Van Halen: How Eddie and Sammy met / Story of 80s Song Dreams | Pop Fix | Professor of Rock

[@jojo-lp4rd]

I am so impressed with the content on this channel! This is like the best channel I've ever seen on youtube, unbelievable. Interviews are always poinient, monologue and editing top notch.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you so much for watching! Please help us spread the word!

[@nosnerd1967]

greetings from Ottawa Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 . I agree x10

[@soundbreak7]

jo jo i agree , such a great channel for music lovers

[@commentfreely5443]

this beats anything you'll see on CNN - the pedophile network

[@junkboxhero4825]

@@nosnerd1967 Wait, don't you guys up there make fun of us for always making things bigger? x10? lol

[@paulgreenwell1753]

Quite simply, Sammy Hagar is, and always has been, one of the most important musician/songwriters of rock music from the USA. A voice that still soars and songs that just get better with every listen. Plus he's one of the most down to earth, genuine people you could ever meet, and I have. On four occasions. He's one of those people that make the world a better place.

[@richardjoseph8532]

Ok, it's official, I HATE YOU! You met Sammy 4 times!? I dream (speaking of dreams...) of meeting him... I'm not kidding! I love his music, sure, but that's not why I have this immense desire to meet him. It stems from the fact that he's such an impressive human being!

[@kingsethos5108]

I was working at the local record store on a Tuesday morning when the shipment of new product came in, I saw this 45rpm staring at me of "Why Can't This Be Love?". I couldn't get it on the store record player fast enough, I swear only a few beats in every head turned to me and the few that were in the store came up to the counter wanting to know what it was. I bought that first copy and still have it to this day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it. Such a powerful song. Thanks for commenting!

[@jeffdubuque5622]

cool story i like that.

[@l.t.w8985]

I love this story. Beautiful.

[@juancarlosibarra3245]

great song

[@MG68]

THAT'S awesome

[@islandbee]

When I hear Dreams, I always think about the Blue Angels. ✈✈✈✈

[@neugey]

The great era of the air show!!! Dreams+Blue Angels and Queen's One Vision on the Iron Eagle soundtrack!

[@hardycoffman6896]

I think about them too!!

[@ericrichard5237]

I sat waiting for that video premier, HUGE part of my early teens. Makes the "fur rise"

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

Maybe because the official Van Halen music video was set to the Blue Angels demonstration in their A-4's?

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

@@ericrichard5237 Me too. Ahh, the good ol' days. Ferris Bueller, Molly Ringwald, Top Gun, Aliens, and on, and on. Anyone else feel like we had some sort of Twilight Zone dimension change between the 80's and now?

[@chriscollesano8463]

It was a great time. When ever I hear Summer nights, I’m transported right back to the summer of 86. Sitting in the park late at night with my buds drinking beers. Hot summer nights with friends in our teens.

[@SonnyGTA]

Nothing better!!!!!

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Now I’m tearing up. And it’s sad that nowadays we all really want to literally kill each other.

[@chriscollesano8463]

WhyTheHorseface I try to explain to my 12 and 14 year olds. I think they get it.... I think?

[@Twotontessie]

Summer Nights went perfectly with boating and beer. I remember lots of hilarity when we would all do terrible falsetto sing-alongs with Michael’s parts. 👍

[@Chesterd2]

Holy crap did your comment just take me back! You are not alone my friend! It was certainly a different time back then. Literally makes me feel bad for today's youth. Nothing better than the 80s and 90s.

[@douglasboggs85]

Dreams is one of my favorite songs ever

[@rikkihill22]

Phenomenal song.

[@markhealey3660]

Every time I hear Dreams, I have chills up my spine.

[@jaycuthbert245]

Should invest in a hot water bottle dude

[@ventues9751]

Me too !!! This is one of the best songs ever written !!!

[@Hologhoul]

5150 is one of the most musically interesting albums I've ever heard. The songwriting, the arrangements, the musicianship and ideas, the tasteful production which is somehow accessible but slightly raw and not bloated-out.. And then you get this amazing singer who can deliver the feel of the songs Ed had in mind. A fantastic record.

[@nonameband5656]

Dreams has been my favorite song since 1986, and I suspect it always will be. The beauty of the music, and the raw power from all 4 in the band...especially the vocals. Still makes me go "wow".

[@kerrygrabowski4343]

I love everything you do Mr. Professor but this Van Halen segment you did is by far my favorite to date. One of my favorite cassette tapes I ever owned.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's awesome, so glad to hear!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same! Thanks for commenting!

[@SonnyGTA]

I got 5150 cassette as a gift from someone in HS!

[@espojespo5]

Really loved watching this. Love how sentimental you are just like myself. Takes you right back to life's moments. It's bittersweet, because no doubt Sammy and Ed would have released some more great music throughout the years.

[@poodythang]

I still have my cassette too. The voice of my youth. Love Sammy and this channel. Cheers!

[@neugey]

So at a time when Sammy finally reached the financial success he wanted after 10+ years in the business, he raised his game lyrically and wrote about deeper and more important things in life. That really speaks to his character.

[@RichardLuna2025]

I was 15 the first time I heard, "Hell-o ba-by" in my cousin's hot rod VW bug. I'll never forget that. What an album.

[@richevans609]

U.S. Prime.... Grade A Stamped guaranteed!

[@bigdaddycool4242]

Gil T Yeah, you can “hot rod” a bug, and make them pretty fast.

[@bigdaddycool4242]

Gil T Actually, with Rick

[@TimOlsen66]

Watching this interview the day of Eddie's passing. More than appropriately done with respect to two amazing musicians who shared some magic together and shared with the world. RIP EVH ❤️ 🎸

[@scottbland5147]

5150 is by far a top 10 of the 80s. I just listened all the way through this week. My first big concert was VH 5150 at Kemper Arena, Kansas City, MO, 1986. Thanks for the great content.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are welcome. Wow, would've loved to see that tour. They didn't come to Idaho. Ha ha!

[@l.t.w8985]

Yep I saw Van Halen for the first time 5150 tour and only because Sammy joined the band

[@commentfreely5443]

inside is under rtaed

[@andyleininger4822]

I like his humbleness. He gave lots of credit to Eddie. Seems to be the exact opposite of DLR.

[@rickycoleman8841]

To me that era of VH was the best musically .i like the David lee Roth stuff .but i listen to the Sammy era far more .

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

@Roxanne Daniel I think that is a great insight into the dynamic between the three of them.

[@blacksabbathrulez9100]

He has always been humble. What a great human being...

[@gizzy2403]

If u ever listen 2 DLR talk about music, it's always about how gr8 he was & how its bout th show, never th substance. That's th difference between him & Sammy; Dave is pink spandex w/th ass cut out & Sammy is th lyrics to ' Dreams ' or ' Higher' . One is practically soulless & th other 1 isnt

[@davidstewart4310]

What about the fact that Hagar has spent his whole career badmouthing Roth......And also aired EVH's dirty laundry in his book Red....it's no wonder they don't want Hagar back is it. Roth has more class than people gave him credit for. By the way, i love Van Hagar.

[@NielsCG]

RIP Eddie... we'll miss you and never forget you..

[@Meditech509]

Summer Nights I believe is the best song ever written and performed. Absolute perfection.

[@victorgasior]

I agree 100%

[@chestrockwell8328]

Hell of a song to jam with. I agree.

[@chestrockwell8328]

@dimebag Darrell yo man, you were killed about 5 minutes from my old house...damn shame.

[@WallyBoots]

Thumbs up to that!

[@gokhanersan8561]

Heard it on a hot summer night on radio, and bought my copy of 5150 shortly after. The perfect heir to Led Zeppelin’s throne was Van Halen with Sammy singing his heart out.

[@hamandvaid]

Please do more VH. I'm crushed that Eddie passed away and I love all three frontmen and their work with this mighty band. Great interview, 5150 is a stunner.

[@TheJoeWentzProjectTV]

5150 was a pivotal album and moment in my life. 1986, I was 16 years old. I was a late bloomer when it came to the music of Van Halen. But in 1986, me and 2 friends were heading to our high schools talent show, one Friday night. On the ride over to the high school, the driver popped in a cassette (yeah a cassette, I'm 50 now). The guitar that came through the speakers blew my mind. My other buddy, in the passenger seat said to the driver..."Hey, that's Van Halen right?" It was. But what I didn't know then was, I was hearing the intro to "Mean Street". I had never heard anything like that in my life. It was the coolest thing ever. After hearing those guitar sounds, I went and purchased every Van Halen cassette...starting with 5150. So after that, I got my first electric guitar on Christmas Eve, 1986. I've been playing ever since. But I love Van Halen...Sammy, was such a perfect fit. Dave, was incredible as well. This bands music will always stand the test of time. It's a shame that Eddie, doesn't speak to Sammy, anymore. But I have Sammy's book in audio format...and I think he might have went just a little bit too far with things. I understand he was probably upset about past events. But man, things between a band of brothers, should stay between the band of brothers. But still...I love, Sammy...always have and always will. He always seems to come across as a wonderful human being. He's one of my favorite singers and artist of all time. =\//-/=🎸🎵

[@matthewbarry4464]

I was stationed in S. Korea in 1985-1986. I remember being in my duty section, outpatient records in the hospital, with Armed Forces Radio playing on a boom box in the corner. Suddenly, I hear the first synths and guitar of "Why Can't This Be Love" and knew instantly it was the new VH. I started exclaiming "it's the new VH, it's the new VH!" No one else shared my enthusiasm.

[@MrSirDrumAlot]

Excellent interview with Sammy Hagar. Sammy has that touch of humbleness; mixed together with rock & roll confidence. What a nice combination. So inspiring! Good job Professor of Rock!!!

[@mrkeiths48]

Professor, thanks for giving Sammy the kudos he deserves. David Lee Roth was my Van Halen front man of choice for years and now I know Sammy was just as deserving for the job. Van Halen will live on forever! Keep up the great videos!

[@cptnsolo77]

Sammy has soul in his voice. Take a listen to when it's love. Dave always seems flat. Sammy has one of the best voices in rock, and never gets credit. He's up there with the best and Very underrated.

[@SonnyGTA]

Ugh. UNDERRATED?!?!? He is quite the opposite!!!

[@cptnsolo77]

@@SonnyGTA Really ? I have never heard any rock critic rave about sammys voice. If they have thats great !

[@BazookaToe]

If Dave sounds flat I’ll take my Van Halen singer flat please, thanks.

[@Hologhoul]

When It's Love is a sublime song! I agree about the vocals. And that solo. it's a peach. The intonation is out on the higher parts, sounds like very old strings, but that just ices the cake, it's magic.

[@michaeltaylors2456]

At his best, Dave was a frontman/vocalist, not a singer.

[@brandonerickson5188]

5150 is a classic album. I remember being very worried when I heard Sammy joined the band. I thought it would be too much of a change. Thankfully, my fears were unfounded. While I have to give the DLR era a slight edge when I compare the two (Dave had that charisma), Sammy could sing circles around Dave. Another great vid from the Professor!

[@bcastromusic]

5150. Dreams! My friends and mines high school song.. it's even in our yearbook. I was a piano player and got a synth in 1989. I played all the van halen stuff in addition to the classical stuff. My friends loved it. Now I'm a pianist and keyboardist and design synthesizers. Haven't played dreams in 20 years..just played it like it was yesterday... memories. To this day my favorite and most-played cassette ever.

[@51char]

Dreams was my fav as well. Talked about the lyrics, but his singing on Dreams was probably his best.. "And in the end, on dreams we will depend..."

[@ProfessorofRock]

FOR REAL

[@donnswaby369]

Thank you, brother, for this great commentary video! I resonated with everything you said, as I too came of age in the mid-80's and discovered Van Halen via 5150, though I'd heard Jump and You Really Got Me on the radio as well as Eruption played to me by a friend on his record player. Eddie inspired me along with our entire generation to play guitar. Your insightful commentary about Dreams rang so true for me as well. It is one of my all-time favorite Van Halen songs and one of the most inspiring songs of my life. If I sing along, it' shard not to get teary eyed by the end of the song. Those inspiring words are so powerful because Sammy acknowledges the pain of life, the slings and arrows we all must endure, then offers the solution for us to rise like a phoenix reborn to soar ever high: love. Sammy is a beautiful soul and it comes through in his lyrics that were a perfect match for Eddie's music. They truly were musical soulmates and those four albums were some of the best music of their careers Though it was such a shame Sammy waited in vain for 16 years for Eddie to let go of whatever hurt and misunderstanding had come between them, he and Mike will keep the legacy going and we'll always have the music.

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Sammy brought a whole new level to VH. Songs like “Dreams”, “Right Now” and evening solo stuff like “give to live” and “where eagles fly” are big majestic, inspiring songs. Powerful stuff! DLR was party music... but Sammy helped the band grow up.

[@joqu6971]

BS, Van Halen Roth is so much stronger, it’s better music.

[@bonsouthall960]

When Shammy starts Eagles Fly live you go for a piss/drinks break

[@IvanLendl87]

Sammy is a great guy and he wrote some great songs in VH but to dismiss Roth-era VH as party music is absurd. They rocked far harder with Roth - Unchained, Aint Talkin Bout Love, Panama, Running With The Devil, Jamie's Cryin, Everybody Wants Some, etc... With Sammy, Eddie used "Jump" as a blueprint and then went overboard with the synths during that era and wandered right into the pop territory.

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Ivan Lendl I didn’t dismiss it... I love both eras. But Sammy is a much better writer and vocalist.

[@bonsouthall960]

@@ClassicGuitarRockJFL are Give To Live and Eagles Fly your examples of Hagar's superior songwriting abilities? 😂

[@jtmichaelson]

The whole Van Hagar thing was huge for us. The debates. The speculations. It was crazy and then it came out and was excellent. We ALL loved it. "Inside" was an instant favorite of mine. Great series of videos. I do an almost radio equivalent of your videos, so I love your content and I love your target genre. Cheers.

[@henrythegreatamerican8136]

Dave was the better showman but Sammy was definitely the better musician. Compare their solo careers. Dave's solo music was absolutely dreadful. Granted, I kind of enjoyed "just a gigolo"

[@brandonbergfelt2530]

Oh stop it David lee Roth was great

[@hizzlemobizzle]

@@brandonbergfelt2530 Have to admit I never cared much for Van Hagar. Growing up when the first album came out and seeing them live killed any interest I might have had in Pop metal.

[@cptnsolo77]

@@henrythegreatamerican8136 Absolutely. Sammy was better in every way. He actually had a great voice, sing AND play guitar. VH with Dave was great for what it was...fun party type rock. The songwriting with Sammy was more mature IMO.

[@joqu6971]

Not everyone loved it when it was new

[@shizzle7642]

Sammy’s autobiography is a phenomenal read!! So much he’s done outside of music and what an incredibly humble person and business man

[@HaXaW5150]

Man, when Dave left it scared me to death and then I heard 5150 all the fear melted away. I will always love both incarnations of the band, but Sammy had the voice.

[@martincloutier666]

I also got this album when I was ten. I knew Jump from the radio... but 5150 made me discover Van Halen. I became a big fan, learning their songs on guitar, and I loved all albums including VH3 🤣

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@carlosojeda1956]

I have to agree. I have been fortunate enough to witness the "Blue Angels " at a few air shows and it just seems as if "Dreams" should be playing throughout the entire show. R.I. P. Eddie, you will be missed.

[@juancarloshernandezgutierr9723]

What a great interview... You know who to guide it... You took a lot of stuff Sammy never said before although he was interviewed about Van Halen like 10 thousand times before! Congrats man, for standing on your (not so) broken dreams and never losing sight...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Comment to the week..Love the last line!

[@scottsmith1455]

Sammy’s vocal on Dreams is as good as it gets! He pushed the limits of his range to the max on that one, insanely good!!

[@Bernz66]

Crazy story..... I was a senior in high school 84/85.... I remember loving Van Halen’s 1984 album.... couldn’t wait to see what they were going to put out next... my other favorite record that year was HSAS “Through the Fire”..... I remember when I put that record on the turntable, dropped the needle and put on the headphones..... I was blown away...... then I thought,wouldn’t it be cool if Sammy Hagar was the singer in Van Halen...... a year later he was...... 5150 was the soundtrack to my summer in 1986..... awesome record! Love both versions of the band..... love Sammy Hager’s solo stuff!

[@stevenjschuler1169]

Sammy and Eddie were the best collaborators we will ever see in our lifetime. Both were inspired to give us the best music ever. Thank you 🙏 both of you are my inspiration to everything.

[@dilo777]

To this day I still get goosebumps when I hear get up! That line "you say that love has got you down but that's bullshit. If love has got you down then love will pick you right back up. There ain't no power round keep a good man down" gets me going every time

[@islandbee]

When I first heard of Sammy Hagar being David Lee Roth's replacement, I thought I don't think this "I Can't Drive 55" cat will sound right with Van Halen. I WAS SO WRONG!!! Sammy Hagar did awesome with Van Halen. I didn't realize that Van Halen was wanting Sammy as its lead singer in their humble beginnings in the 70s.

[@larsbonnet17]

Van Halen didn’t want Sammy back then. The producer Ted Templeman did.

[@islandbee]

@@larsbonnet17 - Maybe I had over read that. But, it was meant to be.

[@islandbee]

@Roxanne Daniel - I read on the Wikipedia's VH page a few weeks ago about this.

[@larsbonnet17]

Roxanne Daniel All I know is Eddie met Sammy way back in the 70s, but I haven’t read anything about him wanting Sammy in the band then. Maybe. Who knows? Eddie was bummed about Dave’s range in an ’81 interview, but I think that was the shit. Eddie wrote songs that fit Dave’s range and they were perfect! I also know Ted wanted to replace Dave from day one and so did Gene Simmos and/or Bill Aucoin when they cut that demo tape. Dave was aware of everything and wouldn’t let anyone get in his way. He had a vision and so did the VH bros. Boy, am I glad they made six magnificent records, but I wanted more. I never really got into Van Hagar.

[@islandbee]

@Cutting Yoko’s bra! - Sammy Haggar compared to Adel. What a dumb ass comment.

[@therealspooks]

Saw them on the OU812 tour in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl headlining the Texas Jam...the infamous he lost his voice show and promised a crowd of nearly 100k a free show...2 years or so later they shut downtown Dallas at the Hard Rock and did it!! Was at BOTH!!! AWESOME!!!!

[@SonnyGTA]

Side note: Eric Martin was supposed to audition for VH! Eric flew down there and saw Sammy at the airport. Sammy told Eric, ‘Oh I know those guys, I’m gonna sing for them’. Eric felt intimidated and never even went to the audition! Eddie called Eric and said, what happened? You never showed! Eric told him what happened and Eddie said ‘you should have came down!’ That was it and then Sammy got the job. Eric would have been an interesting choice! (But SAMMY is AWESOME!)

[@Supermonkey22]

I’m glad Eric still gave us Mr. Big. Great band.

[@SonnyGTA]

Supermonkey22 funny how things work out right??

[@SonnyGTA]

Roxanne Daniel hi. I didn’t. It’s from Eric himself.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@SonnyGTA So glad. I can't stomach Eric's soft rock voice. But then ... Cherone.

[@douglascasey3486]

Sammy and Eddie were ment to be.

[@zambratta]

As a child, when DLR was not in VH anymore I thought to myself, how is the band going to sound with a new singer? Then, listening to a radio station, they played "Be Good To Yourself" by Journey, who were also going through changes, and I was blown away by it. Then, they played "Why Can't This Be Love?" and I was blown away again. I put together some money from my allowance and bought both Journey's Raised On Radio and VH's 5150. "Dreams" immediately became my favourite song from the album and is still to this day one of my favourite VH tunes. Thank you for your great work on this channel. I like your interviews as well as your passion for good music. Cheers!

[@daraichel]

Great job as usual. This is one of your best interviews. It amazes me that when polls are done for the best rock voices, Sammy’s name is rarely, if ever, mentioned. It’s a travesty. He has one of the best rock voices in history. Thanks for this. I can’t wait for more VH interviews.

[@GmanMusicProductions]

I love both era's of VH, but to me the songs they did with Sammy were epic! It still bums me out that we as VH fans and music fans for that matter, are missing out on what could have been MANY more DREAM like songs. Great job once again Professor!!!

[@Jedizen07]

Thanks for this, Professor. I have a personal story to share, if you don't mind, about the power of music, especially on the release of 5150: 5150 saved my life, literally. In 1986, my parents were in the middle of a nasty divorce, my mother also had a small form of cancer in her throat, I was a freshman in high school while getting beaten up by bullies and, to top it all off, I got chicken pox, which was PAINFUL, all at the age of 15. All of this happened in the first few months of 1986. As a result, of all of the pain I was dealing with, it was around early March that I decided to kill myself. I just couldn't handle life anymore-it was too painful. About a couple of hours before a friend was going to retrieve his father's rifle for me, I wanted to listen to the radio. Within minutes of turning it on, the station I was listening to ( KZAP ) premiered the then BRAND NEW Van Halen single, " Why Can't This Be Love " and gave the audience an additional sneak peak of the b-side to the single ( which was " Get Up " ). Hearing the opening keyboard riff intro to " WCTBL, " I noticed the hairs on my arms stood up and I immediately got the biggest set of chills I ever experienced. I was able to tape the tunes off the radio and as a result, played that tape for the rest of the week. There was something magical happening within this music. I HEARD it and FELT it in the music. After hearing those tunes repeatedly throughout the day, I IMMEDIATELY felt better about everything ( I eventually called my buddy to " hold off on the gun. " ). To this day, I cannot explain this feeling. Some have called it a intervention from God or just plain magic. Whichever the case, that music lifted me into a higher state of being. Once that 5150 tape came out ( I wore out three copies ), I picked up the guitar, started learning Edward's licks, started writing my own riffs, and life. . . just improved. In a simple matter of months. I was a big Van Halen after 1984 came out. But, with as one grows up dealing with things, we all forget about how music plays a VITAL role in our lives, including VH's music with Roth ( let's face it: The Roth era has some really killer tunes ). At that time, in 1986, I simply forgot about music especially after dealing with some hard times. Even with all of the drama between the singers in VH, even at that time, VH's music really brought me out of the nasty funk I was dealing with. VH's 5150 saved my life, plain and simple. In fact, Edward did an interview in Guitar World magazine in August 1986, promoting the album. Edward was asked a question about how he felt on 5150 landing on the number 1 spot on Billboard ( their first #1 album ). His response was more geared about the difference between dealing with the " clowning around " aspect versus the music making one. But, Edward spoke something in that interview that resonates with me to this day. He said, " Music overpowers bullshit. " This music is so important to me that I don't even care if some think Roth is better than Sam or if Gary should have been or not have been in VH, or if Sam is better than Roth, etc. NONE of that matters in the end. The drama is not important. It has always been and will always be about the music. May it overpower the bullshit in your life and lift you up to a better state of mind. Like it did for me. Thanks Professor for this vid. Great work!

[@stevenwhite7525]

Thanks for sharing, David. Keep on rockin' to the Mighty VH!! (Still waiting for Ed to a solo LP ala Santana's "Supernatural". Could you just imagine Ozzy & a Zakk Wylde solo w/ the VH triumvirate?)

[@neugey]

That story really touched me. Glad 5150 came along when it did!

[@Tonymanero1960]

Great story,......and I read the whole thing.

[@Jedizen07]

@@stevenwhite7525 Well, we kind of got CLOSE to that with Dweezil Zappa's 1991 " Confession " album, which funny enough, came out prior to Van Halen's " For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge " album.

[@WallyBoots]

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

[@ndowroccus4168]

Summer Nights and the radio!! Damn good album! 86’ great year!

[@davidwise3426]

Sammy is a superb singer, fantastic songs, wonderful interview.

[@steves.4720]

Once again, you knocked it out of the park with another killer interview with artists and music that I connect with the most. Great job, Adam! Being 14 when 5150 came out, the entire album completely blew me away. I played it so much that wore out the cassette and had to buy another. Among the many great songs on the album, by far Dreams resonates with me the most. A masterpiece of a song and, IMHO, the highlight of the Hagar era of VH. Even my kids, of the hip-hop TikTok generation who are not at all otherwise into VH, love the song and sing along to it with me in the car.

[@JimKtv]

Dreams IS my favorite song. Reminds me of all I aspire to be and the journey’s I’ve taken and will continue to take moving forward. Absolutely LOVED this video, my friend.

[@zachg9065]

The Blue Angels video of Dreams is great, always pumps me up!!

[@kellyc2425]

Every iteration of Van Halen means so many things and times in my life. Not enough room in the comments section to even try and give you an accurate picture. Keep doing what you do, Professor!! Love it!!!!

[@silveragegamingexperience]

Van Halen with Sammy will always be the soundtrack of my high school years, especially songs like Dreams and Love Walks In.

[@jasonlieberman4606]

Peter Hook, Ann Wilson, Sammy Hagar. You have this rocker's attention.

[@highcurrent1125]

Thanks Professor for keeping rock alive! I just hope that there are thousands of kids subscribing to this channel and not just a bunch of old school dudes like me!! Rock on!

[@shizzle7642]

That band achieved supernova perfection nobody has touched since, and thank you DLR!!!!

[@robhiles6660]

Sammy, always a class act. Never a bad word about anything, always a positive dude.

[@BillGraper]

'Love Walks In', 'Why Can't This Be Love' & 'When It's Love' are on my "Bring me back to the 80's" list. Those songs mean so much to me. Is that time machine ready yet? We have to get out of this nightmare trap music world.

[@steverenison3375]

Bill, 5150 was one of my favorite albums. A “newer” band if you haven’t heard of them is Alter Bridge. Listen to Before Tomorrow Comes and Come To Life to get a feel for who they are. Very old school, very talented.

[@BillGraper]

@@steverenison3375 Thanks, I'll check them out!

[@lisaannbarriner9633]

Bill Graper, Amen, brother. There are a few artists worth listening to, but most of it is pure drivel.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

When you do get that time machine, I beg you to let me on.

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

I was exactly the same way. Sammy Hagar and Van Halen came into my life in my formative years. 5150 and OU812 were basically the theme albums of my life at that time. Their lyrics, melodies, iconic sound, with Sammy's incredible voice, Eddie's insane guitar solos and just all of it... ALL. OF. IT! Whenever I hear "Love Walks In" begin, with Eddie's synthesizer, I STILL get chills! Or when Sammy hits those high notes in "Dreams". So incredibly inspirational to me, even still today.

[@stephenlackey5852]

When you said as a nine-year-old kid you heard “Dreams” and felt like you could do anything... tears, man. Straight up tears.

[@BobMinelli]

I can articulate what it meant THEN, NOW that I'm 53. First, GREAT JOB Professor....bravo! The conversation between Sammy and yourself was beautiful and real, down to earth facts. Love it. One thing I've appreciated is the ENERGY one can resonate with within themselves individually and for myself, I've come to one TRUE conclusion. Not ALL DREAMS are meant to be attained, some are meant to be pursued..so you can become who you're meant to, for the thing that lies ahead. Whatever or whoever that may be. Peace from Wisconsin!

[@blainetrahan8883]

Great interview. Van Halen is hands down my favorite band.

[@susieyoho9420]

I saw Sammy open for Boston in 1978 and he impressed me more than Boston so when I saw Van Halen with Sammy oh man it was the greatest thing ever never saw them with DLR didn’t need to so I will forever be grateful to a good friend for taking me to Starwood Amphitheater in Nashville Tn to see Van Halen with Sammy thank you Dave Andrews wherever you are!

[@allatamusic]

Amazing that you made this 2 weeks ago, and that inspired me to listen to 'Dreams' just the other day, the day the Eddie died (after not having listen to VH in over a decade) . . . leaving us with his music. "Don't die with your music in you", my friends. He didn't.

[@cybergun01]

Awesome. I grew up with VH as well.. loved 1984, but 5150 was a life-changer for me.. Those songs spoke to my soul

[@jameskipp1657]

Personally, I think the song "5150" may actually be the best song on the album.

[@ata5855]

I second you on this! JUST finished listening to it...

[@jonlate4581]

It's definitely the most difficult to play.

[@nicolamontoro]

That song has balls!!

[@robertthomas7239]

@@jonlate4581 Summer Nights is pretty difficult to play, correctly at least. Vic Johnson still hasn't figured it out lol.

[@russellnikolaus6811]

Agreed!!

[@jeffgomske6920]

I've been in radio for almost 30 years and while I loved VH pre-Sammy, I always felt a bigger connection to the Hagar era of the band and the fact that I was always turned off by Dave's about-to-apply-for-statehood massive ego. I like Sam's vocals better too...but don't get me wrong, I LOVE early VH virtually as much. Great interview. Thanks for keeping us filled in on some of those little tidbits of info that the fans truly eat up with gusto. Keep up the good work!

[@IanPatrickOfficial]

I am a music, "JUNKIE" and not ashamed to say it proudly!

[@mikej6565]

I'll never forget that one night in 1986 (I was only a little kid) when my mom was at a Van Halen concert at the New Haven Colosseum (it's now torn down). Man I've been jealous all these years, every time I see that concert "Live Without a Net" knowing she was there! I wish more than anything I was an adult in the 80's when music was FUN and life was REAL!

[@richevans609]

Best Concert Video Ever!

[@rorymccorny6954]

Me and my little brothers used to dress like the band and play with it . we wore that tape out. I don't know how many copies we went through. "Helllloooo New Havennn!!"

[@Xerxes910]

For me I looked at both eras as different bands. The song style was different and I appreciated each for their own merits. I lean more towards Hagar just because the songs were more uplifting., but I also remember wearing out my copy of 1984. RIP Eddie and Sammy keep rockin!

[@michaelberry1382]

Exactly. I’m a bigger Hagar fan but loved OG VH fan as well. Two distinctly different sounds. I just think Sammy brought a lot of professionalism and calm to the band that DLR didn’t have. I mean Sammy is like a beach Zen master. his lyrics and voice etc. Sammy nails it that Eddie wrote notes that Sam never could. And Sammy brought lyrics that Eddie couldn’t. Sam is no slouch on guitar- but he knew when it back down to greatness. I really liked how Sam could pick up the Ax in live shows so Eddie could pound on the keys. it’s amazing that such a great guitarists first love was Piano.

[@Ben.T0722]

the style of the music changed mainly because sammy had a better vocal range than DLR, he was a much better lead singer vocally but no one could ever beat DLR's antics while onstage, even offstage

[@GeoZero]

I saw VH/Hagar at the 5150 tour at the Los Angeles Forum, center/left stage a few rows back. One of the most amazing concerts, energy, performance... it was a perfect band.

[@markbouquet1316]

Sammy is soooooo underrated as the front man of VH! I liked him more and I'm a pure metal head. Sammy just has incredible pipes. DLR was "who knows what he's going to sound like tonight."

[@TheRimeOfTheAncientMariner]

Sammy is such a class act! Glad to have seen him live many times with VH as well as since he left. Still sounding great!

[@tangoandcars9588]

Such mesmerizing synths! The lyrics “what dreams are made of” gives me chills everytime. Many say Sammy made VH a soft rock band but that’s probably cause they never listened to Cabo Wabo. 🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding! such a great song!

[@merlomusic007]

Or Poundcake or Judgement Day or Best of Both Worlds etc

[@rorymccorny6954]

Cabo wabo is one of those songs I listen to twice in a row or rewind alot . That riff is one of the best in history.

[@gokhanersan8561]

Did they listen to Get Up? No. 5150 took Van Halen to the stratosphere. Thanks to millions of new fans like me their Dave era catalog skyrocketed, too. Dave should thank Sammy for making him money.

[@salpoa28]

Just passing by to say this is the best channel about music on KZbin! The respect and passion in the way Professor conducts the comments and interviews is something out of this world! Thank you to care so much for such an important thing in my life: music! Life without music would be a mistake. For sure.

[@SamOgilvieJr]

Relationships are really what it's all about and the one discussed here really takes a person to a good place. We've all been blessed and inspired by them, near, and, like this one, afar. I think they hint at what's coming in the other side.

[@missourimamma_117]

Sammy is one of the most underrated songwriters along with Steve Perry and BOTH should be in the Songwriters HOF!!!!!! Loving your channel!!!!!

[@rpfcreates4476]

I’ve been discovering all this great music though this channel. I’ve explored every decade imaginable except the 80s. I was born 1990 so it wasn’t my generation and yet it was too recent to be “classic” or old school. Now I see Professor’s stuff and I’m just totally falling into these songs and bands it is really exciting lol.

[@HILLBILLYinHELL]

Like you when 5150 came out I really wondered how it was going to sound. I had grown up listen to Sammy but mainly VH was one of my groups. When I first heard 5150 I could not stop listening to it! Dreams like you said is simply amazing! But just about every song on the album I wanted to listen to, rare for me usually it might be 4 or 5 at the most not all of them. Then came the other albums and by the time Right Now came out it was another "moment" in my life. I mean VH with Sammy could have sung the phonebook, as I have that as a saying, and I would have bought the album I mean their stuff was just that great! RIP Eddie the smile and you will be forever remembered in MY life.

[@robertwalls5794]

I wasn't happy about Sammy Hagar joining VH but after seeing them in concert in Ft. Worth Texas in 1986 I was hooked. Phenomenal show!

[@ToddMLackey]

The very first time I heard the intro to Van Halen's first album, my young fragile mind was, blown...away. I was hooked, instantly, and have been a VH fan ever since. The Roth years were raw, fast, exciting...bad ass. But, I remember so vividly buying this tape, 5150. This album and the songs within it, touched my soul. I was 15 years old and this album, then, and to this day, is a part of me. Thanks Sammy, Ed, Alex and Mikey.

[@davidellis5141]

The Debut Van Halen album is my all time favorite metal record. The harmonies on songs like " Little Dreamer " are incredible.

[@je-2024_1]

If you call that metal ??? more like summertime good old rock.

[@AmelungAngling]

Eddie and Michael have some of the best backing vocals in rock. Little Dreamer is a great song, and the debut Van Halen album is definitely one of the top ten debut rock albums!

[@scottwhite2757]

I agree with you..But I’m On Fire never disappoints.. :)

[@Ryno-fp7pm]

@@scottwhite2757 On Fire...probably my favourite VH song. The Stryper cover of it is amazing.

[@josephliptak]

Van Halen isnt a metal band. Thank God they're rockers

[@driverbass1554]

Dreams was our class song in high school. It was already 4 years old (1990), but nothing else could touch it. Absolutely appreciate his humbleness. Also appreciate what he brought to the band in his years.

[@laraza8662]

R.I.P EDDIE VAN HALEN . . Look towards the sky and you will see a cloud in a shape of a guitar. . .

[@klawson71]

Dreams was our graduation song at my HS in ‘89. Love this song. Hearing it tears me up sometimes, takes me back to that feeling of graduation and the excitement and fear of the future.

[@briansiegel23]

I absolutely love Dreams. The song truly makes you feel better after a long day. It's a great song to belt out in the car. There are just certain songs that make your whole mood change. I also think Can't Stop Loving You from 1995 is a vastly underrated Van Halen song.

[@TonyToto]

The memories - grand in scale. Van Halen has been my favorite band for over 30 years. I've seen them 16 times in concert - 11 with Sammy! It's hard not to get goose bumps or a little choked up while watching your videos on VH! Thank you Professor of Rock! Long live Van Halen! Long live rock!

[@thegreenberetlife0191]

You are absolutely correct in how game changing those albums were. These were some of the best rock albums in history. I did not know that Sammy was influenced by Ayn Rand as Neal Peart was. It was too bad VH was not able to continue in that form because that music still kicks ass today and there could have been more...

[@Adonis5150]

I was 19 when 5150 came out and I too remember first hearing Dreams on my frat brothers new pioneer system. I think I cried while smiling. God bless you for bringing those tears back

[@dusty3913]

Breaks my heart that these guys couldn't get over whatever it was and just rediscover that thing they found in 1985. I saw they after they regrouped and it was terrible. You could tell they just were not enjoying themselves. And, I saw them with Gary, and well it just wasn't there. What happened in 1978 and 1985 is hard to recreate. An inspired EVH is pretty magical.

[@recoswell]

eddie is a control freak drunk

[@Myrlin187]

Eddie was an alcoholic and he had a brain tumor that they had to remove right about that time and then after that I think it was just Pride Eddie and Alex we're never going to admit they were wrong.

[@terribletessie5379]

My first rock concert was Monsters of Rock where Van Halen was the headliner. I believe it was 1988 at Denver Colorado. I was raised on country music so at the ripe age of 29 I became a headbanger. We will miss you Eddie Rest In Peace no more pain.

[@philbogganphilboggan6283]

Eddie van was the newess thing on guitar since hendrix..rest n peace eddie. ..u define electric lectroniic Rock Guitar

[@johnolson7319]

It's nice to see the kids enjoy the music of EVH and Van Halen, it's so much better than the stuff that kids listen to now. I hope they enjoy other classics.

[@BaltimoreColt]

Last day of school, 7th grade, 1986, beautiful day, field day outside, eyeing the cute girls running around the ball field, (especially..."her"), all while 5150 is blasting from someone's radio. "Why Can't This Be Love", in particular, takes me back to that precise moment EVERY TIME.

[@RodCornholio]

Been there...

[@tahirb4518]

Wonderful to hear how these classic songs from our youth were created. Great songs that stand the test of time and are inspiring.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You keep watching and we'll keep making them!

[@rockn24x7goog]

Great interview with Sammy, and just more proof positive that he's one of the most humble guys you'll ever meet! Truth be told, I slightly prefer the DLR era... not for DLRs performances, but that I really like Sammy better slingin' his axe solo than being head vocalist for VH. You're right, it's all in what you grow up with... rock on! \m/ \m/

[@montyollie]

I'm a little older than you can came of age on 1984. Roth's departure was gutwrenching and we all laughed when Sammy "I Can't Drive 55" Hagar was named the new lead singer, we thought it would flop. And then we promptly ate our words. 5150 and OU812 are two of the best Van Halen albums out there. A different flavour, yes, but profoundly amazing. I feel like they are two different bands and I love them both equally. I just call the first iteration Van Halen and the second iteration Van Hagar. Great interview.

[@in2livinit]

Sammy is an incredibly talented, gifted, class act.From day 1 fronting Montrose, it was clear he was destined to be a star, and to "Make it Last". I hope before it's too late Eddie will be willing to mend fences just for one last tour. The Circle are the Real Deal, But one last VH lap for posterity. No one lives forever. RIP Ronnie Montrose.

[@bighawk1h]

I met Sammy during the Roth tour in Dallas TX.. He was the most genuine dude who treated me like a buddy.. Lifetime fan for sure

[@allatamusic]

It took a short while, but a very SHORT while for this to grow on me, and then song by song I kept changing favourites, so many really fantastic and progressive songs. : ) 'Dreams', though. SO cool to hear about Sammy's lyrical inspirations and why those songs meant more than your average rock song . . . having gone down those existential rabbit holes myself.

[@SuperGaleford]

Sammy talks about getting goosebumps from his music which gives me goosebumps.