Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen were once part of the legendary rock band Van Halen, but their relationship has been strained for over 20 years. Their falling out has become one of the most talked-about rifts, prompting many to wonder about what happened.
Why are Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen feuding?
The ongoing feud between Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen has stretched on for over two decades, with no sign of resolution. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Hagar shared that he and Van Halen drummer have not spoken in 21 years.
Hagar suggested that Alex might feel sidelined while he and bassist Michael Anthony continue performing Van Halen songs live. He said, “I think Al’s angry because I’m out doing it, and Mike and I are out doing it, and he can’t. He’s not a singer. He’s not a guitar player. He is not really a band leader.” Hagar further added, “And he seems like he doesn’t want to play drums or can’t play drums anymore, and he can’t go write a new record. Alex wasn’t the songwriter in the band.”
Hagar also pointed out that Alex was never the main songwriter in Van Halen. According to him, most of the music came from Eddie Van Halen working with either David Lee Roth or Hagar himself. Now that Hagar and bassist Michael Anthony are still performing Van Halen songs on tour, Hagar feels this might be a sore spot for Alex.
Despite everything, Hagar insists he is not holding a grudge and said, “Al, you’re fine. Just leave me alone. I’ll leave you alone.” Hagar added that he was keeping the band’s name and music alive through his performances.
In Alex Van Halen’s 2024 memoir Brothers, the drummer never mentioned Hagar. As per the previous 2024 interview, Halen’s declining health issues, specifically a spinal injury, have made it difficult for him to play drums.
