Remastered Van Halen Track "Crossing Over" & Song Deep Dive

“Crossing Over” is a true Van Halen deep cut that stretches back decades and has the band processing the tragic death of people close to them. Sammy and Mike share the back story on how the song came together with Sammy singing over a song Eddie wrote (and played all of the instruments on) a decade prior. The song is a tribute not only to Eddie and Alex’s longtime friend Dave Emerson, and manager Ed Leffler, but also now the memory of Eddie himself.
Included on the “Studio Rarities” disc from the upcoming Van Halen The Collection II box set, you can hear it remastered in full now at: vh.lnk.to/Cros...

[@3.2Carrera]

Amazing that these two guys have never stopped touring and keeping the VH flame alive. I'm proud to be a fan for many decades.

[@rockothepig]

And its amazing how much Eddie shit on Mike and yet Mike stays respectful

[@paulleclaire2141]

Probably seen Van Halen 10 times. But, I saw Van Halen open for Black Sabbath at the Oakland Coliseum Arena on the Van Halen one tour. I guess since it was a Black Sabbath tour , it wasn't a VH tour. But it was in support of Van Halen 1. anyway we were very proud of the fact that we watched van halen and then we stood up during intermission and walked out. Just wasn't really into Black Sabbath, I was there to see Eddie and Dave and Mike and Alex.

[@jonthomas8569]

It's nice to see at least one member of Van Halen show Michael Anthony the respect he deserves. Sammy has nothing but praise for his role in the band as well as his talent. Not to mention Michael Anthony has always shown tremendous class through all the drama and mistreatment. I can't wait to hear this song.

[@manhalen7046]

Yeah he really has, Mikey is a special guy.

[@voodoochild1975az]

Met him a few times. Genuinely good human being

[@timwatterson3275]

Met him on the Balance tour at the Peabody Hotel. Him and Sammy. Waited for the brothers but the never showed

[@GmanMusicProductions]

This was the first VH song that came up on my playlist after Ed died. Talk about goose bumps and tears. Definitely a deep track and glad to hear it's being included in the remasters. Much love to the VH family!

[@TheRockinDonkey]

Balance came out at a time while I was grieving a close friend that had committed suicide. This song connected with me on such a visceral level that I can't describe. Sam perfectly captured the emotions I was feeling at the time -- wishing I could reconnect with this friend, questioning why he was gone, the powerless feelings I had in that period knowing I would never see this friend again. The frustration. The sorrow. The anger. The hopelessness. It's a dark song that captured the darkness I was going through at the time. That one event divided my life into two parts. Before and after. I was forever changed by that in a way that nothing before or since has changed me. It came out at a time that I desperately needed it.

[@JW-gb6hq]

Thanks guys. You are going above and beyond staying in the game. Your fans appreciate it.❤

[@darrinmcsorley7786]

True rock and roll gentlemen and absolute legends. Thank you both for sharing this track (can’t wait to get the set) and telling the story behind it. God bless you both, God bless Alex and may God bless EVH. You’re all such an inspiration and gift to those of us who have followed your work over the years.

[@user-ff7wb4fm9k]

Even tho DLR is the culprit for no EVH tribute (read between the lines of ya haven't already) God bless David Lee also guys...

[@peppermintspacecapsule9898]

One of my all-time favourite tracks, couldn't believe it wasn't on the album, felt so lucky to get it as a B-side on the single. The second verse has two completely different vocal tracks at the same time! Perfection! 🇬🇧🎸🤘🇬🇧🎸🤘🎸🤘

[@GAMECLOSET]

I LOVE Crossing Over. A tapestry of awesome sound. Wow. I love the story you guys tell about it too. Great stuff. I love The Circle, Chickenfoot, The Wabos, but MAN- I really miss Van Hagar. MY heart broke the day Eddie passed because I knew it was over and we'd never see you all together again. I drove home from work and heard the news on the radio and I wept as soon as I walked in the door. THANK YOU, Sam & Mike. I absolutely love you guys. You are ROCK & ROLL. ~Doctor Scott

[@XMattingly]

I am *SO* glad you talked about Crossing Over, Sammy & Michael!!! This song is beyond epic, and I remember _specifically_ buying the tape single (can’t remember the Balance single, though) just to get this on the B side. I probably still have that tape, somewhere. It truly is a very special song.

[@candydale8380]

Thanks, guys❤❤❤❤

[@stephenstcyr3406]

Simply amazing vocals by you, Sammy.

[@seancoakley1087]

I only know about this song because my dad has the single cd for Can't Stop Lovin' You, and on it was Crossing Over. It came in a copper colored, round tin. It always freaked me out as a kid because its such an uncharacteristically dark song for Van Halen. Listening to it again years later feels like discovering lost treasure. Love the big, 5150-style synth drums and the layered guitar sounds

[@edcarpenter9706]

Thank you for still talking about Ed. He and the band will stand the test of time.

[@さいくす-k8z]

絶対買う👍

[@JordanRaskin]

I always wondered why that track wasn't on the album. Spectacular song, tragic beginnings. Love you guys, thank you for the insights.

[@ryonbrowning5514]

Love you guys. Thank you both for all the great music and memories over the years.

[@5150show]

5150 percent awesome

[@Pauls-World]

You two were the class of VH

[@dennisb-trains23]

Definitely after Eddie and Alex

[@michellegiardinobast7471]

Thank you Sammy. Michael is a talented artist. Great heart❤

[@foley15136]

I could spend hours listening to Mikey & Sam tell stories of their songs and what inspired them. Some simple. Some complicated. Some deep. Some playful. Some dark. Some light. Mikey was holding “0U812”. Incredible album. My opinion,”5150” & “OU812” were their best albums. The magic really happened in that era. Those two albums and “I Never Said Goodbye”, too. The years 1985 to 1988 were the peak, I think. Not to say “F.U.C.K.” & “Balance” were shabby. I included 1985 because of “Farm Aid”.

[@SammyHagarRocker]

Thanks for being a great fan ❤️❤️❤️🎸🎸🎸

[@comeconcon569]

Sammy, "Dreams" is my favorite song. so baby dry your eyes, save all the tears you cried, oh that's what dreams are made of.

[@ronchiles399]

Awesome reflections guys.

[@SRV3433]

I loved Van Halen growing up but had not listened much in the last few years. These remastered songs have reminded why I love you guys so much. Thanks for all the joy and memories you brought to my life!

[@LongDrivesAtNight5150]

2 guys I would love to sit with, have a meal and a chat. Thanks for all the great music that still enjoy today.

[@westernfilet]

Got this collection on preorder and absolutely cannot wait to get it!

[@jackkofroth3520]

Sammy is incredible. Never met him but from what I’ve read about him along with how he conducts himself. He just seems like a genuinely “good dude.”

[@notsofastahole]

crossing over should have been on an album.....such an awesome track!!!!

[@timothybonnett1313]

I have this single. One of my favorites. 👍

[@JBRSTTDB]

I'm so glad this era has got the treatment it deserves. The song writing, the production, the vocals, everything was taken up 10 notches when Sammy joined. They're classic albums 👏👏👏

[@offthegrid5150]

Sammy and Mike, Very Special. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@manhalen7046]

What a great thing to wake up to on a gloomy Saturday morning, thanks guys! We're all connected, forever. In this life and the next.

[@zaz4667]

When I first heard Crossing Over I had to start collecting all the VH singles and re-edits to see if there were other songs I never heard. I now have every mint VH, Sammy Hagar, VH3, and DLR CDs of- singles, re-edits, box sets, imports, Promo CDs, Limited edition CDs that were factory made. it took 10-15 years to collect them all. Seen a lot of the VH concerts! As Sammy Hagar would say - " Ladies and gentleman now its time for the WORLDS GREATEST GUITAR PLAYER, EDWARD VAN HALEN!" And the crowd goes BALISTIC!

[@montagefranke]

Sam said: „ the greatest Rock‘nRoll- Guitarplayer of the World“ ( have a nice cool drink) - so is there another unknown Track?

[@zaz4667]

@@montagefranke Not at the concerts I was at! Sam said what I mentioned above. As far as other tracks they just have bootleg things from the DLR era. Not sure about all the recordings at the 5150 studio. Wolfgang is doing his music there.

[@soundguy005]

Sammy I saw you New Years Eve in Seattle in 1980 one of my fav shows ever. "I may be crazy but I aint no fool" Epic opener

[@gsmith207]

You2 dubba’s together could have a whole channel together… so good. So much history. You guys rock

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

You guys are the best

[@tayloriginals999]

I never knew that about that song, but it has been one of my favorites for a long time. I had the track from a b-side single and it has been in my playlists ever since.

[@leetawei]

I've never heard of the song and didn't know it was on the B-side of Can't Stop Loving You. Sammy and Mikey are the best. Hearing them talk about the song gave me goosebumps as the music was playing. I also feel bad for Mikey that he was never able to make amends with Eddie before he passed like Sammy did. It's amazing how gracefully he dealt with all the BS before they brought in Wolfgang and also the continuing BS afterwards. R.I.P., Eddie.

[@JohnnyBeane]

I remember the first time I heard this song. Was when I bought the Japan version of "Balance" in 1995 and I saw the name on the track listing.

[@kickstandjenny]

I was lucky enough to purchase this song in 1995 as a "B" side single to "Can't Stop Loving You".. I already had the Balance CD, but noticed this track on the single, so I grabbed it too.. So lucky I did because I absolutely love this song.. The complexity and layering is unique and gratifying..

[@cmikesmith664]

I love this song.

[@F3502000]

The thing I took from this video, is how Sammy embraced Michael, and really has stood by him. Probably the coolest thing about the Van Hagar era to me.

[@cherylb2008]

These two are always a joy to listen to Such great talent’s and nice guys

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Cool, hot, spot-on, rockin’ , Van Halen collection !!🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁

[@BjornAgain76]

I have always loved this song so much

[@robertgwinn8406]

Always a fan I'm late 60's 70's music lover.. its what I grew up with and played. You get reels and perfect it playing and signing. Same as sports or anything you do. The more the better you get

[@steenharder3522]

Awesome album - really a pleasure to hear the story behind.... Thanks a lot Gents

[@PJKLEIN1973]

Has there ever been talk about remastering “ live without a net” and release just in audio ? That be great!!

[@metricdeep8856]

Gracious guys living with gratitude and reverence. Torchbearers of the round table.

[@josegregorioalvarez1433]

GUUUU. AAAAAA. OOOOOOO. SAMMY. &. MICHAEL. ANTHONY. 🤘😃. DIOS. LOS. BENDIGA. POR. TANTA. BUENA. ENERGIA. Y. MUSICA. EXCELENTE. SALUDOS. DE. MI. PARTE. (. GREGO. ). DESDE. TENERIFE. PARA. TODAS. &. TODOS. LOS. ROCKER"S. DEL. MUNDO. 🎸🎸🤘😃🌍🌍🌍🎸🎸🎸

[@mikeyID]

Right On Sammy & Mike 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@markbirchette8740]

Cheers Sammy and Mike

[@deananderson1647]

Great Insight into VH And This Songs History.😊

[@pinkiewerewolf]

No wonder this song always touched me so deeply.

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

Gripping song. I just wish that this collection was being released on DVD or Blu-ray audio. Hearing this music (or a concert, perhaps?) in 7.1 or Atmos would be a game changer. Will be snapping up the CDs, though.

[@jimherron5540]

Thanks for sharing this information guys, appreciate it.

[@bobc.5698]

The Kenwood cassette stereo I used to have in my 84 pontiac....and the deep dish 6x9's in the rear deck and the tweeters I had sitting on the dash was like a sound chamber.......the Van Hagar years sounded warm and full.

[@SammyCabo-mr1lg]

A master piece. Sounds good Sammy & Michael are Solid Guys and Story I Also had Good Friend Who Took his Own Life in 1993 Rock on

[@tommorrison8424]

I can't wait for my vinyl set to get here! I am predicting a long weekend of rock and roll!

[@buckwrestling]

I know it would take some time and work, but would love to see Sammy and Mikey go track-by-track over all the VH material in the set. I'm so thrilled that 5150 and OU812 will finally sound good on modern equipment.

[@massapower]

Can't wait for the EDDIE TRUNK 40th Anniversary in December 😁🤘

[@iess2006]

Between Us Two and so many others missing, VH never fails to disappoint their fans. Crossing Over is indeed a great tune. How about a remaster release of the Japan concert with Sammy???

[@charliefedde3261]

Woooow, never knew the story behind that really great song... I have it in my Can´t Stop Loving You single cd

[@thefonzkiss]

Outtakes? There aren’t any outtakes on this collection. Everything has been released before. And in some cases they’ve pulled stuff off the albums to put it on the rare [sic] song LP. Strung Out needed to be on the Balance album as it was in 95 and A Apolitical Blues needed to be on OU812 like it was in 1988.

[@badtripmoses]

The rarities disc is the one i want first!! Then the whole boxset some year when i can financially make it happen!❤

[@jascatt3341]

Wow! Awesome tune!

[@jeffprokes8990]

Cool tune with remarkable history...✌️♥️♥️

[@dianadubuque5296]

Love the history of the song and Sammy Hagar and the Circle ❤😢❤

[@Raldo5150]

Great song!!

[@j.l.armendariz1483]

Come to Oregon! You would sell out ! I haven’t seen you live since your last Portland Visit. Much love from Sweet Home Oregon.🤙🏽✌🏽😎🎸🎼🎤

[@upside4078]

This song was the B-Side to the Can’t Stop Loving You CD single, released sometime after Balance. Great track, still have my copy.

[@sageantone7291]

Crossing Over is one of the best Van Halen songs ever written, and I listened to it constantly when Eddie died. I'm not sure they ever released anything more emotionally profound -- especially from a so-called 'party band' -- and it's a shame it wasn't on Balance.

[@leonkeating1015]

Love that song. Crossing over kicks ass

[@bhaire5150]

I have been literally obsessed with this song since it was released on the Japanese release. Such an amazing song

[@vPeteWalker]

Guys, pretty please... I'd love to see/hear more outtakes, studio recordings, or anything at all! It's so fun to listen to something like 5150 rough cuts. P.S. Speaking of 5150... I'm curious what the story is behind the 5150 track itself. My theory is it's about having kids, because it makes so much sense to me in that context, but I would love it if you guys could confirm/deny that!

[@Polychrome1201]

Seems to be about dating a crazy bitch.

[@voodoochild1975az]

And it became about Eddie.... And I cried. This is my story with this song. I was and am a Van Halen fanatic. Eddie is the fucking reason I play guitar. Period. This song though.... first, it's the most I ever paid for a single song. Back in the day, the only way to get this was the Japanese pressing of Balance. I already owned the album, and as a poor college student, paid $70 for this CD. So, soooo fucking worth it. Second, Eddie is and always will be my music mentor and Guru/Sifu. Now this song is ABOUT him to me.

[@sweetwilliam5150]

That's an amazing song.

[@kellyelrington5663]

Very very powerful piece.

[@dereksendrak]

I LOVE this song 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@tttarms1970]

Sir edward....thee best

[@tessmoks3434]

Awe. Beautiful ❤

[@curtissperatos6429]

Love you thank you guys!💖🏁

[@bradleystereoguitaramps]

I love you guys, Rock on! ❤ 🎸

[@UrielQueti]

❤❤❤

[@MrRenrut1]

OMG. Yall, this song is so powerful !!

[@sc41414]

I miss eddie, "RIP Eddie!" See you on the other side!

[@andreweagland4702]

I never knew the song was on balance how did I miss it LOL VH for life ✌️☮️🎸👑 Edward

[@jestervanhalen7743]

⚘🤟..when Balance came out, I bought the Japanese version to get this song

[@garywebb5058]

Deep. Beyond the depths.

[@brianholbert2080]

Love it

[@rickjensen2833]

The saddest songs have never been sung. In order to sing, one must have hope.

[@ilha601]

Keep it coming

[@Pauls-World]

Hey Sammy

[@timwatterson3275]

Happy birthday Ed!

[@Pauls-World]

Hey Mikey

[@icxcnika9990]

Don't know how that did not make it on the original.

[@thefonzkiss]

It’s on the Japanese version.

[@kirkhaas6665]

Un-fuckin-real, the music is all Edward, right when you think you know how good Eddie is you realize he's a million times better!!!...THANK YOU Edward for making all our lives better

[@josearriola3087]

One of my favorite Van Halen albums of all time van Hagar LOLOL

[@robblackmoreofficial]

✌️❤️🙏😇 Miss You Ed.

[@TomDarling-oz4lu]

Hi there Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony I like the Van Halen album cross the remastered it's really good I like it so much I miss Van Halen being together I wish you guys would get back together but I know it ain't going to happen keep rocking Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony my name is Tom darling and I'm a die-hard fan