Sammy Hagar still gets ‘goosebumps’ from Van Halen: ‘I miss Ed’
Sammy Hagar chats with USA TODAY’s Marco della Cava about his motivation to keep creating and his days as the lead singer of Van Halen.
Entertain This!, USA TODAY
David Lee Roth is getting support from his former Van Halen replacement, Sammy Hagar, following a string of tour cancelations.
The 71-year-old rock singer’s “A Night With David Lee Roth” tour, which launched April 16 in Airway Heights, Washington, has canceled upcoming shows scheduled for July 28 and Aug. 14, according to Ticketmaster. Roth’s official website lists just one upcoming performance in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Aug. 7, while Ticketmaster still shows tickets available for Aug. 5 in La Vista, Nebraska, Aug. 16 in Menlo Park, California, and Sept. 5 in Laughlin, Nevada.
Hagar, who succeeded Roth as Van Halen’s frontman in 1985, shared a message of support in an Instagram video posted July 23.
“I just got a call from Michael Anthony… about your tour getting canceled,” Hagar said, referring to Van Halen’s longtime bassist. “And I want to say from the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry. I hope you’re well. I hope there’s not a physical problem.”
“Honestly, Mike and I love the fact that you’ve been out there doing it, supporting the greatest band in the world that we were both part of,” Hagar continued. “And I’m really sorry.”
Hagar fronted Van Halen from 1985 to 1996 after Roth’s departure and briefly reunited with the band in 2004. Roth returned to record songs in 1996, and the reunion ended that same year.
Roth joined again in 2007 – remaining the band’s lead singer until Van Halen came to an end following Eddie Van Halen’s death in 2020.
“So, when you’re ready to carry on, you go, brother. Mike and I support you,” Hagar added. “Come to Vegas for the residency in September. Come on, join us. Sing a couple songs, MC the damn show. Come out and just do what … you do, which is pretty damn entertaining.”
USA TODAY reached out to representatives for Roth and Hagar for comment.
Hagar launched “The Best of All Worlds” Las Vegas residency in March alongside Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, drummer Kenny Aronoff, and keyboardist Greg Phillinganes. The residency resumes Sept. 18-19, Sept. 23 and Sept. 25-26.
Roth’s solo career included popular songs “Yankee Rose,” “Just Like Paradise” and “California Girls.” The former Van Halen star also had hits “Jump,” “Dance the Night Away,” “I’ll Wait,” “And the Cradle Will Rock” and more.