members. I really like Sam and I don’t really like Dave that much. He’s eccentric and not as talented vocally but he brings the stage presence that will never be matched. I appreciate both but when I think of Van Halen Dave is singing every song
Did you ever listen to Women and Children First??? Everyone knows that’s the Best David Lee Roth Era album!!! OU812 was the best Sammy Hagar Era album. David Lee Roth was way more Pop than Sammy. Just look at his solo work, California Girls and Yellow Rose are the only two things that come to mind and you couldn’t get more pop than that!!!
Van Halen with Hagar was when EVH started to evolve and had now freedom to showcase his talent on keyboards. They were maturing The 90s were a different era and the 80s Van Halen has to move on.
For all the Hagar-lovers who claim that “the numbers back him up,” provide a link which states that Hagar-era VH has sold more than Roth-era VH. And while you’re fruitlessly wasting time doing that, consider that the first Van Halen album AND 1984 are both diamond sellers (10 million each), and NO Hagar-era VH LP sold that many copies. Not to mention that “Jump” went to number one, and NO Hagar-era VH song did.
All this bickering is not very repectful to Eddie.
Same story with iron maiden
Loved Roth’s Runnin with the Devil but Sammy is the Van Halen King. He was the strong front man they needed to replace Roth but he was also a kind, happy fan Lover, and it showed. The fact that sweet Michael Anthony and he have stuck together as band members and family tells you what you need to know. Having been to several concerts I can tell you Roth came off as egotistical and self centered. Sammy came off as sure, I have a big ego, but also know who is keeping me on this stage. He is still wonderful to his fans. Sammy’s songs still are the best of Van Halen. How do I know it’s Love?… NOTHINGS MISSING !! Can’t wait till 8/19!!🤘🎸
Sorry sammy but 1984 and the 1978 Van halen album ALONE sold more than your entire era with van halen.
You can measure success anyway that you want. You can measure it by album sales or by how many times their records went to number 1 and how many weeks it stayed there. I measure it by all of the above plus holding on to musical integrity. Dave’s era did that. Sammy’s era did not. Sammy’s era was mom rock. Kind of like Starship vs Jefferson Airplane. Dave’s era was like “White Rabbit” and Sammy’s era was like “We built this city on rock and roll”. Sadly, we built this city enjoyed higher billboard standing.
For me personally being a performer I felt Sammy led them in a direction where he felt he was a equal attraction to Eddie, Eddie was always the draw, Dave shared the spotlight , but eddie was the talent, same as Sammy, I recall him saying he was evenly popular, he is delusional, Eddie shaped guitar playing for the ages, the Sammy era was one where they walked away from what made VH famous