Alex Van Halen shares his comparison between David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar

Alex Van Halen, the drummer for Van Halen, talked on the relationship David Lee Roth had with the group and contrasted his tenure as frontman with that of Sammy Hagar, who took his place. Before Eddie Van Halen passed away, Alex was asked how crucial having a producer in the studio was in a recent interview with Modern Drummer.
#vanhalen #alexvanhalen #eddievanhalen #sammyhagar #davidleeroth

[@Super_Chief]

I grew up with Eddie on Holliston Ave. in Pasadena back in the early 1970s. David Lee Roth used to date my sister’s best friend, who lived across the street from the Van Halen’s. Dave would show up at her house every day and lay back on his motorcycle in front of her house, waiting for her to get home from school. You could hear these guys practicing in their garage all the way down the street to my house (a block away). Believe it or not, I was never really into the band Van Halen at the time. My taste in music had gone a different direction back then. The best thing I remember about the Van Halen’s (being a kid at the time), is Eddie’s mom always gave out the best candy every Halloween to us trick-or-treaters. So, when I think of Eddie, I don’t think of him as some kind of rock star, I think of him as a childhood friend who I always used to pick on for going to PHS (Pasadena High School) because (as everyone knows) the best high school in Pasadena is BLAIR HIGH SCHOOL!!! Sorry Eddie - I guess I still can’t help myself!🤣

[@RSTI191]

That's great stuff. I was in the area 2 years ago, Huntington Hospital appt., thought I'd drive by the house. There they were, the front steps Ed walking down to deliver his newspapers. I drove around out back to the garage, imagining them driving down the back ally on the way to a gig. There is a cedar fence there now. I reached under the fence for a handful of dirt. I keep it in a plastic baggie in my Fender Precision case.. Funny thing about the place, my compass wouldn't work there. Needle was all over the place. Swear to God It had to be from the bolt of lightening that struck the middle of the back yard years ago.. (I'm kidding of course on that last part..well, only about the compass..)

[@shawnwright5332]

Lololo👍🇨🇦

[@monkface]

​@@RSTI191 are you talking about the Las Lunas house? I went there myself a number of years ago when it was just a chain link fence in that back alley and could see the house and the little garage in back. But I went a while back and saw the wooden fence. One time I drove by and saw a for rent sign in the front yard! Wouldn't that be something! To rent their old house! Ha!

[@RSTI191]

@@monkface Yes Las Lunas

[@heyjarrod]

Who’s house were they jamming at, they never practiced at the Van Halen’s?

[@geneawisea2708]

That’s pretty F’d up how he totally disregarded Michael Anthony

[@bigdaddydiesel5520]

100%

[@TikkerLoS]

they always have, it's such a weird think. Anthony is such a big part of the van Halen sound

[@rudygracia5573]

Totally agree!Without that high/powerful tenor background MA vocal present in just about ALL of their hits,the songs would've died without him.

[@sunjester8254]

@@TikkerLoS Weird THING.

[@pal4597]

Because they had no class.

[@onekoneb]

There are plenty of fans who liked both singers in VH.

[@spamfriedmice4800]

There are plenty of people who enjoy sardines on pizza, and they're all wrong too.

[@Me-qp8vz]

Even though there was 4... A true VH fan knows this...

[@adam872]

There is no need to choose between the eras, I love 'em both.

[@bmac8753]

Mad respect for both ☯️

[@batlevi2247]

Yes

[@jerardovazquez1551]

I'll take the 10% from Diamond Dave any day over Sammy😊

[@ericnickerson1060]

Dave=showmanship, Sammy=incredible voice

[@moobutt]

Of course I like Dave VH better, but the first couple Sam VH albums were good in their own right. They really are two different bands.

[@BlazingShackles]

how many times you gonna post this on every VH video?

[@anz2441]

It takes more than a voice my friend and DLR had all the rest that drove VH to super stardom !! Sammy = flip flops and beer gut 🙃😉

[@davidsamueld2015]

I don't hear any great singers priase Hagar's voice.

[@brianstrutter1501]

​@@davidsamueld2015- not sure i care. I know what i hear and Hagar's voice is and was significantly better than Roth's. But I'll take Roth all day every day over Hagar and i love Hagar. Roth was the face and charisma of VH. Something Hagar just didn't have

[@earthwatcher2012]

VanHagar : “Why Can’t This Be Love?” DLR - “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love”

[@drmusic3641]

WCTBL has one of the most cringe worthy lyric ever. "Only time will tell if we stand the test of time" YEESH!

[@Martin-ef4xh]

But, "It's the Best of Both Worlds"!

[@stevendurantini7182]

Sam had a career before Van Halen, Dave would be unknown today without Ed. Fact!

[@bassangler73]

I agree 100%

[@tonystoops7802]

Without Dave, no Van Halen.

[@stevendurantini7182]

@@tonystoops7802 I think they proved otherwise. If you didn’t like it, that’s your prerogative and I get it, but facts say they went on to be even more successful without him.

[@bassangler73]

@@tonystoops7802 without Eddie no music

[@pbaker7160]

Ed and Alex wouldn't be known without Dave. It was a symbiotic relationship of strife and struggle that created some of the best R&R in history. My proof? Gary Sharone - no amount of Ed and Alex magic could polish that turd.

[@POOKIE5592]

Not a diehard VH fan. Therefore, I appreciate both eras almost equally.

[@gavinbuckett260]

I liked all 3 versions to be honest, if I had to pick a favourite though, it would be Sammy. Dave was good back in his day mind, but was always an entertainer first, singer second, whereas as Sammy was and still is a fantastic singer. I love Gary also, great chops, but it was just a bad fit, he is outstanding with Extreme.

[@Martin-ef4xh]

Three? Does Gary count?

[@gavinbuckett260]

@@Martin-ef4xh Of course he counts, doesn’t matter if it was 1 or 10 albums, you can’t take it away from him that he was a singer for VH. 🤷‍♂️

[@Avicenna10]

Sammy’s voice is incomparably better than Dave’s. That’s pretty much indisputable. It’s also indisputable that Dave was a great entertainer and showman. Since I value the music over the showmanship, in the end I have to place my vote with Sammy.

[@MapleBar777]

You could not be more wrong. Sammy has a very limited range of pitch and tone and even within his range he often was flat at the top. Dave had a much wider range and tone and was more accurate with his pitch. IMO, there’s a huge subconscious bias towards Hagar from people who claim to prefer him to Roth because of their respective relationships with Eddie. EVERYONE loved Eddie like a little brother, so unless you also have a great fondness for Roth, you despise people who treat your little brother poorly and you favor those who treat him well. Roth was a better musician while Hagar was a better human being. So, there’s an argument.

[@brianstrutter1501]

​@@MapleBar777- completely disagree. Roth wasn't the singer Hagar was. No comparison. But Hagar wasn't the frontman or charismatic character Roth was. No comparison. For me i want the frontman. Great singers don't always capture the audience. Roth more than captured the audience. And not just live. His charisma flooded the albums as well. So to the OP who says he prefers the music to the show, Roth's music was outstanding. How could anyone say it wasn't? Utter nonsense. Plus Hagar's era was more commercial. Definitely some great songs but far more great songs during Roth's era. I'll take the frontman all day every day. And even as much as i love Hagar I'll take Roth all day every day, quirks and all

[@MapleBar777]

@@brianstrutter1501 Well, it’s my opinion that Roth was the better front man AND singer. I described why, regarding his vocal abilities specifically. His pitch accuracy, pitch range, and vocal dynamics were far beyond Hagar’s. I’m not a professional musician, but I have been playing guitar for roughly 30 years and had to develop an “ear” for sounds early on as a self taught player. Like I mentioned, Hagar’s ranges in all aspects are narrow by comparison and his pitch is flat at the top (meaning he can’t quite reach his own higher notes). His vocal distortion is too consistent and thus ends up feeling monotone and boring. If you’ve heard 30 seconds of Hagar’s singing, you’ve heard it all (hyperbole, but you get the idea). I would say the reason you are of the opinion that Roth’s energy comes through on the album is precisely because he’s the opposite. He varies his inflection, tone, vocal distortion, to swing from mood to mood. Hagar is an airport’s moving sidewalk, while Roth is Aladdin’s magic carpet.

[@danielfox3003]

Van Halen with Roth was just a better rock band. With Sammy it was more like easy rock that appealed to the masses.

[@rudygracia5573]

I saw VH in 95' and 05'(ish?).I regret not seeing them with Roth,just didn't have the opportunity.Diamond Dave's voice is more special/unique.Sammy is run of the mill/common&boring.He sings high notes just for sake of singing high notes.No dynamics.

[@greggphelps7643]

These guys should be thankful to have Sammy and Michael represent the band so well

[@richardmitchell8213]

Let’s get one thing straight right out the gate. Eddie Van Halen was and is the most important element of this band period !!! Without EVH “There is no Van Halen”!!! He provided the canvass for DLR and Sammy to paint on. Lots of drummers and bass players would have sufficed (Eddie would have made sure whoever was in his band was going to be good) they are in large quantities in the rock world. DLR and Sammy should always be humble and respectful not only towards each other but for the fact they were associated with the genius called EVH and that “ALL” of their fame in Van Halen was because of Eddie. I miss EVH like all of us and know the world is not as bright a place without him in it (just ask Alex and Wolfie) RIP brother, and thank you for your immense contributions to rock n roll.

[@evh78]

I completely agree. Edward was a musical genius.

[@MartinE51]

No doubt just look at how popular both were without Eddie.

[@user-rt9zq8rs9k]

True . Sam implied Mike got ripped off for being a session player . If that were really true Mike should have quit the band long ago . In countless interviews Ed said he wrote all the songs . He composed all the instruments since the 5150 studio was used . Ed and Donn Landee did 2 albums of songs while the band waited for Dave's solo album promotion to end . He played all the instruments BUT all the instruments weren't mixed together yet .

[@remusredbone1214]

Yes. I think Ed’s evolution had more to do with the difference in VH during the Dave & Sammy eras than Dave & Sammy. Ed was the engine and the rudder of VH. Dave and Sammy were just part of the crew during their time onboard the EVH ship.

[@jimmyz2098]

I love both eras of the Band. I fell in love with The Mighty Halen with Roth. Cried when he split, and I was worried I'd have no more Van Halen. For me it was all about Edward And Alex. The music changed the World. Twice. They would have made it, no matter what. But sure - Roth took it to another level, and helped them make it a little quicker. He grabbed people's attention... and then they discovered the incredible music. Then... Hagar came in... and it was even better. More musical. More to listen to. Still rocked, but the music was even more unbelievable. Yep. We're lucky to have BOTH eras. Greatest Band Earth ever saw!

[@boerplaas388]

Dave for me is and will always be the Van Halen that I like.

[@christopherdavis678]

Better songs that had more grit and just straight up rocked! DOA, Ain't Talking bout Love, Unchained, Panama....give me these over anything from the Hagar era 😎

[@ericlarson7556]

I'm an 80's kid and VH music helped get me through HS. This is still a hot topic for me 40 years later.

[@Steve-qy8or]

2 very different bands…no need to choose.

[@nealhanna5609]

I think cherone was the right choice after all the drama between Sam & Dave. Cherone could sing both singers & could pull it off. Sammy can't sing roth's songs well & Dave never would sing any of the Sammy tracks. I really enjoy Van Halen 3. The problem was the producer not Gary Cherone. There was material that was going to be on the follow up to VH3 that was more geared to the typical sound of Van Halen. People are blaming Cherone for the flop, it's really not. This was all Eddie's vision just like 5150. The singers aren't to blame remember that!

[@Scott__C]

No, Ed was really the problem on that one. That song he sang lead on sounded like he was drunk at his house with like 10 people over and he just decided to play the piano when no one asked.

[@user-rt9zq8rs9k]

​@@Scott__Cheresay

[@jameshubbard1071]

Gary was a great choice! DLR CAN'T hit Sammy's high notes! Even Gary struggled to do so on dreams in particular. Now if we rate by singing talent DLR loses out...BUT I personally prefer the original band with Dave in his heyday the best front man entertainer, acrobatics & the hardest rocking version of VH! As a solo artist I prefer Hagar. Dave has to have an amazing guitarist like Vai or Eddie behind him. Otherwise no thanks. He's not a bad singer, but not a great singer, but a great frontman in his day. Sammy & Gary still going strong, & much better singers. Gary sang lead for Joe Perry Project & they were actually able to perform some rare Aerosmith songs because he could hit Steven Tyler's high notes! Gary's under rated vocalist & too bad wasn't a good fit for VH @the time. But that wasn't his fault. It was a very rough time for the brothers & apparently nobody could work with them during that period. So glad they got past it. R.I.P Eddie the true genius behind the band.

[@Scott__C]

@@user-rt9zq8rs9k Not the actual album. Ed's lead singing is terrible.

[@Scott__C]

@@jameshubbard1071 Really, only a few of the Hagar VH songs have lasting power . the Roth VH songs are classic. Maybe you''re still listening to Big Fat Money or Sucker in a 3 Piece but up through 1984, I listen to the whole albums.

[@xdude2x]

I like both

[@Bernz66]

Same here. We got the best of both worlds……

[@SahiraSound]

Look I just feel that The original lineup and the first six albums was the high octane muscle car version of Van Halen. They set the world on fire, and every band that emerged in the '80s tried to measure up. I'm not saying Sammy wasn't good, he was a great vocalist, his time with Montrose and as a solo artist bears that out, but to me his tenure with Van Halen was the equivalent of the mini truck version, It was safe, it was no longer dangerous, it was no longer edgy. And that's okay because everything changes. When Sammy joined everybody in the band was married, that's just life. But it wasn't for me, not my style, I never bought a single one of the albums. But that's okay, When Eddie was on his last trail ride, those last 8 years of making music and touring, who did he have by his side? David Lee Roth. Look at those pictures from the final tours of the two of them standing side by side lighting each other cigarettes, standing with their hands together in the bonds of brotherhood. You know, that despite the differences, the strength of the music they made in the history they had together that they were going to ride that trail side by side. And that tells me everything I want to know.

[@toothnail605]

Saw VH with Roth 5 times and Sam 3. Without writing 10 paragraphs Roth live was a joke singing wise love, I was extremely disappointed. Don't get me wrong, his gymnastics circus act was world class the karate chops and splits, plus the changing of the cute outfits made him a great "entertainer." Sam on the other hand singing wise actually knew his parts and phucking `nailed *every song.* Now on the studio albums nobody but nobody can touch Roth or those first four albums but live he was a phucking joke. Amazing how he got a pass not nailing his parts; another band or musician that kinda slacker shat would have hit the fan if that happened, I mean look at Lars... God made music to be played live. I prefer Sam because of that. If you can't nail your parts live then I would suggest take up bowling on Thurs nights. Peace

[@barbaraperfetti-vn1sm]

They were on fire . Seen them since 82. Roth was so much better than Sammy.

[@taylormesa]

VERY well said!! 💯

[@JosephLopezDearborn]

@@barbaraperfetti-vn1smDiamond Dave was and is Van Halen .

[@LTPottenger]

Van Hagar just seemed like Hagar to me, so we lost the old band and didn't really get something better than what Sammy was already doing though I guess we got some decent songs from Roth on his own. Eddie was mad to ever get rid of either Roth or Hagar, let alone both. They got lucky the band didn't tank completely the first time but then he did it yet again lol

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

If you ask me who I would rather spend time with between Dave and Sammy, I would say Sammy, because he seems to be a more pleasant guy. But I liked both "Versions" of Van Halen

[@comedycafe3262]

I think it's great Wolf VH doesn't have any lead singers to deal with.

[@SurreySouthSCS]

What a stupid commentary. Most VH fans like both versions of the band.

[@ABoyd1852]

Van Halen > Van Hagar. Van Hagar did have some great moments, no doubt. But I will never forget being 7yrs old, in 1978 and hearing their debut come roaring out of my uncles camaro stereo system. I was instantly hooked...and I hadnt even gotten to Eruption yet.

[@johnlopez4089]

We grew up in an era that will never be duplicated. Muscle cars 8 tracks, 4 way speakers in the back window sill, we should all feel honored 👍👍🔥🔥🤘🏿🤘🏿 VH FOREVER

[@majorwedgie8166]

I was twelve and practicing my dance moves to the BeeGees when all of the sudden I hear the opening horns of Runnin With The Devil. I lift the needle off of my sisters Saturday Night Fever album as I listen to Diamond Dave belt out the lyrics... my neighbors were home and I listened all the way through Eruption when I looked at John Travolta and my whole world changed that day.

[@boba4199]

Sammy hands down the better vocalist. DLR was/is horrible live. But nobody can deny the friggen power of VH w/Dave.

[@user-ln4zr4pz4f]

Met Alex, Eddie and Sammy once back in the '90's after a lifetime of mimicking Alex's playing. We talked for a while over a beer (ok, A LOT of beers) and he was a really nice guy. I hear he is selling his old gear off he's stored all these years in a warehouse. Hope he is well.

[@matthewbellafaire3914]

I enjoy both Dave and Sammie Van Halen. Both are different. Both are good. But what do I know. I'm just a 59 year old musician.

[@rjdub8455]

Sammy Van Halen huh!?!?!? You don't know much at all😂

[@peterjohnson1734]

Both singers brought something different to the band. I liked them both, but think that early Van Halen was more memorable!

[@jsods1]

"No judgement. No judgement."

[@johncole015]

DLR never grew beyond his Jim Dandy kareoke.

[@user-rt9zq8rs9k]

@@johncole015 uh Jim Dandy complimented Dave . Jim said Dave may have copied him a little BUT he did it his own way he just didn't copy him . Checkout the Club Days documentary free on KZbin . Jim is interviewed on the documentary

[@markketterer1248]

I think I would prefer to watch David Lee Roth and work with Sammy Hagar.

[@KevyNova]

For me, it’s about the songs and there was no filler on the first six albums. The Hagar years had a lot of cheese and skippable songs.

[@filupbowl1]

Keep in mind VH's first 6 albums ran 30-35 min. The albums with Sammy were much longer 45-50.

[@KevyNova]

@@filupbowl1 but they still didn’t have 30 minutes worth of good songs.

[@creativetelcoadmin8170]

I beg to differ. 5150 had 7 great songs. Ou812 6, Carnal Knowledge, 6, Balance the entire album…I never skipped one on that one. The list goes on. More mature and creative during the Hagar years. DLR era was great but DLR has always been immature and childish to me. Forget about it live with DLR. Embarrassing is what I think of. Sammy and DLR are not even mentionable in the same sentence when talking about live performance.

[@MikeBack]

🤮🤮🤮​@@KevyNova

[@001Flange]

I liked them better with Dave but I think I'd rather hang out with Sammy.

[@Scott__C]

Sammy would be fine and he'd be on just enough for you, but hanging w/Dave would be something you'd never forget.

[@CherylWhiting]

Where's your sense of adventure 😜

[@michaelbenge2388]

Dave in VH. Sammy is by far the best singer, starting with Montrose and then solo career, Chicken Foot, The Circle, Waboritas, HSAS and more.

[@dan-ws2sf]

Everybody falls into the Roth or Sammy debate. It’s real simple for me and it should for anyone else, just listen to the guitar playing on the first 6 albums and that ‘s your decision. You’re welcome! It’s that era all day long. Atomic Punk- Mean Street- Eruption- Women in Love- Ice Cream Man- Hot For Teacher- Hang em High- Fools- I’ll Wait- Sinner’s Swing- Dance the Night Away- On Fire- Panama- I’m the One- Take your Whiskey Home - the Full Bug Etc…. The list goes on and on. What do you get with the other stuff? Outside of Cabo Wabo and 5150, most of the songs are weak and a little fluffy. 🎸

[@WhiteOak09]

But all the Sammy years were all number 1 albums , I like the old but Sammy blows it dave away in every category, especially a down to earth awesome guy.

[@dyer2cycle]

Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do, Aftershock, The Seventh Seal, Take Me Back, Humans Being, Poundcake, Right Now, man On A Mission, Judgement Day, Pleasure Dome, Mine All Mine, Black And Blue, Inside, Summer Nights...Definitely NOT "fluff"!

[@WhiteOak09]

@dyer2cycle not fluff 🤣🤣I'm going to borrow that word from you, I think both did a awesome job , I guess after seeing Dave over the years and his wild personality (that drives me crazy) and Sammy seems like a everybody's kind of buddy personality, that's where Dave just turns me off but he was a great frontman , he wasn't fluff🤣have a good one.

[@silbatofinal]

David was a rocker.. A flamboyant singer,, unique front man… Sammy was more mellow, melodic.. Van Halen best albums were with DLR..

[@dyer2cycle]

Apparently you haven't heard Sammy belt out the hard rockers on the later VH albums...For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and Balance in particular had a lot of hard rockers on them..but yes, Sammy could also be melodic when he wanted to....

[@guitarman394]

I'm good either way, different sounds, but like them both.

[@justsumguy2u]

Let's not forget though that Hagar and Roth hate each other today. It all stems from that heavyweight tour. Hagar wanted to hang out, do some drinking, and just be pals---Roth wanted nothing to do with any of that, and blew him off

[@peterbrown2112]

And Hagar was successful long before he joined Van Halen. Standing Hampton, Three Lock Box, and VOA were Killer albums!!

[@jaguaresed]

Dave all the way, sounds more Rocking Awesome

[@johncruz9357]

Idk, I think it was Alex and Eddie making the sound more rocking. DLR was always wanting to do covers of pop songs. When DLR went on his own, what did he give us California girls he was really rocking on that one….

[@satyadasgumbyji8956]

​@@johncruz9357No toy pianos or guitar gods turned toy piano players😅 in Roth's band! Sam Halen fukn sucks! "Jump" & half of "1984" fukn sucked! If wanna hear Toy pianos & "kitty-whip" love songs (Thanks, Valerie!🤗💕), Air Supply is what you seek! ... or Abomination Sam Fukn Halen! SMGDMFH!😅 🤘🌎❤️

[@MarkMay-cr6bv]

@@johncruz9357 Without DLR you never would have heard of the Van Halen brothers unless you lived in the greater Pasadena area. Before and just after Dave joined the band Eddie wore old-school street clothes on stage, stood stock still when he played, and loved long songs that couldn't be played in clubs. During the new wave and disco era that was suicide for a band that wanted to get signed. It was DLR that got them to dress more modern, to play shorter songs, to embrace tunes that rocked but still attracted a larger audience, and for eddie to loosen up and the band to be more visual. He also used his dad's connections to get the band into the LA clubs.

[@johncruz9357]

@@MarkMay-cr6bv And then VH kept rising while DLR fizzled out. I’m not saying DLR had nothing to do with VH’s success. All I’m saying is the brothers keep it more on the rocking side.

[@garykarnes6514]

You are on drugs

[@remusredbone1214]

I like both. I consider the Sammy era a little more mainstream pop, but I’m not sure Sammy had much to do with that. EVH was evolving & experimenting. His keyboard interests bloomed during Sammy. He was more the guitar virtuoso with Dave. The difference in the two eras was probably at least half the evolution of EVH and possibly less than half the influence of the lead singer.

[@Themilkmanskid.]

Been trying to figure out how to turn back all of time to the very early 70's, since the mid 90's, and dammit I just can't figure out how to do it!

[@richarddonegan4666]

If I was Alex I'd be putting on a celebration tour for Eddie's life!!! 😮

[@Jarrodpimental]

He’s selling all his gear currently because he can’t bear the thought of playing music without his brother with him.

[@melvinmelendez6333]

Both , my top five bands .

[@DanStratocaster1]

Sammy was way better. 2x the talent of dlr

[@rodneysellers8311]

Your delusional

[@shellefishgirl]

And this endless debate is probably why Eddie taught Wolfie that being a singer , playing every instrument, writing every song and producing it all is the best way to go to limit drama.

[@Justme85857]

They're 2 totally different personalities, I like them both in different ways.

[@ACEDIAMOND666]

DIAMOND DAVE OR THE GRAVE! WINGS, not ring.... =VH= Roth Army

[@gusbuster8068]

Roth was just better period even though he lacked vocal talent he made up for showmanship and writing. Very much like Mick Jagger not a great singer but awesome entertainer!

[@nathanwalsh3028]

Bottom line dave created the personality and the aura of that band. Without that sammy would have had nothing to join. I'm a fan of van halen. Pretty simple. You guys can sit there and fight over the singers.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

You’re right … the history is how it played out ..

[@rodneysellers8311]

Dave was a better front man period early Van Halen was the best for sure no doubt

[@Vibeagain]

Yeah, we like people who can sing though

[@Dantana424]

​@@Vibeagainexactly. Roth couldn't sing

[@tt55899]

All the dave only people are basically saying that alex mike and eddie sucked for 12 yrs

[@LuisGonzalez-gb4uh]

It's extremely hard to fill the shoes of the original front man of a successful band. Dave was a showman and his image jumping and kicking is iconic. But he was a one-trick pony. All he did was show off, jumping and Kung Fu moves. When he went solo, he kept on doing these tricks and it was fun, but he was already running out of gas. Haggar, on the other hand, was a more professional all around musician. He deserves much more credit.

[@BlazingShackles]

DLR could only take it so far with his trite lyrics and high school mentality. Sammy produced meaningful music that will be around forever. Without Sammy, and we wouldn't be here talking about Van Halen.

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

I liked the music w Dave better BUT I’m sure they were more productive and better friends with Sammy.

[@Mysterio-Solar]

I mean I think that EVH was more Bluesy Metal and Bachelorhood with DLR . EVH always had his Amps and Pedals Turned to 11 . EVH was more into Building his own Gear and Guitars from Junk . He really embraced the Disco Metal DLR was pushing in VH . EVH was more into Synthesizers and Pop Hard Rock / Metal with Sammy Hagar . EVH built more Planned Guitars from a Guitar Factory so he kind of lost that Street Smart Engineering Guitar Building in his Garage style he had with DLR . Sammy was married , So VH lost that Bachelorhood style with Sammy . Sammy brought a More Melodic Style of singing to VH than DLR' s more Monotone Singing Style . To say DLR was a Poet in VH is laughable . Sammy was the Poet in VH for sure . Sammy wrote Poetic Love Ballads in VH that rivaled Bands like Foreigner , Night Ranger , REO Speed Wagon , Styx , and Journey . DLR wanted nothing to with Ballads .

[@johnferreira7419]

Alex Van Halen is one of my Top 5 Drummers in Rock, this Guy is underrated he is one of the best in the business, Thanks for your timing and swinging, God bless you , you will be with your brother again, the biblical quotes of the book of Isaiah .

[@MapleBar777]

Pause @1:32 They are squeezing the sh!t out of each other’s hands 😳

[@Nick-rq3ib]

I love Sammy Hagar he rocks my name is Nick David Hagen

[@williamshoemaker6233]

I'm a long time Hagar fan, but I Love the first era with Dave. A " RedHead for life because Sammy's just Awesome!

[@poltergeist3194]

With Roth = Raw With Hagar = Refinement

[@RSTI191]

Dave = Poet and the Brains Hagar = The Voice and pop songwriter

[@traviswilcox3472]

Nonsense about choosing sides. If you have working ears & a capable mind you can tell both Dave & Sammy made great songs in VH.

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

Dave era for me. He’s also not appreciated enough for his lyrics and his ability to play characters in songs.

[@ricodog3652]

Edge to Sammy. Also a great guitarist

[@carpballet]

Easy. One band was Van Halen and the other was Van Hagar

[@davidnovatka3346]

Dave has a solo career ? Who knew ?

[@LD-qj2te]

Nothing beats the rawness and rock of the 1st 4 Van Halen albums. Raw rock and classic game changers - Van Halen . Great band great tunes great singer Van Hagar . Sammy I can listen too all day . Dave would wear in me at times. Then his schtick got too much

[@nicolasflamel2905]

Wait who sang Hot for Teacher, Panama, Running with the Devil. Ain't talking about Love, Jamie's Crying, Where have all the good times gone? Yeah, not fucking Hagar.

[@stompythewonderlizard286]

And never had a number one album with fucking Dave. Sammy has been around a lot longer than dickless Dave and is still touring and selling better.

[@nicolasflamel2905]

@@stompythewonderlizard286 Have fun on Sammy's geriatric Casino tour!

[@KevyNova]

@@stompythewonderlizard286they never had a number one album with Dave but look at the competition they were up against in those years. Plus, they did have a number one single, which never happened with Sammy, and the Dave era albums outsold the Sammy albums significantly.

[@musicstream26]

​@stompythewonderlizard286 no offense, but Sammy still touring (and Dave not able to anymore) doesn't mean the Sammy era was better. And, Sammy era doesn't sell. The Dave era still sells though. PLEASE don't dispute this. Sammy era doesn't sell. But, VH made a lot of good music with Sammy. But, the Dave era is the classic era.

[@travzimmerman1340]

Dry your eyes Snowflake.

[@williamgullett5911]

Eddie wrecked the band by insisting on having the organ. Thats when they jumped the shark

[@billbiagini8312]

Sammy by far made them better .

[@pbaker7160]

Yes, if you like easy listening love songs.

[@dianealdrich710]

It doesn't really matter which singer was in the band the group was changing sounds around the early 80s, diver down 1984, so either singer could have done anything at any time.

[@JIMJAMSC]

Old school but I still judge who is the "best" rock lead singer by who got the most and hottest ass.

[@phillipcapshaw8761]

I'm Van Hagar all the way!!

[@barbaraperfetti-vn1sm]

Sorry to here that

[@noobsaibot1234]

No need to

[@Mncrr]

One was a talented vocalist and guitarist and the other was Roth.

[@tubewrestler59]

One is bluesy, organic, poetic, charismatic, memorable, original and the voice /personality of Van Halen, the innovative band from 1978-84 before it became a regular corporate rock band. The other is that guy from Montrose. The guy resembling Bette Midler that has an annoying “YEAHHHH” scream that people call range.

[@Mncrr]

@@tubewrestler59 wow Roth resembles none of those things.

[@tomsondles8950]

Anything Sammy Hagar touched turned to gold...Roths time with VH was bad ass.... GREAT FKN MUSIC

[@user-rt9zq8rs9k]

@@tomsondles8950 uh , not true . He lost alotta fans when he quit . And he did quit . He doesn't sell multi-platinum anymore .

[@tomsondles8950]

@user-rt9zq8rs9k I dig it.. I'm not a Roth vs Hagar guy.. I like the music VH created... I am a Sammy Hagar fan & not just with VH..SO..best to you 👍

[@user-rt9zq8rs9k]

@@tomsondles8950 I used to be a Hagar fan ....til he started being a Candyass crybaby and liar . I'll tell you something he didn't put in his book . He put in many lies . One is his VOA tour was 100% sold out tour . It wasn't in an interview he said he never sold out of New York and Anchorage Alaska . In his book he said the band cancelled the Alaska leg for the band's 5150 promotion tour because of some SNAFU . That's a big lie right there . I was at his VOA concert in Anchorage Alaska . He said he loved it up here and he'd be back again . Now when OU812 came out I told someone I can't wait to see the band finally come up and play in Alaska . This guy I was talking to worked at the city's sports arena . He was friends with the arena manager . Then he told me what happened when Sam played here last . After the show he went to the office to see how ticket sales were . He found out he didn't sell a handful of tickets . Sam went all diva and told the manager he'd never play up here again . The band finally showed up with Gary Cherone . I'll never forgive Captain Candyass for all his lies and the way he continues to bash Alex and Edward .

[@tomsondles8950]

@user-rt9zq8rs9k damn dude. Those are some grievances. I think Axle Rose is a As*** and a junkie. Should I stop listening to GnR? Jim Morrison was a drunk/Druggie, should I stop listening to the doors? Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath, should I stop listening to Ozzy or Sabbath? It's NEVER about the people they are NOT my idols! It was always about music.

[@darinhaller6034]

Love both!

[@charliem9831]

DLR is experiencing success as a solo artist? Where?

[@GoodWolfWonRocky]

Love the music, it's all an illusion that could have gone many ways. Clanging cymbals and tinkling brass. In the end is silence. Remember, the absolute kewlest song, movie or work of art, the magic is not in the music. Its just a sound, a noise. The real magic and kewlness is in YOU, the hearer. All that kewlness and excitement is YOU and your interpretation of it, not the actual artwork. Remember that!! You are what is so excellent.

[@user-uy7sz2mu2i]

Van Halen with Sammy Hagar were a good rock band........Van Halen with David Lee Roth were a GREAT rock band

[@v6wells]

I like Sammy better

[@EmiSuperTrans71]

Roth in his hay day was a great singer, Hagar in his hay day was a great singer and still is.

[@bondalero0074]

💎DLR is Van Halen’s frontman forever. I heard the other guy runs a good club!#VH❤

[@jackiewilliams4854]

Fans of Van Hagar never understood what made Van Halen so great. I like the Hagar version of The band but it never compared to the original. Today you can put on any one of those early VH records, crank it up and it still rocks hard. They were labeled The Mighty VH for a reason.

[@stinkystubin]

DAVE!! The end

[@gcrauwels941]

I loved Van Halen with both frontmen. As a guitar player who loved the drums first, it fit for me.

[@burgerward1970]

EVH is what makes VH work. Dave on his own is boring and likewise with Sammy. When they wrote, recorded and performed with EVH it was awesome and wonderfully original. My favourite era is definitely early Hagar era, with early Roth albums in at a close second.

[@lifeafterstrokewithtom4804]

Dave can't carry a tune in a bucket today. Sad because I saw VH 4x with DLR

[@newavatar2947]

Let's put it this way: When the O.G Van Halen released an album it was an Event When Van Hagar released a record it was meh... I rembember buying those Hagar albums upon release. Me, like many others, listened to it once or twice, dug a few songs, then stored the album away never to be played again (for the most part) I wore out all my Dave-era cassetes many times over. So there.

[@kmoecub]

Umm...which era had the most platinum albums? It weren't the Diamond Dave era.

[@richprokop5155]

SH IS 10 TIMES THE SINGER DLR IS... NOT EVEN CLOSE...

[@sgt_slobber.7628]

Dave was a better performer, Sammy was a better musician!!!! That’s how they differ!!!!!;);)

[@Derrick1762]

Like em both but with Roth they were a superior band

[@johnferreira7419]

Sammy should’ve been bad motor scooter and ride while driving at 55, that’s what remember him singing, okay maybe finish what you started.

[@PinkPumpkin529]

There's NO "comparison" btween the two! They BOTH ROCK!!! 🤘 However, Sammy can sing about LOVE but DLR screams LUST! Not like that's a BAD thing!!! 😂 Just Sayin!!! Long Live Rock!!! ❤️✌️🤘

[@rjdub8455]

They made MONEY with Sammy. Do the math

[@markothwriter]

Dave was the best until his voice started to go.

[@PinkPumpkin529]

Ok Y'all! IF Dave grew up in Pasadena, why did he attend Eliot Jr High in Altadena? His Dad's practice was in San Marino! Blair HS? Don't recall, will look it up! Did we all lose our marbles after Eddie??? 😭😭😭

[@pbaker7160]

To me the frontman made most of the difference. Old VH sounds completely different than Van Hagar. And, let's not eve talk about that turd of a Gary Sharone VH record.

[@conrad98gtp]

Proof that it never works when you let the inmates run the asylum.

[@timwiechmann1519]

Sammy was a super star before joining Van Halen