HELLOWEEN vocalist ANDI DERIS has opened up about the careful planning behind the band’s highly successful Pumpkins United reunion. In a recent interview with Wanted Record, DERIS explained that the German power metal legends learned a crucial lesson from a very public reunion failure involving VAN HALEN.
According to ANDI DERIS, witnessing VAN HALEN’s ill-fated attempt to unite DAVID LEE ROTH and SAMMY HAGAR served as a warning. That experience, he said, ultimately helped HELLOWEEN avoid similar pitfalls when bringing former members MICHAEL KISKE and KAI HANSEN back into the fold.
Rather than assuming nostalgia alone would guarantee success, HELLOWEEN approached their reunion with caution, communication, and realism.
A Fan’s Disappointment Became a Lesson
During the interview, ANDI DERIS admitted that he has long been a devoted fan of VAN HALEN. Because of that, the band’s failed reunion left a lasting impression on him.
Transcribed by Wanted Record:
“I’m a huge fan of Van Halen, and I remember back in the days there was this reunion with David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, and they played one show in Las Vegas,” Deris said. “But it was the one and only show because in the middle of the concert, they kicked their a*ses. I mean, seriously.”
For DERIS, the incident was more than just shocking. It was deeply disappointing. Like countless fans, he had dreamed of seeing both iconic VAN HALEN singers sharing the same stage.
When a Dream Fell Apart on Stage
As ANDI DERIS continued, he described the moment as a personal letdown. His comments reflected both humor and genuine frustration over what could have been an unforgettable musical moment.
Transcribed by Wanted Record:
“Probably Diamond Dave had too much cocaine, and maybe Sammy Hagar was too much on vodka — I don’t know — or tequila,” he continued. “But they really kicked their a*s on stage in front of everybody. And my dream was destroyed, because I love ’em both; I love Diamond Dave, I love Sammy Hagar. Yeah, that, for me, would’ve been the greatest ‘Pumpkins United’. But they didn’t do it.”
Although his tone was lighthearted at times, the underlying message was clear. Chemistry matters, and unresolved personal issues can derail even the most anticipated reunion.
Applying the Lesson to HELLOWEEN
When discussions began about reuniting HELLOWEEN’s classic and modern lineups, ANDI DERIS said the VAN HALEN situation came up almost immediately. The band recognized that they had to address potential conflicts before stepping on stage together.
Transcribed by Wanted Record:
“And I remember back in the days when we had the first meetings with Kai and Michael Kiske, we talked about that too,” Deris said. “That was a shock for everybody, because nearly all the guys in the band are Van Halen fans and everybody would have celebrated having both of the singers on stage.”
That shared disappointment helped sharpen the band’s focus. Rather than rushing into the reunion, HELLOWEEN made sure everyone involved was genuinely comfortable with the idea.
“Not to f-ck it up”
One of ANDI DERIS’s most telling comments revealed just how seriously the band took the process.
Transcribed by Wanted Record:
“And that gave us, yeah, the focus, so to say, not to f-ck it up, if possible, because I realized I was not the only guy completely disappointed.”
At that moment, DERIS realized the VAN HALEN fallout had disappointed millions of fans worldwide. That realization reinforced the responsibility HELLOWEEN felt toward their own audience.
Transcribed by Wanted Record:
“There were millions of people disappointed because Van Halen didn’t go through with it; they couldn’t do it. Idiots,” he continued with a laugh. “But, yeah, that’s life. But that was something to learn from.”
The Moral of the Story
According to ANDI DERIS, the key takeaway from VAN HALEN’s failed reunion was simple but essential.
Transcribed by Wanted Record:
“I mean, you cannot force it. If people don’t like themselves, you should not put them on stage together. I think that’s the moral of the story.”
That philosophy became the foundation of HELLOWEEN’s Pumpkins United reunion. Rather than relying on contracts or fan expectations, the band prioritized mutual respect and open communication.
Why Pumpkins United Worked
When MICHAEL KISKE and KAI HANSEN rejoined HELLOWEEN, many fans believed it was an impossible dream. Different eras, personalities, and creative visions had to coexist within one lineup.
However, unlike VAN HALEN’s reunion attempt, HELLOWEEN ensured that personal issues were addressed before taking the stage. The result was a tour and recording era that was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Instead of chaos, audiences witnessed unity. Instead of tension, they saw genuine enjoyment and shared purpose.
Planning Over Nostalgia
One of the defining factors behind HELLOWEEN’s success was their refusal to rely solely on nostalgia. While the emotional pull of seeing multiple generations together was undeniable, DERIS made it clear that nostalgia alone is not enough.
By learning from VAN HALEN’s mistake, HELLOWEEN approached their reunion as a professional collaboration rather than a sentimental experiment.
A Rare Reunion Done Right
In the world of rock and metal, reunions often come with risk. History is filled with examples that ended in disappointment, internal conflict, or abrupt cancellations. Pumpkins United, however, stood out as a rare example of how to do it right.
ANDI DERIS’s comments shed light on the behind-the-scenes thinking that made it possible. By acknowledging past failures — even those of legendary bands like VAN HALEN — HELLOWEEN positioned themselves for success.
Looking Back Without Regret
Today, Pumpkins United is remembered as a defining chapter in HELLOWEEN’s history. It united fans across generations and proved that a carefully planned reunion can exceed expectations.
As ANDI DERIS made clear, sometimes the best lessons come from watching what not to do. In this case, VAN HALEN’s short-lived reunion helped HELLOWEEN deliver one of the most celebrated comebacks in metal history.
