VAN HALEN - Replacement Singers - Who Did It Better? David Lee Roth - Sammy Hagar - Gary Cherone

In this video we compare the vocal capabilities and "best fit" for vocalists in Van Halen!
Sound off with your votes and opinions on this open-ended question! I want to hear from You!
VAN HALEN - Replacement Singers - Who Did It Better? David Lee Roth - Sammy Hagar - Gary Cherone
I’m kicking off a new series called Replacement Singers: Who Did it Better and who better to begin with then the frontmen to Van Halen
I’ll be examining the differences between David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone and I want to hear from you! Who do you think did it better and why? Share with me in the comments!
David Lee Roth was, in his heyday, considered one of the greatest frontmen in the world and we’re going to look at both his showmanship along with his singing ability.
I’m also going to explore how replacement Gary Cherone measured up in the mix and we’ll finish it out by looking at what Sammy brought to the table.
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[@chrisgarcia9629]

IMO The Van Halen unique sound comes from the unsung hero Michael Anthony. Mikey’s background vocal harmonies are amazing!

[@kentamplin]

👍

[@potatolew4495]

10,000% agree.

[@johnnycamrose8563]

Totally.

[@robertomusitano4238]

100% agree with you

[@GenuineLarry]

I largely agree as a lifetime Van Halen fan… Mikey doesn’t get enough recognition

[@smurfizebra4817]

Vocally, Michael Anthony is the unsung hero. He gave VH that special sound no matter who the front man was.

[@calpilot7]

David Lee Roth has that little something special……magic really…..called CHARISMA. Can’t explain it but DLR steps on stage and you can’t take your eyes off of him. Special quality.

[@droopyd67droopy99]

David's stage presence is amazing, Gary surprised me, but ... Sammy is my favorite. His voice is wonderful, for me, he is the best VH singer by far.

[@johnfletcher948]

U high goofball?

[@ladystrange4769]

The ONLY “replacement” singer I’ve ever LOVED esp because it was like a VH 2.0! New songs new sound new feel. Sammy didn’t replace Dave’s voice- he brought his own everything 😁

[@tonyhughes9298]

Totally agree

[@dyer2cycle]

..I think that is spot on..Sammy didn't replace Dave, he helped evolve VH...

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

Van Hagar girlie songs

[@Punttipate62]

How about gary😁

[@TimE_5150]

Love both incarnations, without Dave Van Halen would not be where they are in Rock history. Sammy brought a whole new melodic flair to the band. Thankfully Michael Anthony was there for both!

[@Terk131]

Dave got them on the map, Sammy got them awards and sales and Gary was absolutely awesome. I have seen Dimomd Dave and he would forget lyrics and it was a disaster and this was early on. I have seen the Sammy/Dave tour and Sammy blew Dave away. Gary was just awesome.

[@scottmcclure4153]

I don't believe that we wouldn't hear from Edward. With or without DLR. We were gonna hear from that finger tapping cat Mr Edward Van Halen.

[@tomarriola4952]

​@@Terk131wrong Dave rode in on Eddie's coat tails.

[@chrisxx3375]

Gary was SO underrated! That dude has so much vocal control, and does it effortlessly. 😳 Great video Ken!

[@TheBerserker50]

he sucked1

[@Marvidsen1973]

Fully agree 🙌🏻🎸

[@betsyhuggett2429]

I pick Sammy. I think DLR is an amazing singer, stage presence, arrogance, and athletic! He has a gift. But I think Sammy's presentation is smooth, friendly, draws in the crowd, and somebody you want to do shots with. For me, it's not just about the singing. It's how the music makes me feel. I'm feeling Van Hagar. Eddie, Michael, Sammy, and Alex take it to a different level.

[@metallion0738]

No thanks

[@walterplittle]

Ted Templeman said in his book that he had misgivings about DLR’s voice when they started working on the first album and was seriously thinking about replacing him with… Sammy Hagar. But decided to work with DLR because there was something special there, and in the end it was right. VH would not have been as big had they started with Hagar. Fast forward to 1985 and Sammy Hagar made a lot more sense and it was the best for both VH and Hagar. Personally I find Hagar era VH more interesting. And as fans, we really were the winners because we get to listen to both!

[@therinchilnsford777]

Sam’s lyrics were very juvenile for a man in his 40’s....Dave’s lyrics are clever and had you thinking....take the tune Women in Love for one example.

[@bogartstrolltv752]

Sammy did it better. No doubt! It’s a landslide actually!

[@Pepsolman]

@@therinchilnsford777 sorry bruh. I see it as the opposite of what you’re saying.

[@stevelaine1]

And the DLR solo albums, great stuff!🤘🤘🤘

[@potatolew4495]

@@Pepsolman 👍

[@joshuamiller8328]

Sammy was from a technical standpoint the best singer VH had. Roth had a sound that made him and in turn VH unique. While not a great singer by any means he had a “sound”. Cherone has a great voice who was able to do all eras of the band justice. He gets a bad rap because the one record he recorded with the band wasn’t very good, but he isn’t to blame for that.

[@zososhep]

Agree 100% From a technical standpoint Sammy's range is pretty incredible and DLR cannot get close to that range. Having said that however-when I think of VH I always think of "Aint talkin bout love" or "unchained" or early VH ie...the DLR era! Gary Cherone is an excellent singer and I thought he did a great job especially live! In many aspects way better than Roth could do live. It is too bad that Cherone gets dumped on because VH III was not "as good" as previous records however there are 100's of bands who would love to be able to put out a record as good as VH III...IMHO!

[@bluelivesmatter719]

Could not have said it better. Roth was a better frontman but not vocalist. Saw them live with Cherone and was blown away how good he could sing songs from both eras.

[@ericweik1125]

@@zososhep Can't argue with that, and I still think of Van Halen with DLR. Roth invented the "rock front man " that it is today. I was never a big Van Halen fan until Sammy came on, and a lot of it had to do with the singing. I actually own all of DLR solo stuff and his VH stuff, but it is always a handful of songs I listen to off those albums, unless it is the first or 1984, then it is front to end, no stop listening. With Sammy VH and solo stuff, I can listen start to finish, and it is because of the voice....but to each is own, no disrespect for DLR from me.

[@hypknowthismofo4604]

Sammy All around...He was and is a beast vocally...Dave was fun and the showman for sure...vocals not so much....Gary was technically great....stage was fair.

[@cjmartin4520]

The reason the Cherone album was so bad was because of the difference in how Eddie and Roth or Sammy wrote vs how Gary and Nuno wrote. With Extreme, Gary would give lyrics to Nuno who would write the music to fit it. In VH Eddie always wrote the tunes and Sammy or Dave would write the lyrics and come up with the melodies. So when you put Gary with Eddie it was a songwriting train wreck.

[@donwoodward7944]

Ken - props for giving Gary Cherone respect. He sounds great live & brought his own style + unique voice to the party. I think Sammy is the superior vocalist of the three 🤘

[@Camhill182]

Sammy has a Godly voice. What an absolute legend

[@dyanyork5027]

DLR is a fun entertainer but not a great voice,I prefer the red rocker 🤘🏽

[@fase1doughnut]

You’ve also gotta remember DLR brought the fun back to rock. Everything was serious as hell up to that point, all political and everything and the DLR comes along and gives everyone a good time. He gives people something to dance to. Without his attitude, Van Halen would have been a talented band but not the revolution it was.

[@ericksonguitar]

I’ve seen Van Halen with all three singers and I have to say Gary was my favorite show. The set list was so diverse and had their whole catalog represented. It was literally “best of both worlds”

[@tucobenedicto1780]

I think David Lee Roth gave it this "everyguy" kinda feeling. Where you sing along (with alcohol) at a party. Maybe not the technical best voice, but very fun and makes you happy.

[@Bmac1969]

Gary Cherone is fire in concert! Amazing vocalist and should have more respect given him. Van Halen with Gary is some of the best concert footage if the band, period. And I love all VH...Dave, Sammy, and Gary.

[@tobinstaggsrocker2851]

Gary was better live with Van Halen than VH3 honestly vh3 was ok, but what Gary Cherone said about going on tour first with Van Halen and then make an album totally 💯 idk if you agree or not but that’s ok. Sammy did a FANTASTIC job with Van Halen vocally melodically not bashing Dave was good vocally it’s just the range that was his limit, but Sam raised the bar agree with Ken

[@Packerscorner]

Gary’s best album was: Extreme: “III Sides to Every Story.” One of my favorite all time records.

[@raymondmasse5577]

Extreme did not get the recognition they deserved. For that fact neither did The J. Geils Band. Do you think that their both from Boston had anything to do with it?

[@jorgeeherrera]

LOVE that album..

[@ebayindievinyl3256]

I jammed with Nuno he was awesome

[@ddinfant679]

Pornograffitti was also a great album, legendary. Very very strong, but the concept of extreme III made it its own thing. An album to not just play but take your time with... A soul searching experience that still stands strong 30 years later will forever.

[@ddinfant679]

Come to think of it Not many bands can claim 2 albums with the sort of strength of Pornograffitti and III sides ...It's like Queensryche Mindcrime vs Empire. Here I'd say III sides is Extreme's Mindcrime

[@mattcarless642]

Love it! Sammy's huge voice. Also Micheal Anthony was a killer back up vocalist and helped Dave a lot....

[@gregorykenfield3134]

That's another often overlooked element to the debate...Michael Anthony had to change what part of the vocal harmonies he sang to make room for Sammy in their arrangements. He doesn't get enough credit for that.

[@Terk131]

@@gregorykenfield3134 ABSOLUTELY and one thing I love is Michael Anthony is still with Sammy to this day. The chemistry just works.

[@whoscook4481]

Dave is just a gigalo!

[@shannonferguson4810]

Sammy was, hands down, the best vocalist Van Halen ever had. He sang with such power and could hit those high notes with ease. But let's not forget that without the virtuosity of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, the band never would have rose to the heights that it did. Thanks, Ken, for the excellent analysis.

[@ricomajestic]

It was more about Eddie and the rest of the band's songwriting. There were a lot of virtuosos in the 70s and 80 and most did not ever reach the popularity of Van Halen. Without a great song there is no stardom!

[@joelteague2008]

David Lee Roth good thing but he was also a Showman Sammy Hagar was not a Showman

[@mcescher1957]

Absolutely!!!!

[@jaygarza9567]

You obviously know nothing about Music..😄

[@jaceek2030]

Absolutely agree!

[@marmal320]

Sammy is hitting all kind of notes and he looks like he’s just in second gear. As natural as waking down the street to anyone else.

[@brenthewitt758]

Dave from 78- 84 no one could touch him and his tension filled energy is what's made him and Eddie magical and untouchable

[@sp3ci4lkpo]

This. I've always used "tension" to describe early VH's sound.

[@djn6007]

Brent, FUCKIN A, The best second to none, STORY OVER !! Van Halen with DLR favorite all-time band !!

[@PlymouthGTX1972]

Yeah but as we all found out, Dave needed VH far more than they needed him.

[@mws755]

Exactly

[@wesbates1143]

Uh…. Eat Em and Smile was a HUGE record and Cliffhanger was damn good. Even A Little Aint Enough was amazing. Honestly most of his post Van Halen stuff was better than the Sammy Van Halen stuff. He also played with some KILLER guitarists. Vai, Becker (was better than Eddie) and John 5. Van Halen is a legend of a band but that Legend doesn’t exist if Roth isn’t ever in the band.

[@LLPOF]

Gary was probably better in the fact that he could sing Dave and Sammy's songs. Sure wish we'd gotten more than one album with him.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Only if they had gotten a producer to helm the album.

[@dennyzeleniak3117]

They did make a second album with him but it was shelved unfortunately. Check out a band Gary was in called Tribe of Judah. There's a song on there called Left For Dead that was written for the second album VH did with Gary.

[@terryguire1321]

Yes, if you watch a whole concert with Gary you realize that he could sing it all. I understand that the tour with him was enjoyed because he could do it all. But you do have to write great songs to make it. Maybe the songwriting chemistry wasn't what it needed to be for VH fans.

[@motley331]

Terrible album. Go look at total sales. Embarrassing.

[@ricomajestic]

@@jaysantos536 Cherone actually had a couple of hits with Extreme! You can't compare him with Lambert!

[@TheMilesswint]

Always preferred Sammy’s vocals! His melodic range and the ability to hit some high stuff was always appealing to me. Anthony’s harmonies with Sammy are truly amazing! 🤘🏼🔥🤘🏼

[@mytmouse57]

I loved all the incarnations of Van Halen - with Sammy was my personal favorite - but it’s nice to see Gary getting some recognition and love too. And DLR was definitely the most fun as a frontman with the huge showman personality.

[@eatmoreporkporky4342]

Van Halen without Dave isn't Van Halen to me. They just never had the impact without him imo. The first album hit like a freight train and Dave's raspy falsetto was just what the doctor ordered. No doubt Hager had a better smoother range but I prefer the more raw harder sound of pre Hager VH.

[@PlymouthGTX1972]

I prefer Van Halen with Dave, and Van Hagar with Sammy, over Dave's solo bubble gum pop cover career. Dave was never the same guy after he left Van Halen. Not even close.

[@katrosper]

Dave is synonymous with VH. Yep, he had his own style and wasn't the most technical singer but he is VH. Everything after Dave is "someone else".. although those who came after him were probably better singers.

[@Squintintaratino]

Even Sammy has said Dave's voice was really cool and he had a great sound. I prefer Roth but love Hagar too. Cherone should have joined Queen. Dave simply the greatest front man ever!!!

[@djn6007]

FKN NAILED IT !!!!

[@theutopiantrainer]

Certainly, Gary Cherone absolutely nailed the covers at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. I was there and he managed to contain all of the stadium in his grasp.

[@richardhayewire4024]

Thank you for talking of Gary. He did HIS thing and I loved the energy he created with 3 guys that were together for a long time and made it a new band of brothers. I truly believed calling it Van Halen 3 was correct. Eddie and Gary had a lot of material that never was heard. That is upsetting that true fans of the "BAND" missed out on that. Gary with EXTREME & HURTSMILE is still creating eccentric powerful music. I think it became more about who's best and this guy doesn't sound like this guy. It's about the band. VH3. My personal preference. I recommend to check out extreme at the Freddie tribute concert. That is a front man. Helping one of the largest venues as well as world wide television coverage ,heal and find joy in the loss of Freddie. He reminded Queen fans how important the band was by being himself. Thank you for your take on this.

[@Hammersmashed68]

I'm gonna say something that is sacreligious in the VH world...Gary was the best singer and performer for the band. If you watch the VH live in Australia performance, he nails everything from every era of the band. He also has the charisma of Dave, the ability to belt it like Sammy, all the while maintaining his own signature vocal prowess and flare. Underrated. Amazing singer. And the VH III record is great

[@MikeRojo]

Gotta agree with this. He was a happy "middle" the best of both worlds.

[@beefjake]

Agreed. But when was rock’n roll about happy middles?

[@thomasaghotmail]

He was a weirdo who never fit in with Ed & AL. As soon as they hired him he dyed his hair blonde. WTF would he do that?? They hired him. They didn't want a clone at lead vocals. But that was what Gary thought they needed. 🤣

[@Punttipate62]

@@thomasaghotmail how is he a weirdo? geez, did he bang your girlfriend or something to make you hate him that much🤣

[@giulianacr2638]

Roth: Original, spunk, awesome, unpredictably interesting, distinctive, confident, etc...

[@roberthouston6562]

I feel you confuse confidence with arrogance. Just an opinion.

[@djn6007]

DLR, Best in the business from mid 70’s to the 80’s, saw them 6 times in concert for all 6 albums and nobody did it better than VH with DLR !!

[@ruf1970]

While Dave was jumping & swinging his sword around on stage, which was great early on, Eddie, Mike, & Alex covered deficiencies Dave had as singer live. Never had to do that with Sammy or Gary. The way I always seen it was Dave was a great showman while Sammy & Gary were more about the music & great vocals live. With that being said all 3 brought different dynamics to VH that were all great in there own way...

[@sprezzatura8755]

Gary was fantastic. Not to be uncharitable but I think his Achilles heel was his Coldplay look-alike optics. It should not go unsaid that fronting any band might just be the hardest gig in Show Biz. Somewhere along the line, rock and roll went from being the ultimate outlaw career to just another college major. Again, Gary was very capable. But I prefer my rock and roll to be raw, savage and visceral. There needs to be that element of danger which both Sammy and Dave had. Gary is safe. You could bring your mom.

[@RyanSmithGuitar]

Sammy brought new energy to Van Halen and was the perfect addition to the band for the music Eddie wanted to make at that time and the songs really matured with Sammy they became more than just a party rock band! Love all incarnations of Van Halen but the Sammy era will always be my favorite!

[@metallion0738]

Hard rock is not supposed to be mature but youthful , Sammy turned Van Halen into a pop rock band.

[@echeeone]

DLR's inflections and attitude were second to none and what made him and the VH era unique. GC could never match that and that's not say he was a poor singer or entertainer. Sammy holds his own and does it his way...very few singers could take on VH lead singer responsibilities and flourish.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love them both but I choose Roth overall

[@EKNYR]

I love both of these guys. I’ve actually met both of em. I will say this: people compare Sammy to Roth. They say whatever they want about #1 records but Roth-VH sold more records by volume (1984 sold more than 3/4 Hagar albums combined but never hit #1 because of MJ) and that’s the true line up. Sammy is so talented. Sammy is a lovely guy. Sammy held the fort. But Dave is Van Halen lmao. He even named the band.

[@rjh1469ii]

Dave's voice fit the early stuff, no doubt. Dave is a performer. Sammy and Gary are singers.

[@ericweik1125]

After seeing this, I have new respect for Gary. But Sammy was the best.

[@Crashking14]

I agree

[@mcescher1957]

I have loved Gary Cherone ever since "More Than Words" he WAS amazing....but for VH...it HAS to be Sammy Hagar hands down.

[@Mr._Mints]

Love this idea for a series! Just by the sheer fact that you gave Gary Cherone his dues has me hooked! He had so much potential! I personally love VH3. My dream VH music to hear emerge from the vaults would be what they worked on for Gary’s followup with the band. So far there’s only one demo out there for That’s Why I Love You, but I want to hear more! Anyway, loved this video, and I can’t wait for the next! 😊🤘🏻

[@cyberj2]

Wow - Sammy is a monster. In the Poundcake footage here he simply dominates - and thank you Ken for playing this because I never appreciated how good a vocalist he was at the time. I I saw VH back on the 1984 tour, and recall DLR really struggling to hit the notes, but the whole crowd was so mesmerized by Eddie that you didn’t notice. Eddie played “Cathedral” that night so perfectly that it brought the place down - even after a fairly mellow song. Dave could move like he was a acrobat in Cirque de Soleil - but Sammy buries him as a vocalist….

[@nic8577]

Was he playing cathedral on the double neck reverse bumblebee? Great story bro!

[@BassManDan1018]

Sammy was a singer, David was an artist. Love Sammy’s output with the band but DLR era Van Halen was so original - the songwriting, the look, the production - it really can’t be topped

[@mdluk199]

Too bad DLR couldn't sing to save his life

[@maji2510]

Dave was a showman, too. An excellent one. His stage presence and performance are the things i liked most about him

[@jeremiasnovaisteodoro9809]

David roth hve a boice more string , more versatil

[@amandafeinner474]

I love both Van Halen incarnations. They are both great frontmen in their own way. I like Van Halen better with David Lee Roth when it came to the original Hard Rock and Melodic Metal style that Van Halen started out with that I love. Even though David Lee Roth doesn't have much range in his voice, he has a unique singing voice that was good for the DLR-Era Van Halen. I also love Van Halen better with Sammy Hagar, when it came to his singing voice and the technical parts of Van Halen that I enjoy. Sammy is an awesome singer. He's got a lot of range and power in his singing voice. 👍🤘 I've seen Van Halen with Sammy Hagar back in 2004 and Sammy Hagar and The Circle back in 2017. Those concerts were awesome!!🤘👍

[@giulianacr2638]

David Lee Roth really found his sound: sloppy, off key at times, cracks here and there, slurs, etc... Yeah, exactly what we all expected from a front man for VH 😂❤ gotta love him!

[@mikeraz594]

Dave was never off key or sloppy on record you are oblivious

[@Ernie1978]

Sammy Hagar's records with Van Halen are my favourites. All of them are talented but I reckon Sammy is who made that band interesting to me in the '80s and early '90s. Besides Sammy and Michael Anthony's voices go together flawlessly.

[@mamawstyotor]

The best analogy about Sammy joining VH comes from an old Reeces Cup commercial. One person is walking down the road with a chocolate bar, the other with a jar of peanut butter. When they collide they realized that the combination of the two was an amazing experience. When the seasoned Sammy met up with the seasoned VH trio, it was simply magic! Amazing music! Thanks for the great video,and analysis, Ken! Well done!

[@fullhog]

Gary is outstanding in Extreme. He really is a top frontman! But Sammy is one of the best ever!

[@djn6007]

Behind Diamond David Lee Roth, best frontman in the business with VH.

[@mwc1987]

I’ve ALWAYS been a Hagar fan. He has to be one of my all-time favorites. DLR was and is a showman. Sammy is both a showman and has off the charts unique vocal talent. Charone is fantastic as well but never had the chance to show it much.

[@toxsin2207]

Sammy Hagar will always be my all time favorite VH singer, his stage presence, he's soulful, his songwriting in my opinion are untouchable.

[@cleverdood]

I loved all 3 of them. VH3 with Gary was so underrated, especially A Year to the Day. I’ve seen all 3 iterations live, couldn’t pick a favourite as they all brought something cool. Dave was by far the coolest, Gary easily had the best voice and Sammy was the best rocker of the bunch.

[@parrishpoole1973]

Diamonds are forever just like Dave .He brought it out of Eddie the competition between was what made them great

[@bobcatstillwell4844]

For many reasons David Lee Roth voice and persona worked so well in Van Halen. I liked the harder edge songs such as Mean Street/the cradle will rock. I seen Van Halen in Kansas City in 1984. Many front men don't have technically a good voice. Example, Muck Jagger. Some how it works and you sort of appreciate the imperfection. That's Rock and Roll! I was a Sammy Hagar Fan before he joined Van Halen. His solo career was taking off. I would agree that Sammy has a better voice. However David Lee Roth was such an entertaining guy. There is something cool about a voice that is not perfect but works in the whole line up. There was a special magic with the original Van Halen line up. The reality was by 1984 with Jump the Halen sound was changing. With Sammy Hagar the songs were very polished and a more commercial rock friendly sound was happening. I did appreciate the for unlawful carnal knowledge album. It was heavier snd rocked with songs such as pound cake.

[@jonathancartwright5809]

Totally agree with your thoughts on Gary. I wish you would have shown the part of that same performance of Gary jumping into the stands rolling down the stairs literally jumping back on stage without missing a note.

[@JuanPerex0]

Extreme🤘

[@rachidboukhlifa4054]

long time ago i didn' t see your video; had a smile when i saw u

[@Justme77400]

I think the band matured with Sammy, the music got down to pure rock instead of a party-type band. Team Sammy here! I never thought Dave had a good voice either, he was just a performer. I agree with you totally, Ken! Eddie was in a class by himself and I've always liked Alex's drumming. Gary Cherone did good in those videos! I can't remember any songs he did with Van Halen as recordings though. After watching this video now...WOW!! Sammy was a FORCE to be reckoned with! God bless him!

[@lucasarnold2007]

Hey mate I agree wit ya a lot there. Just wanna say Gary was on the album van halen 3 if ya wanna check that out

[@KevinJL777_WDFA]

David Lee Roth by far. The ultimate frontman. Sammy made VH into a love tune band

[@kentamplin]

👍

[@johntaylor5652]

DLR was Van Halen....its in its DNA!

[@davidfrench5407]

I always thought that at first, but then remembered, the music was mostly written by Eddie, the lyrics by Sammy. So, if Dave was still with VH in, say 1988, they'd be doing love songs with Dave singing them (but I suspect he would have bailed on that)

[@jgsrhythm100]

I am from Boston and saw Extreme many times before they were signed. Regardless of what you think of him as a singer Gary had hell of charisma and they absolutely killed those Boston Clubs. He was swinging off the rafters. Gary would actually have been a better fit with Queen. Watch Extreme at the Freddie Mercury tribute!! In my opinion their performance was the best of that entire event!!

[@nadiareyesprats5072]

🤘🤘🤘. Me encantó tu canal. Gracias

[@edwardwille3986]

Sammy is the best singer VH ever had. Prior to now, I'd never seen Cherone live with VH. He was quite amazing! I was pleasantly surprised!! Dave had so much charisma and was so unpredictable, you couldn't take your eyes off of him. He never did the same thing twice, which totally worked for him. Great video.

[@sherriavestal8599]

On the old songs I prefer David Lee Roth but Sammy added hid own element to the band. VAN Halen was my first rock concert in I think 82, blew me away. But watching your video all I could concentrate on was Eddie. RIP. Love you!!!

[@dewdew34]

Pretty much my first concert as well 1984 tour. I was young but it was a blast, Diamond dave delivered. I saw Sammy and Co. in 86 at the Monsters of Rock tour, good show but it was outdoors, not quite the 84 show,

[@celesteb7219]

My first concert too, in 1979! Saw them for the last time in 2013, with the same 3 girls! Surprised them with front row seats.....so glad we saw them that final time.... RIP King Edward❤️

[@0729ize]

This was awesome Ken. Thanks for doing this.

[@luisserafin7473]

I watched the Australian concert footage with Gary Charone before watching your show. I didn’t even know about Gary Charone , but he rocked both parts. Seems he could do both DLR and Sammy. I don’t know why they stopped playing together. According to a Gary Charone interview, he and Eddie were working on a second record after Van Halen III. It may have had something to do with Eddie being ill, idk? I listened to Van Halen III for the first time and there are some killer Van Halen songs on there that sounded a lot like Sammy’s vocals. They could have had the best of both worlds and perhaps satisfied the great controversy once and for all. Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive comparison of the best songs of Van Halen with three separate singers. I totally agree that the music was always about Eddie and it didn’t matter who was singing. It was all good. Let’s hope there is a tribute concert celebrating the life and music of the Mozart of our time, Eddie Van Halen.

[@JA-mq3os]

Roth has far more bluesy soul than the other guy.

[@colico14]

For me, even though it was Sammy-era Van Halen that introduced me to the band, and I really enjoy a lot of the material from that time, I ultimately have to go with Roth, because he personified the original spirit of the band and helped craft the sound. Roth-era VH had a bit more menace, attitude, and fun than the Sammy era, imo. I also just like the songs from the DLR era better. In the Sammy era, they essentially became an AOR band. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but for me a lot of the original attitude, excitement, and overall vibe was missing, replaced by consummate professionalism.

[@tonygarcia179]

DAMN Man that was perfectly WELL PUT !

[@garymartinez1460]

Awesome vid Ken, I’m glad you covered these amazing rock singers 🙏

[@tedforrester1948]

Love it! Great video!

[@ericmodcr]

Definitely enjoy all your series! I always thought it'd be fascinating to see you analyze one artist over time to see how they used proper or improper technique and if they were able to keep their range over the years or not. For instance, some singers can still belt it out in their 60s/70s despite decades of touring, while others lose their voices or lower the key as they age. You could take live performances of the same song 2 or 3 times throughout their career and see how they've held up and why/why not.

[@kentamplin]

Glad you like them!

[@edmanzetti1235]

David was like KingDavid- untouchable. Everyone loved HIM- his persona and personality - the energy, the big smile, the hair- my grandma knew who he was and she even liked him- He had something special about him- a lot of energy - but Star Power- he had it! It may have gone to his head a bit- nobody thought he could be replaced! I remember true controversy when David left - people really questioned if VanHalen would survive. Sammy coming in - didn’t seems like a replacement more like he was just stepping in for something new- There was no replacing DavidLeeRoth.

[@edmanzetti1235]

Sammy Hagar had more vocal power & skill. But-David Lee Roth was like a Monster Name- like Madonna, or Bieber- just for the Star Power and Charisma...

[@ts31966]

When David Lee Roth left and they picked up Sammy, I was excited!!! I liked Sammy’s solo career (except I can’t drive 55). David Lee Roth rubbed me the wrong way with his EP and videos. He thought he was wonderful. But then 5150 came out. ☹️. It was a bad dream. My favorite band turned into Duran, Duran. They wore pastel colored parachute pants on stage. Van Hagar made the worst rock song in history. (Finish what you started). Since we are ranking these singers, (Finish what you started) put Sammy Hagar at the bottom of the ranking. The music to (Finish what you Started) is good, the lyrics are the worst ever written. The song should be retitled, Hey babe can I be your doormat. Thank you for adding Gary Cherone. Gary sings DLR songs better than Sammy by a mile. I saw Sammy twice with Van Halen. Each time Sammy purposefully sang DLR songs poorly. I really think all of this debate can be settled easily. More DLR Van Halen albums have been sold than Van Hagar. These sales numbers are large. In fact Van Halen sold more David Lee Roth albums while Sammy Hagar was in Van Halen than Van Hagar albums. I also saw DLR 5 times. The first 2 times I saw DLR was when he was solo. I did not want to see DLR. I went to see the opening bands. DLR is the best frontman I have ever seen in a band. I do not like the DLR solo albums. The ONLY GOOD SONG is Yankee Rose. I do think Sammy Hagar is a great rock singer. But if you just listen to the music on the albums. DLR Van Halen is pure magic. Van Hagar is just another 80’s band.

[@edmanzetti1235]

David Lee Roth’s head got too big- he thought he was the star and Eddie was just a guitar player. DLR was nothing without the VanHalen Bros. He tanked hard and fast... he deserved to fall bec he got ugly-

[@edmanzetti1235]

Eddie Van Halen had a certain magic and he was able To bring the best out in DLR.. too bad.. glad we got what we did. I was young like 8 - by the time I was 13!DLR was done.. I’m glad for the memories...

[@TheJpep2424]

He replaced DLR and made them a better band. DLR is a circus act.

[@VandelayKavorka]

Gary Cherone is one of my all time favorite vocalists. And he was awesome live with VH but for some reason he always felt like an outsider and not a true band member? But I am happy because he is perfection with Nuno Bettencourt in Extreme.

[@lauraann117]

I always loved Sammy. David Lee Roth was fun, but Sammy was next level. I enjoyed your analysis, thanks.

[@bbowman105]

Cherone is so good! The Extreme Queen medley is a great showcase for him. But Sammy is the man in Van Halen. 5150 is a perfect record, songs are amazing, Eddie is on top, and Sammy just kills the vocals. Hellloooo Babeeeee!

[@mikeraz594]

he sings flat though, always.

[@milanpolak]

There's only one DLR and no one can replace him but as a singer/frontman/songwriter package Sammy Hagar definitely took VH to a new level... Gary Cherone sang the Van Hagar tunes pretty well but didn't really fit, imo.

[@GTUF]

Lololol took them to a new level? 🤣

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

If Eddie had not produced the album I think your opinion would be different

[@rigidironworks9834]

Love the video Ken, you gained a subscriber. I would take Sammy any day of the week and twice on Sunday, his vocals were off the charts.

[@mrhyd3]

Ken - excellent review. Agree with you on Gary but you really nailed it with the head-banging :). My wife laughed out load. Bravo my friend.

[@RockerChick]

I’ve seen both Van Halen & Van Hagar live. I never realized until this video that Dave really didn’t sing.. he spoke the lyrics and didn’t have much of a range at all. Eddie truly made Dave sound good. It was a great sound and combination and worked really well when Van Halen was hott! Wow... Sammy is the better singer hands down. Again, Eddie is the driving force behind Van Halen, but Sammy complemented the band in this era. Loved him in Montrose. Gary could do both... I have never seen them with Gary 😢 80s Dave wins hands down in stage performance because he was doing acrobats, high kicks and flips!! He was also considered super sexy back in this time period.. his stage performance compensated for his lack of vocal ability... which I didn’t even notice. The 80s ROCKED. Love them both. In a world full of uncertainty, this video made me smile. Thanks Ken.

[@kentamplin]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@tonybarqs7804]

Sammy had it all.... showmanship and class, vocal range and powerful, songwriting, etc. Like you said, Ken, when he joined, the whole band stepped up their game. In studio, on stage, everything......IMO, the ultimate rock band was Van Halen wSammy Hagar!!!! Great video sir, really enjoyed it. Keep up the great work!

[@kentamplin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sp3ci4lkpo]

I will always argue that Sammy's lyrics were...uh...not good. Cheesy? Hallmark? Cliche? DLR's lyrics were always, as even Alex Van Halen said, "poetic."

[@dantana8570]

@@sp3ci4lkpo yes dance the night away oh baby is very poetic LMAO

[@tedforrester1948]

100%

[@tedforrester1948]

DLR had some great zingers in some of his lyrics, but most of the rest of the song were typically simple, scat, and party talk. Sure, great for a high school beer bash in your buddy's back yard but without the occasional zingers and cool one liners his lyrics weren't much. Kind of like saying Arnold Schwarzenegger was great actor. "I'll be back" is cool and all but it's what we remember. We don't remember some of the ridiculous lines in other flicks. That was DLR to me. I love DLR and I love Arnold but they're both about the same performance scale. Sammy had some Hallmark, cheeseball lyrics for sure but only on a few singles. Listen to Mine All Mine, Amsterdam (one of the under rated VH songs of all), Love Walks In, and Finish What You Started. Smart, tongue in cheek, weird, philosophical lyrics. Great stuff over the entire catalogue of music but Sammy elevated it in every way but spandex.

[@rolandohermoza5157]

Great analisys Ken, great job, you made me heard things never realized before

[@marie_andreeplante]

3 greats in their own ways but have to admit that Gary put 2 big pairs of shoes and did brilliantly! What a great band in my teenage's years...🙏🏻god!

[@raven5679]

If I may offer my insight as your massive resident VH fan... people are inclined to say DLR “was never a fantastic singer,” but you check out those isolated VH2 isolated tracks and Dave is pitch perfect with a good tone/resonance in a sound that was all his own. After 1984-1985, his vocals began to decline in quality. He lost his falsetto train whistle technique by in large which he relied on so heavily for that signature Van Halen sound. Present in almost every hit they had from the first track on VH1 to the last track in 1984. As a frontman? Dave was the life of the party, and by the time they hit the stage at 9 PM, he had snorted enough snow to kill a purebred race horse and still knocked it out of the park from 79-82. He was really a perfect fit for them and established a base for what hard rock would become. VH1 all the way through 1984 changed the game for everybody. Guitarists and drummers and bassists alike. All with the help of the eccentric and powerful David Lee Roth. Sammy Hagar then bursts onto the scene after that lull of losing DLR. Raw. Unprecedented. A fresh take on the hard rock pantheon of talent that was Eddie, Mikey, and Alex. Taking a vocal style that’s somewhere between old delta blues and a soaring eagle type wail, it was a jolt of electricity as 5150 was shown to the world. Sammy was a lock for Van Halen success since Farm Aid 1985 when he jammed Led Zep’s “Rock and Roll” with the King EVH and began that friendship you’d see bloom into incredible hits such as “When It’s Love” and “Finish What Ya Started,” respectively. Sammy has one thing on Dave that I’d consider putting in a different category and that is LONGEVITY! I truly believe the biggest mistake EVH and AVH made was not reconciling with Sammy after 2004. He was and still is an incredible talent that the world at large grew to love in spite of the massive attraction that was DLR. All in all, 2 incredible frontmen. 2 incredible sounds. I’m glad both had their chance to strut their stuff and shine for millions upon millions to see. I’m glad they were able to leave us the budding genius on all of those records and I’m glad EVH was able to spread his own wings in a sense and diversify. Don’t cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened. Thanks for reading! Rock on!

[@ThelSuperlKing]

Before there was auto-tune there was no pitch perfect. Everyone sang out of tune even if it was just for a micro bit. Truth! 🤣

[@PorcelainLeigh]

Gary OWNED it, Wow. Made the Sammy songs sound easy. Poor Gary to put up with so much unnecessary crap. How could he win?

[@alevanf]

Gary Cherone had his justice on this video, IMO, he is one of the most complete singers out there, cause he has a charming soft voice for soft songs, he moves a lot through the stage, and creates an incredible energy between band members and the audience, he directs the energy with his every move, through all the parts of a song, conclusive arrangements, climaxing, solo sections, etc., the way he moves invites you to understand the structure of the song, and he never stops moving. His technique on Van Halen era was at his peak, and even though he lacked the full sinergy that Sammy Hagar had with the band, and i think this is generational, and also i think this is what people rejected about him, he notably had more girth on his distorted voice, the way Gary performs Humans being compared to Hagar's version, is proof of how fat his distortion was. Also being part of Extreme, the band that had it all, Van Halen influence, Queen influence, and all mixed in with great musicians that took live performance to another level.

[@michaelhenze877]

I like both Roth and Hagar versions. However, the Roth era I'll put on when I want to effin party, and I'll play Hagar when I'm having friends over for wine and cheese. Two totally different vibes.

[@jastinduck1339]

Everyone likes their own, I personally like David Lee Roth, he sings with his chest and throat, Sammy Hagar has a pronounced nasal sound, just like the vocalist of the Scorpions, and the best vocalist in the world is Farinelli))) I always watch Sensei's video with interest

[@kentamplin]

Thanks for sharing!

[@estorvator]

Sam definitely raised the bar. They did together very high quality hard rock, ballads and other experimental stuff. Eddie VH played keyboards and evolved as a guitarrist. From 5150 till Balance, he rocked. DLR created the band, Sammy raised already very high vh's bar. Gary? Extremely talented, but, at the wrong band at wrong time.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

I totally disagree about Gary. If they had a real producer work on that album it would have been incredible.

[@karlahyatt2584]

I think David set the tone and established the persona of the lead singer and his charisma and energy was amazing. He had the right look and it worked well for him. I don't remember Gary. Sammy was in a realm all his own. He had the look, the energy and the voice that took that group to the next level. I will never forget when I saw them live with Sammy. It was truly an amazing concert. I think we will always remember David as the Van Halen front man, but Sammy we remember on his own merits. He is in a league of his own. #Ican'tdrive55!!!

[@danielgouge4639]

Well Said!!!!

[@topJimmyP1984]

Agreed!!

[@fernwehric-lifeinabus]

Gary is and will always be a fantastic singer. Big shoes to fill in VH but he did it fantastic

[@blainetrahan8883]

I think they all brought some special to the table. Sammy to me is the best singer out of them all but again they were all great at what they did. Love this video idea. Keep them coming.

[@ecomp6836]

Great concept, Ken. Looking forward to these discussions! 😊

[@kentamplin]

More to come!

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@kentamplin Awesome!😎

[@bricesbigbasstacular8172]

I was lucky enough to see Cherone Halen. I've seen Extreme 4 times. Cherone was the best vocalist live.

[@barbginther2171]

I love your channel . An expert detailing interesting aspects of music I love . Learn something new ! Yeah , Cherone , great !

[@michaelasbury5473]

I’d love to see a vocal analysis of Gary Cherone with Extreme. Maybe something along the lines of your isolated vocal tracks series.

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

I'm not a Sammy basher, I own 80 percent of his solo material and all of the Van Hagar albums. Love Sammy, but.... give me the six pack with Roth any day over the Van Hagar releases. 😁🎸

[@djn6007]

No Doubt !!

[@tonygarcia179]

HELL YEAH !

[@-REMOwilliams]

Sammy is the man, but what is shocking here is Gary Cherone. I never realized how good of a singer he was. I remember watching the new song that Van Halen had put out when Gary joined. I wasn't impressed. But I never had heard him sing Eddie or Sammy's songs. He really did great. Eddie Van Halen was amazing, died way too young. Wish we could have heard more from him. So much talent. Incredible guitarist, keyboardist and song writer.

[@pauljonesesquire]

Surprised by how good Gary Cherone was and its funny how much the vibe of the band changes from singer to singer, the run of albums with DLR for me has all the best songs but you cant deny the fact that the band live sounds so good with Sammy. The chemistry is great and so professional sounding, Nice one Ken that was a really interesting one, sort of bought it all back though I did lose interest at the time when Cherone came along.

[@BigRalphN]

Gary is very good. He did both Sammy and David great. I think it goes to some if your comments on other artists. He didn’t really add anything to the band. He was a great replacement and frontman. The voice is excellent.

[@anntrower5155]

I think you said it best. Each has their individuality and each is fabulous in their respective uniquenesses. I guess when someone new comes into a great band, I'm not looking for them to be a replacement. I'm looking at new, wonderful qualities they can bring. Sammy Hagar must know me. He wrote a song for me. I can't drive 55. Lol! I'm sure you'd rock this music as well as any of them, if not better! It comes down to a matter of preference. :)

[@kentamplin]

Rck on!

[@rrjcavallo]

A new fantastic channel for me to enjoy! Thank you so much! God Bless you and your Family! Tell Sammy I said Hey!

[@numberkruncherr]

In a Gary Cherone interview I read about his time with Van Halen he said that on a couple of songs he said to Michael Anthony something to the effect of "I'm going to need your help with the high bits on this one", so that answer the question as to why Michael was singing some of those bits live.

[@KellySKline]

I watched for the first time last night Extreme’s performance at the Freddie Mercury tribute in the early 90s, and they were amazing. Gary Cherone is a fantastic singer.

[@craigjames5150]

I first got into Van Halen during Sammy's time, and although I appreciate what David was and did, for me, I'm a Van Hagar guy through and through!!!

[@jasonstephenson793]

Personally I think one of the things that make bands great is the inter personal conflicts, that force each member of the band to out preform each other. Which we see in bands like Poison with CC & Bret & Van Halen with both David & Sammy. The sad thing is it's also the thing that if not controlled will drag them down as we saw in Poison & Van Halen.

[@metalhead9315]

This was a monster to tackle and Ken, you did it with class and skill. Dave was the "lets enjoy life, party and have a good time" singer / front man. Eddie was a lightning rod of energy and a tornado of talent so he needed someone that could VISUALLY bring something to the show. For the jump off man, DLR was the right choice...enter the Gary Cherone era... damn, what a voice! I would LOVE to have seen them live with Gray up front. You can't deny his vocal ability and his energy but, when fans got used to Dave, there was no replacing that...Gary got dealt the same hand as John Corabi, well said Ken. When MTV used to premier videos before the band released an album, I remember watching "Poundcake" premier live on Headbangers Ball. From the electric drill / guitar intro, heavy drums and lively jump start to that monster of a song, I was only lifted higher by hearing Sammy roar the new Van Halen to life!!! I was a huge Hagar fan and was so excited to see him front an already legendary band. Also, to go from a headlining, chart topping solo act to being the lead singer of a band that he knew he would be playing second fiddle in (since it was essentially founded as a family band...much like Pantera was with two brothers at the helm from day one) he was showing he wasn't an egomaniac and purely in in for the love of the music. I vote for Sammy, hands down... Dave is Dave, Gary is a powerhouse...but Sammy is a Juggernaut!!!! Rest in Peace Eddie....may you be jamming with Randy Rhoads and Dimebag Darrell!

[@metalhead9315]

Thank you for taking time to read my comment Ken! You rock!