The long-standing dynamic between Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth continues to capture the attention of fans, but this time it’s not about rivalry. Instead, Hagar is coming to Roth’s defense after critics mocked Roth’s recent live performances.
During an interview on September 16th with SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, Hagar clarified that he harbors no negativity toward Roth and, in fact, appreciates the kind words Roth shared about him during a recent show.
David Lee Roth’s Onstage Remarks
On August 13th, while performing the Van Halen classic “Dance The Night Away” at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, Roth addressed a story Hagar once told.
Back in 2022, Hagar revealed that he had a dream in which he reunited with his late bandmate Eddie Van Halen, and together they wrote a brand-new song. The dream inspired Hagar to create “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight”, which was officially released in April 2025 via Big Machine Rock.
Although some fans believed Roth was mocking Hagar’s story when he brought it up on stage, Hagar dismissed the idea. Instead, he interpreted Roth’s words as supportive and complimentary.
Sammy Hagar’s Response
Transcribed by SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk:
“Dave never does stuff like that. To me, it was, like, ‘Wow, Dave actually became cool for a minute about me,’ and I think him and I can be friends. Honestly, I would love to be friends with Dave. He is the wackiest guy. He would be a blast — in my opinion, he would be a blast to hang. Get on a boat and go cruising around in the islands or something with that guy and some of our friends and stuff.”
Hagar was particularly touched when Roth complimented his voice and catalog, something he admitted he never expected to hear.
Reflecting on Van Halen History
Both Hagar and Roth share a deep connection through their years in Van Halen, and Hagar acknowledged this common bond during the interview.
“We’ve got so much in common and so much history together, if you think about it. We both spent 10 years of our lives with Van Halen, Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Eddie Van Halen, right? I mean, we wrote songs with [Eddie]. There’s so much that we have in common. And we’re totally two different kinds of people, but that’s what makes it fun. The people around us would be having more fun.”
Hagar went on to describe Roth as a “great storyteller” who sometimes embellishes but always manages to entertain his audience. He suggested that Roth may have truly believed in the dream he referenced and admired the colorful way he presented it.
Praise for Roth’s Storytelling
Hagar expressed appreciation for Roth’s talent in delivering engaging narratives on stage, noting that this ability has long been one of Roth’s trademarks.
“But anyway, I just think he really did have that dream. And he’s a great storyteller. So the guy gets up there and tells his story a little bit more elaborate — ‘we smoked a Marlboro,’ a ghost cigarette together. He’s a good storyteller. And I just thought it was wonderful that he actually said, ‘You know Sammy Hagar. The guy’s got a great voice’ or something like that, he said, ‘and he’s got a good catalog.’ Whoa. Dave. Right on, brother.”
By highlighting this moment, Hagar reinforced his belief that there is no animosity between them, only mutual respect despite their contrasting personalities.
Respecting Roth’s Efforts on Stage
While some fans have been critical of Roth’s live vocal performances, Hagar refused to join in the negativity. Instead, he defended Roth’s decision to keep performing, pointing out that his motivation is not financial gain but passion for music and fans.
“I would never negative comment, man. The guy’s got the balls to go out there and do it and do it for the fans. He’s not doing it for money. Dave’s got plenty of money, for God’s sakes. Nobody in Van Halen’s broke. And he’s doing it ‘cause he loves it. And he looks like he’s having a good time. He’s got a pretty damn good band, there ain’t no question about that.”
Hagar also highlighted Roth’s smart move of incorporating background singers into his band to replicate Van Halen’s iconic choruses.
“And the smartest thing — I even told him this; I sent him a note about it when we had that little Instagram comment thing — I sent him a personal note and said, ‘Hey, smartest thing you ever do is get them background singers.’ Those choruses in Van Halen are the most important part besides of Eddie’s guitar playing, some of the most important parts of that music to those fans. They love singing along to those songs. And you got those guys singing it, and they sound good singing it. And I think it was a good move. If he can’t do it, get somebody that can do it and just go out there and do your thing, whatever.”
Sammy Hagar’s Final Word
To wrap up the discussion, Hagar reiterated that he has no problem with Roth and is happy to see him out performing and keeping the spirit of Van Halen alive.
“Anyway, I’m all cool with Dave. I just wanna make that straight and clear.”
