Sammy Hagar extended an olive branch to David Lee Roth, encouraging Van Halen fans to appreciate both singers’ solo efforts to honor the band’s legacy.
Hagar commented on an Instagram video by Chris Celfo comparing footage of Hagar and Roth performing on the same night in different locations. Roth returned to the stage May 3 at the M3 Rock Festival with a set of Van Halen songs, marking his first show since 2020. Hagar is concluding his “Best of All Worlds” Las Vegas residency.
While Hagar has expressed disdain for Roth in the past, he urged fans to focus on the music they both created with Eddie Van Halen.
“If I may add my two cents here: Comparing us today or comparing us in the old days really is not what it’s all about,” Hagar wrote. “It’s all about Van Halen — one of the greatest bands, some of the greatest songs in rock history. We were both involved and both had pluses and minuses. I am happy that Dave is out there doing it like Mikey [Anthony] and I, supporting some of the greatest rock songs in history, like I said. The fans deserve it, good or bad.”
He continued: “I believe we’re both doing our best and I’m actually happy. Dave is supporting his era and I will support mine, as well as my solo career and side projects, for the rest of my life. Everyone should enjoy what we’re both trying to do. Keeping the music [as] his legacy is important, and so is the music both Dave and I wrote with Eddie. Encore, thank you. Goodnight.”
Hagar referenced his new song, “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” inspired by a guitar lick Van Halen showed him in a dream. “This song is my final bow to that part of my life,” Hagar said. “It’s not meant to be anything more than a thank you — with love, with respect, and with one hell of a guitar solo.”
Hagar’s Vegas residency ends Saturday. Roth will tour the United States from July through September.