Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony of Van Halen - "Why Can't This Be Love" | 2007 Induction

Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony of Van Halen perform "Why Can't This Be Love" at the 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Looking for more Induction Ceremony memories from Van Halen? Visit the band's official Hall of Fame online bio: rockhall.com/inductees/van-halen
Dive into the full 2007 Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/classes/2007 and watch all videos, read from the official Hall of Fame program bios and view image galleries from the big night and archival materials.

[@joeloliva6688]

You can really feel the absence of Alex and Eddie here, it's massive

[@garrettnorthrup]

The drummer is Anton Fig, who plays for Joe Bonamassa, one of my favorite artists. I thought he did an awesome job, but the horns and guitars were pretty rough

[@theostgard6212]

Especially Alex, his drum fills are what makes this song.

[@mattbegley8613]

Yeah, big time. It really tells you what those two added. Mikeys vocals were off too but getting up and only playing one song cold is really hard to do.

[@mikes51501]

It was a weird sad scene.

[@pandapeep1148]

Was thinking the same thing. It's like swapping out members of The Beach Boys. The whole harmony and unique sound is gone. You still like the songs, but it is a giant gaping hole missing in the sound.

[@toneranger]

Paul Schaefer banging out those 16th notes manually without a sequencer, that’s Old School right there 😎 RIP Eddie lived hard died young

[@daviderickson8699]

Good call out! Including the hand switch at :02 with no glitch. I remember hating the horns on this at the time (still do) but Paul adds to any performance.

[@alukuhito]

Lived hard? Being rich and famous your whole life, making a handful of songs, cheating on the wife, ... Most people live harder than that.

[@drewweikum5073]

@@alukuhito never heard the expression? He was a rock star. He lived hard. Drugs, alcohol, playing new venues every night. That’s living hard.

[@toneranger]

@TAX COW FARTS Hey, a foto of Philo and EVH !? No way. (How'd you know I'm a Philo fan ?😁)

[@bcdrummer1962]

@@drewweikum5073 @alukuhito thinks he is living hard lol

[@david25876]

It’s like cereal with water. 🙂

[@pandapeep1148]

Nailed it!

[@vickvalkyrie]

fly high, eddie. you will forever be in our hearts. 🕊

[@gilesgentry189]

This is sad that the 2 guys who got kicked out of van halen respect the band and music soo much 2 be the only ones to show up and play at the hall of fame! Sammy is a class act..

[@celestewilhelm5861]

Sammy was truly the best vocalist for Eddie Van Halen's guitar genius!!!

[@Deetroiter]

Only way it could have been better is if Sammy shared the stage with Gary! Would have been killer to have Sammy and Gary sing this track together

[@user-iq8pb4zv6o]

Both of them David lee Roth & Sammy have a big ego

[@guitarscarsetc.etc.7215]

Sammy should’ve been the one playing guitar like he did in the 80s

[@thedcmac]

Couldn’t agree more

[@MajesticHarmony]

Lazy, look at this size, he’s starting the front man gut pop

[@picklerick111]

@@MajesticHarmony He's also over 70. So, we should be lucky he's even still performing.

[@crazycooper1024]

@@MajesticHarmonyBro, really?

[@pacervault3350]

Sammy just seems like a genuine, likeable guy. Love his voice. Michael Anthony was underappreciated by the Van Halen Brothers. His playing and vocals contributed a great deal. And I think the Sex Pistols did a fine joib in this performance. Live music is best!

[@MaximumWarp2099]

HOLY CRAP! Who thought adding horns to this song was a good idea?

[@RyanConnell5150]

1000% guarantee it was Paul Shafer. The bald guy on the left playing keyboard.

[@stevebravo1422]

Truly a bizarre arrangement overall

[@user-hk9du6px9x]

☝️

[@wesmccollaum]

I love Michael Anthony on bass, he's a great player and showman, he's just as an important part of Van Halen as Eddie was, what a ride man...........

[@jackholmes6877]

Sam and Mike preformed great, and I love this performance for that reason

[@leokimvideo]

Without Eddie it's like a complete mess, guitar was just shocking

[@AM-xz6bf]

So sad. Rest peacefully Eddie. Your light shone so bright it will never fade ❤️

[@BlueNoteJunkie5150]

Wow is this ever lacking in the guitar playing department ....Eddie we miss you !!!!!!!!!

[@IamRaloPib]

OMG...that was terrible...usually they have at the least a great session player in there but this guy???

[@Fixxer315]

@@IamRaloPib Or bring in Hagar's guitarist Vic Johnson, who does a pretty good job with the VH material?

[@TheEasyriderman]

People you got to remember they are playing the song as a tribute to Eddie Van Halen. I think it's very hard for Sammy and Michael playing it without Eddie. Just think of how emotional they must be thinking not having their brother with them ever again. The world just got a colder and lonelier. It's kind of sad to sing it, because the feeling is not there. Anyway it's going take time to sing it the way it suppose to be. I say Sammy will retire at his late 70's age. They will get it right before he retires and Alex will be there. And who knows maybe Wolf gang will play the guitar.

[@TheEasyriderman]

@Fred Matthews Oh yeah. What the hell. I just saw two weeks and never reading the rest. I read the comments after. Thats hilarious.Haha! Thanks bro.

[@IamRaloPib]

@Fred Matthews 😂😂😂

[@jacobred00]

Rip Eddie. Thanks for the great songs!

[@cathydavis9637]

Fly high with the angels. U were a legend❤️❤️

[@trblemkr1d106]

Eddie Van Halen WAS just like Hendrix ....you just can't copy the original . Now those concerts with him are flooding back in my mind . I hope all that could got a chance to hear him play ...I will never forget .

[@markc5771]

That the two Van Halen brothers can't attend a Van Halen induction tells you all you need to know about this world.

[@Vardalon]

One of them was in rehab.

[@alfredooliva5175]

Who the f.uck would schedule a hall of fame induction when 2 founding members are in FUCKIN.G rehab ??!

[@elimorrison1269]

@@alfredooliva5175 the Rock and Hall of fame committee

[@stoojinator]

@@alfredooliva5175 Eddie chose to do it when it had already been announced. Not the fault of RRHF on this instance.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

I'm like.. something is missing here LOL and the logo on the bass drum also tells you all .. what a piece of shit the 'hall of fame' is.. ridiculous.

[@yisroelmeth]

RIP Eddie you were a legend

[@unicornfan4356]

RIP EVH, You are truly missed by the music community and many fans 🎸🤘

[@astralkidd]

This right here proves the very big difference between technicality and feel because Paul Schaffer and Anton Fig are both total boss musicians but not even they can create the genuine kick ass vibe of this song. That wasn’t meant to be a bad comment because I highly respect every musician on that stage.

[@kenblaustein17]

This hurts. It’s like sugar free cookies.

[@chriskimmel7252]

Why Sammy Hagar was the best singer

[@SAM_5150]

So true

[@thomaswalber1942]

Such a good comparison.

[@annonimus6883]

Man what a bad run he had on that one, glad he's sounded infinitely better before and since

[@markcheetah4960]

Those backup vocals are way too loud. They ruin, rather than enhance, the singing.

[@josevidalsantos7249]

R.I.P Eddie van Harlem legendary guitar hero

[@paulahenderson7525]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED HIM WITH MY GUYS!!!!!!!! THAT FRICKEN VOICE 💫💛💫💚💫

[@billcowan6070]

After watching this I hope they never play Van Halen songs ever again because without Eddie the guitar will Never be the same he can Never Never be replaced. RIP Eddie a true guitar god n icon

[@robharris4518]

Sammy will continue playing them. Vic Johnson does a great job playing.

[@generaluse2878]

@@robharris4518 And with Joe Satriani later on, the night turned into a mesmerizing display of guitar virtuosity and musical brilliance. The stage was set with an array of high-tech equipment and dazzling lighting that created an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. As Joe Satriani stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. Clad in his signature black sunglasses, he launched into an electrifying instrumental performance, effortlessly moving his fingers along the fretboard of his guitar. His mastery over the instrument was evident in every note he played, captivating the audience and leaving them in awe. Satriani's unique blend of rock, blues, and fusion captivated the crowd from the first song. His fingers danced across the strings, producing complex melodies and intricate solos that seemed to defy the laws of physics. The audience couldn't help but be carried away by the sheer energy and passion of his performance. Throughout the night, Satriani treated the crowd to a diverse range of songs, showcasing his versatility as a musician. From the soaring melodies of "Surfing with the Alien" to the soulful blues of "Always with Me, Always with You," each song was a testament to his extraordinary talent. As the concert neared its end, Satriani invited other guitar legends who were in attendance to the stage for a mind-blowing guitar jam session. Joined by the likes of Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, and John Petrucci, the stage became a melting pot of incredible talent, with each guitarist taking their turn to showcase their skills. The collaboration between these guitar virtuosos created an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. Their synchronized melodies and lightning-fast solos filled the venue, leaving the audience in a state of pure musical bliss. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would be etched in the memories of everyone present. As the concert drew to a close, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, expressing gratitude for the unforgettable night of music. Joe Satriani and the ensemble of guitar virtuosos took their final bows, their faces radiating with satisfaction and joy. The audience left the venue, their spirits lifted and their love for guitar music reignited. The night with Joe Satriani had surpassed all expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and proving, once again, that he was a true guitar legend.

[@jamesbaron5335]

1:39 Drummer steps out & Michael Anthony gives him the death stare.

[@ronseilbach9076]

RIP Alot of people picked up the guitar because of you. Rock On Eddie

[@jamesagwe2981]

Rest in peace Eddie

[@euanelliott3613]

More power to Sammy and Mike. You're the best. God bless David Lee Roth. God rest Eddie. Condolences Alex and Wolfgang Van Halen and his Mom.

[@jeromeswanson9265]

R. I. P. Eddie van Halen ❤️😎🙏.

[@danielmelo7146]

R.I.P. Eddie.

[@the_console-girl-9778]

As I said on the last post from the hall. No one will ever match what Eddie accomplished. Maybe just a shadow at most. May he live on rocking the after world with those one of a kind rifts and keep on creating music we have never heard.

[@anakina1]

Paul Schaffer has to be one of the most fortunate people on the planet. To have had played with the whose who all these years is just a dream. One hell of a resume.

[@robertchutonogbanua2564]

The Circle's version of this song is way tighter than this!

[@NicholasChorba]

I think Paul Shaffer had a lot to do with this. I'd be surprised if he wasn't the one who put this together.

[@annonimus6883]

Sounds like 5150 being covered by the Saudi Military Band

[@joeyclemenza7339]

this was incredible!!!! ......miiiiiiinus that guitar. it's just..... not van halen without him... i miss him....

[@jeromemanoharan7427]

Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Edward Lodewijk van Halen was the son of Jan van Halen and Eugenia van Halen (née van Beers). Jan was a Dutch clarinetist, saxophonist, and pianist, and Eugenia was an Indo (Eurasian) from Rangkasbitung on the island of Java in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). The family eventually resettled in Nijmegen. In 1962, the Van Halen family moved from the Netherlands to the United States settling in Pasadena, California. Eddie and his older brother, Alex Van Halen were naturalized as U.S. citizens. The brothers learned to play the piano as children starting at the age of six. They commuted from Pasadena to San Pedro to study with an elderly piano teacher, Stasys Kalvaitis. Eddie revealed in an interview that he had never been able to read music; instead, he learned from watching and listening. For example, during recitals of Bach or Mozart, he would improvise. From 1964 through 1967, he won first place in the annual piano competition held at Long Beach City College. Afterward, the judges would comment that he had an interesting interpretation of the classical piece. His view was, "What? I thought I was playing it correctly!" However, according to one interview, playing the piano did not prove to be challenging or interesting to him. Consequently, while Alex began playing the guitar, Eddie bought a drum kit for himself; however, after he heard Alex's performance of The Surfaris' drum solo in the song "Wipe Out", he decided to switch instruments and began learning how to play the electric guitar. According to him, as a teen, he would often practice while walking around at home with his guitar strapped on or sitting in his room for hours with the door locked. Eddie and his brother, Alex, formed their first band with three other boys, calling themselves The Broken Combs, performing at lunchtime at Hamilton Elementary School in Pasadena, where he was in the fourth grade. He would later say that this was when he first felt the desire to become a professional musician. Eddie described supergroup Cream's "I'm So Glad" on the album Goodbye as "mind-blowing". He once claimed that he had learned almost all of Eric Clapton's solos in the band Cream "note for note. ... I've always said Eric Clapton was my main influence," he said, "but Jimmy Page was actually more the way I am, in a reckless-abandon kind of way." Speaking at an event at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in 2015, Eddie discussed his life and the American Dream, saying "We came here with approximately $50 and a piano, and we didn't speak the language. Now look where we are. If that's not the American dream, what is?" R.I.P. 🌹🎤🎼 To A Great Legend who will be rocking in Heaven.

[@ivewaited]

No one sounds like you Eddie 😘 RIP

[@MarceloLaraM]

I’d love to have a bass player like MA with those powerful and tasty backing vocals

[@davemustaine9776]

The holiday Inn version. Sammy and Mike should have set this one out like Ed and AL. RIP EVH

[@DougLayton]

at approx the 2:20 mark, I SWEAR I thought this was Sammy and Mikey singing with the Gloria Estefan band...

[@manfredmarius5773]

Lol yeah, they shouldn’t have included the brass section there

[@migianaventura]

Maestro hoy es mí cumpleaños que lindo tema este! Like!

[@RickyTickyTV]

This sounds like the Sesame Street Version of Van Hagar. R.I.P EVH the absolute best.

[@animeshtripathi9789]

Legends never die

[@josevidalsantos7249]

True

[@the_console-girl-9778]

They just live on

[@FabianoZonta]

I love this song. Nostálgico.

[@acersteel3735]

MFing Sammy!!!! The man

[@malenavargas7407]

I love this song, me recuerda cuando iba a discotecas a escondidas, pues mi padre era muy estricto; arriba Van Halen idolos.

[@nikosfragosofficial]

I'm very sad...this great guitarist who inspired and made them love this instrument is gone... A good trip BIG EDDIE🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 1955-2020

[@thefonzkiss]

3:18 nice one Roy

[@mojo_plasma]

The Late Show Band!! Awesome!!

[@sosoguerra]

Great performance. Thank you all... All we need is love ✌️🌷

[@challism]

Great performance? Did we watch the same video?

[@craigrohrer7337]

Eddie just can't be replaced.

[@mikesisca1]

Rip, Eddie. Sam and Mike loved you man. I hope you know that.... as much as I hoped to see you and al up there with them, I know yo u were going thru a rough time and couldn't be there

[@reneesmith2290]

King Edward, guitar legend, RIP

[@silviaperezcastro783]

lo máximo!!!!!

[@Fox.Crueger]

Anton Figg on the drums. He also has played in KISS 1979, 1980, and Madonna, and etc.

[@Fixxer315]

IMO, there should be a policy whereby if bands cant get over their shit enough to actually come to the HoF induction and play together--they should not be inducted in the first place.

[@julesjohnson7127]

Michael L I couldn’t agree more!

[@bradpreston7779]

Though I doubt he’d have shown up otherwise, Eddie was in rehab during this induction. The band had just reunited with Roth, and their first tour was postponed so Eddie could clean up. I believe he remained sober the rest of his life.

[@jessehoopes7042]

Woah

[@jrpggolf]

Gotta love the Velvet Revolver bass drum

[@yangsamokikon3519]

Really feel the absence of two great legend. Never be same line up. Missed guitar sound tone🙏🙏🙏

[@thatdude2595]

RIP EVH

[@michaelfrancis1930]

This is like a wedding band version of this song without the VH brothers. I understand the circumstances but...CMON!

[@user2144]

Well backed up by Paul Schaffer and The CBS Orchestra.

[@dannykillian4461]

All 4 "original " members alive at the time but egos and addiction kept this from being an epic performance.. Ed in rehab, Alex sticking with his brother, Dave refusing to acknowledge the Sammy and poor Mikey just wanting to jam

[@Deetroiter]

I wonder why Gary didn’t show, technically he’s inducted with the band

[@dudedude4034]

R.I.P the greatest guitar player of all time……..

[@joneconomidis2125]

Goes to show EVH can't be replaced.

[@manuelantonio1495]

Desde Argentina 🎆🎆🎆🎆✌♫♫♫♫♫😇😇😇😇

[@lamecasuelas2]

The one and only Anton Fig on drums!

[@vivanlulz]

Rip EVH

[@jefffaust89]

I’m glad if what I heard was true that Sammy said in a brief interview that he thinks he and Eddie made peace with one another. That he and Eddie had been exchanged texts back and forth till a couple months ago. Eddie quite responding and Sam though the worst that his health was steadily and rapidly declining. Finding out like all of us that he was basically on life support before he died. so needless to say if his health had gotten to that point there was no coming back or chance of him pulling through this time. He also confirmed that the speculation of a reunion tour back in like earily summer of 2019 had been true. Michael and Sammy we’re going to be involved officially back in band and part of lineup along with Dave and of course Eddie and Alex. And we’re going to have Dave and Sam switch on and off on vocal duties alternating a few songs here and there throughout the set list. Wolfgang was to have a group and planned to be the opening act. That was a heck of a good idea and I think would of been a great show. It would appease everyone. Dave fans Sam fans and the fans of them both. Too bad losing Eddie we will never see it happen. The guys should of made up and started talking about doing this years ago like around 07 -08 during those few years when they toured.

[@69Timba]

Is Michael Anthony morphing into George Costanza

[@RyanConnell5150]

It's fitting that only Sammy and Eddie are visible on Sammy's OU812 shirt (cuz of the sides of his dress coat) because it was there relationship (or lack there of) and Eddie being rehab that prevented a "Van Hagar" era reunion at this show.

[@angelieavenie5741]

Really miss the presence of Eddie...he give the soul to Rock Music & to the band...never the same without Eddie. We miss you Eddie so much! RIP EVH.

[@thegodfatherofthesec1748]

🎸🙏

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

what's a velvet revolver advertised on the bass drum? Never heard of that Van Halen album.

[@deshunsmith2580]

I wish all of them was together for this along with David Lee Roth. All 5 five of them jamming together how a wish.

[@oscaruro1089]

Que dónde estés querido Eddie te encuentres en paz

[@reginamartins685]

🙋🇧🇷💜💜💜💜🎸🎸🎸Eddie forever! 🙏

[@tonykumar9727]

Can't they find a better guitarist to play this song

[@brianhalvorsen7247]

This blows!!

[@anael169]

This was soulful. I felt like it was a breath of fresh air to hear Ed's music reinterpreted in this manner. I loved the horn section and Anton Fig is no slouch on the drums. Yes it was obvious Ed was missing. He was in rehab sadly. I've never seen this before and it really hit me that perhaps this is what sealed Mike's fate. He was probably expected to stay home with Al and wait for Eddie to get healthy. Hard to pass up the RNR HOF thogh. I liked it but it was rough in spots. A lot of air, not as tight, but still good to me. Especially that high note Sam hit at the end. Made up for the couple clinkers he hit prior.

[@centraliafuckcorruption]

Everything that makes that song cool is missing

[@thomaswalber1942]

So true.

[@danielm2200]

???

[@stephenannese8228]

~{🎸RIP-EVH🎸}~

[@abyss6768]

RIP King Halen Now you can play with SRV,Cliff Burton,Chuck Berry and others

[@britgilbert8736]

You forgot Dimebag Darrell

[@um8185]

Eddie is needed big time

[@manuela-6998]

Ciaooòooo Eddie 🎸🎸🎸🎸💕🌹🌟🌟😘rip

[@joeltoth7073]

Rattled Sammy messed up the ending. He knows it too you can see him smiling about it. But man his voice along with Mikey harmonizing are still class. The last “Why can’t this be loooooooooove” is my favourite part of the song.

[@trevorwarner1322]

Gtr player wants to be up front so bad. Dude, Mike and Sammy are the show, you're the back-up player.

[@aivaruueda4278]

🔥🌠💫🎤🎶💮

[@TavaresProject]

That was the strangest version I've ever heard but Sam and Mike were great

[@mixbassdj]

No, they weren't

[@TavaresProject]

@@mixbassdj actually they were

[@hisham_hm]

Anton Fig (Frehley's Comet) on drums?

[@rightchordleadership]

Yes

[@mikewood5373]

looks like someones invaded the stage at a christmas office party

[@ehss192]

lmao

[@jamescalalo]

nice bass drum skin

[@juansotillo4829]

Eddie can’t be replaced...

[@philwheatleyconsultant]

Makes you realise that Eddie Van Halen was basically Van Halen

[@williamgirotto1979]

Caraí parece banda cover SLC

[@julsrique9148]

Michael Anthony's face looking the drummer for the bad punch what he plays...1:40

[@kfitz2711]

I am a life-long trumpet player and even I think the addition of horns on this performance is DUUUUMB.

[@tawermeister99]

I kept thinking why isn’t the camera panning to Al and Eddie. Completely misreading the title

[@lh1678]

This is the Big Band Buddy Rich VH version.

[@aastudio2957]

why hagar did'nt play the guitar part?