Sammy Hagar has shared new insight into how he approaches performing classic Van Halen tracks — including material from David Lee Roth’s era — and why songs like “Panama” remain among his all-time favorites to play live.
In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Hagar opened up about his appreciation for the band’s early catalog and his philosophy when it comes to performing iconic rock songs.
“It’s Like ‘Rock Candy’ — It Just Has It”
When asked about performing hits from the Roth years such as “Runnin’ With the Devil,” Hagar said that certain songs are so timeless that they transcend who originally sang them.
“Well, it’s like ‘Rock Candy’ to me, it just has it,” Hagar said. “You know, anybody can play it. It’s one of those cover songs. If I’m going to do a cover song, I like to do [things like] a Led Zeppelin song, or a Rolling Stones song that’s iconic — ‘Honky Tonk Women,’ or Led Zeppelin’s ‘Rock and Roll,’ or ‘Whole Lotta Love.’ You kick those songs off anywhere, anytime, anyplace, and everybody is happy.”
Hagar added that songs like those — and early Van Halen material — are universal crowd-pleasers that never lose their power.
Hagar’s Favorite Van Halen Song to Perform
The Red Rocker also revealed which Van Halen song he enjoys performing most — and made a lighthearted dig at his former bandmates.
“‘Panama’ is my favorite. You know, that’s the one I want to sing. I don’t let Mikey sing ‘Panama,’ because I like singing it. It’s a really fun song to play and sing. It’s bada*s,” Hagar said.
“We add those songs to the set because we’re doing a lot of Van Halen stuff. Unlike the other guys that didn’t want to play my era, or can’t play my era. I like playing those songs, and I can play and sing those songs, and I think everyone appreciates them.”
The singer’s comment appears to reference David Lee Roth’s reluctance to perform tracks from Hagar’s tenure during Van Halen’s reunion tours — something that has long divided fans of the two eras.
Michael Anthony’s Evolution as a Vocalist
Hagar also praised longtime Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, noting how much his singing has grown over the years. Once known for his signature harmonies, Anthony now handles lead vocals on several songs during The Circle’s live shows.
“Mikey’s singing is stronger than ever,” Hagar said, highlighting Anthony’s performance of “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love” as a standout.
According to Hagar, this dynamic has made performing Van Halen’s catalog — both Roth and Hagar eras — more rewarding than ever.
Celebrating the Entire Van Halen Legacy
Hagar’s approach underscores his commitment to keeping the entire Van Halen legacy alive — not just the songs from his own years with the band (5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, Balance).
By performing early hits alongside his own classics like “Right Now” and “Why Can’t This Be Love,” Hagar continues to unite fans of all generations under the same high-voltage Van Halen spirit.
“I like playing those songs, and I think everyone appreciates them,” Hagar said. “They’re fun, they’re iconic, and they keep the Van Halen legacy alive.”
