VAN HALEN FRONTMAN DAVID LEE ROTH SAYS OF FORMER SINGER SAMMY HAGAR “THERE’S A CREDIBILITY ISSUE THERE,” VIDEO OF THEIR BILLBOARD AWARDS PERFORMANCE POSTED ONLIINE
David Lee Roth says he’ll never perform Sammy Hagar-era Van Halen songs, and says the reasons are obvious.
First, Roth was never sure about Hagar’s commitment to the work. Second, he says, the public has made it clear which edition they favor.
“Well, there’s a credibility issue there,” Roth said, back stage at the Billboard Music Awards. “Good, bad or in the middle, you know Roth means it; the other guy doesn’t. And that’s why it sold half as well — literally, Midas Bible half. Never did better than half. And why would you bring that into the proceedings? This hamburger don’t need no helper. Ain’t no rehearsing pants in my closet.”
Of course, Hagar has previously expressed his own opinion on this subject. “The difference between Dave and I in that band, besides all the other million things, is that he can’t sing any of the ‘Van Hagar’-era songs,” he explained in a 2012 interview with the Boston Phoenix (courtesy of Blabbermouth). “Maybe he could do Finish What You Started, possibly.”
Last night marked Van Halen’s first appearance at the Billboard Music Awards, which aired on ABC from Las Vegas (see the performance below). Roth just released his second project since returning to Van Halen, a live set titled Tokyo Dome in Concert. There, as with the band’s on-going concerts since his return, the setlists have focused on albums from Roth’s initial 1974–85 tenure, interspersed with songs from their 2012 comeback album A Diffferent Kind of Truth.
Hagar’s principal work with Van Halen stretched from 1985–96. Both singers had subsequent reunions with the group: Roth returned in 1996, and Hagar was back for 2003–05. Roth has fronted Van Halen ever since.
Asked about a potential studio follow up to A Different Kind of Truth, Roth struck a hopeful if non-committal stance. “I’m always writing and have written with a number of other people,” he said. “And I would always look forward to doing it again with Van Halen.”
source: ultimateclassicrock.com
dave didn’t rule out any gary cherone-era tunes.
I’ll preface my comment by saying that I’m a huge fan of both Sammy and Dave era Van Halen. There’s a ton of great music released by both lineups. I’ll paraphrase something Eddie Trunk said on TMS. When Sammy Hagar joined VH, it was time for a change. 5150 blows away both Diver Down and 1984 IMO. But I’ll also admit that nothing can ever top the self titled VH debut. One of the great hard rock albums of all time.
Maybe Dave is jealous of all the success Sammy Hagar has had outside of Van Halen. David Lee Roth needs VH a lot more than Sammy does. Sammy has been nothing but successful with Montrose, his solo career, Chickenfoot, his tequila and rum, and the Waboritas. By the time Dave toured with Sammy in 2002, Dave was a parody of himself, even wearing a platinum wig. I don’t know how Dave can wear a wig onstage with a guitar player from a VH tribute band and call out somebody else for lack of credibility.
parody you say??? Look at Hagar these days, playing nothing but carnivals and state fairs and he’s a fat drunk slug. Chickenfoot and waborita’s HAHAHAHAHA
Absolutely. Did you see the Sam and Dave Tour in 2002?
Dave tried to wear the same outfits from the early 80s, wore a wig to emulate his old look, and even did those lame karate / sword things between songs. It was kinda sad. I’m willing to give Dave his credit as a front man, and he and VH put out some really good albums.
At least when I saw him with VH in 2007 & 2008, he was up there with his thinning hair and a different outfit, not trying to look like his 1981 self.
I’m willing to give both singers their due. I must say I don’t understand the hate for Sammy though.
What musical success has Hagar had since he left VH? He’s a club/theater artist on his own, the Chickencrap stuff bombed even after he said it could rival Led Zeppelin, he’s doing cover tunes now, and burned a ton of bridges with his mouth! The man acts like he invented rock and roll…
Ok, the Van Hagar contingent needs to accept the actual facts – not Sam “The Hard Rock Jimmy Buffet” Hagar’s made up claims. Yes, Van Hagar had more number-one charting albums. However, David Lee Roth-era Van Halen albums have sold more copies. In fact, just two of their albums alone are certified Diamond (how appropriate!) by the RIAA signifying sales of more than 10 million.
Can Dave technically sing Sam’s songs? No. He doesn’t (nor did he ever) have the range. However, I prefer a caterwauling Diamond Dave any day over Sam screeching notes that only dogs can hear over neutered ’80s pop songs (When It’s Love, anyone? No, I didn’t think so!).
Sammy can not sing DLR Van Halen songs either. Did you people hear him trying to sing Jump or Panama? He was awful. Like Sammy has a right to talk! Heck I remember seeing the 5150 tour. Van Hagar only had the one CD. Sammy had a bunch of material he could have gone too. I think he did ONE DLR songs and he was awful So the tour consisted of long solos to fill out time. I was bored out of my wits.
I’ll take Van Hagar any day. Although I am going to see them in August with DLR.
whatttttttttttttttttt diamond dave cannot and never could sing live,if it were ot for the tricks in the studio,his stuff would be unlistenable….at least sammy could and still can sing,and his brain is not oatmeal,being in a band is not all the man has accomplished in his life…dammm whats up dave????