Sammy Hagar marked the release of his new live album by dedicating it to his fellow Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth — timing the celebration perfectly with Roth’s birthday.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer shared a lighthearted and heartfelt video on Instagram, where he spoke about the special connection between his new album’s release date and Roth’s big day.
“It’s a Birthday Present to Dave From Us”
In the video, Hagar joyfully revealed that his new record, titled “Residency”, coincides with Roth’s birthday.
“Our record, ‘Residency,’ the live album, that we recorded in Vegas, coming out on October 10th,” Hagar said. “October 10th is also David Lee Roth’s birthday. Guess what? It’s a birthday present to Dave from us.”
Hagar then rallied his band and the crowd to join him in a birthday salute to his onetime Van Halen counterpart.
“We’re gonna sing happy birthday to David Lee Roth,” he continued. “He’s a f*cking Libra, he can’t be all bad.”
Paying Homage to His Fellow Van Halen Frontman
In the caption accompanying the Instagram clip, Hagar added a friendly nod to Roth’s musical legacy.
“How could I not pay homage to the man that co-wrote this next bad a-s song we’re about to play. Happy Residency release day and happy birthday to fellow Libra, Dave,” Hagar wrote.
The lighthearted tribute shows the Red Rocker extending respect to Roth — the frontman who fronted Van Halen both before and after Hagar’s tenure.
While the two singers have often been portrayed as rivals in the band’s storied history, Hagar’s latest gesture demonstrates an unexpected show of goodwill between two icons of the same rock dynasty.
A Birthday Gift With Rock ‘n’ Roll Spirit
Hagar’s decision to align the release of “Residency” with Roth’s birthday added a symbolic touch to the launch. The record, which dropped on October 10, captures the electrifying energy of his acclaimed Las Vegas residency performances.
The album spans 19 live tracks, showcasing a mix of Hagar’s solo hits, Van Halen classics, and fan-favorite deep cuts performed with his band The Circle, featuring Michael Anthony, Vic Johnson, and Jason Bonham.
“Residency” delivers the energy, humor, and showmanship that have made Hagar a staple of classic rock for decades. The record also reflects his ongoing commitment to celebrating the music of Van Halen, even as he continues to expand his solo legacy.
From Friendly Rivalry to Respect
Over the years, Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth have often been portrayed as the yin and yang of Van Halen — two powerhouse personalities who each left an indelible mark on the band’s legacy.
Hagar joined Van Halen in 1985, following Roth’s departure, and went on to front the group during its multi-platinum era that produced albums like “5150”, “OU812”, and “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.”
While their public interactions have sometimes included playful jabs and competitive energy, Hagar’s recent tribute suggests mutual respect has replaced rivalry.
The birthday message — wrapped in rock ‘n’ roll humor and camaraderie — stands as one of the more good-natured exchanges between the two singers in recent years.
“Residency”: A Celebration of Rock Legacy
With “Residency,” Hagar captures the essence of his decades-long career while nodding to the roots that shaped his journey. Recorded live in Las Vegas, the album blends his dynamic vocals, high-octane energy, and deep appreciation for rock tradition.
For fans, the dual celebration — an album release and a salute to David Lee Roth — feels like a rare, unifying moment between two eras of Van Halen history.
Whether intentional or serendipitous, Hagar’s decision to dedicate “Residency” to Roth transforms the album launch into more than just a musical event — it’s a moment of connection between two legends who helped define one of rock’s greatest bands.