Sammy Hagar recently shared a personal revelation about his relationship with Eddie Van Halen. This revelation addresses what could have been a major reunion in rock music history, according to reporting from NME.
When asked whether he would have worked with Eddie again had the legendary guitarist not passed away, Hagar disclosed that Eddie had privately expressed his desire to reunite and create new music together.
“100 per cent. We talked about it,” Hagar said. “Eddie even said to me: ‘Man, we made some great music together. I’ve been fighting this [cancer] for 10 years. I’ve got to beat this, and next year, let’s get together, make some new music and go out and make some noise together’. Then he said: ‘But please don’t tell anyone, and especially don’t tell Al [Alex Van Halen].'”
Hagar explained that Eddie’s request for secrecy suggested tension between the Van Halen brothers. “I’m going: ‘Wow, I guess him and Al aren’t getting along right now’. I mean, those brothers – it was rockier between those two more than between me and them. I never told anyone because I wasn’t going to betray Eddie.”
Eddie’s vision extended beyond a simple reunion. “Eddie wanted to go out and bring everyone out – do Sam and Dave [Lee Roth, original Van Halen frontman] and have [Eddie’s son] Wolfie open and do the whole nine yards,” Hagar explained. “It would have been a dream come true for the fans. I’m sad it never happened. I’m sad we never got to do the Sam and Dave tour with Van Halen.”
Hagar attributed the failure of this potential tour to creative differences with Lee Roth. He noted that “if Dave had been more user-friendly, we could have done it, but he doesn’t play well with others!”
Eddie Van Halen’s battle with cancer ultimately prevented what would have been one of rock music’s most significant reunions. Before his death in October 2020, Eddie Van Halen wanted to reunite with Sammy Hagar for a Van Hagar reunion, as reported by Sanila C Broadcasting. He expressed to Hagar: “Next year, we’re gonna get together — we’re gonna make some noise. Let me beat this s***, and let’s do it.” Eddie’s passing ended any possibility of the reunion materializing.
Hagar has expressed deep regret about the missed opportunity over the years. He misses the hope of playing with Eddie again and the unique creative energy they shared during their time together in Van Halen, as noted by AZ Central.
In the years following Eddie’s death, Hagar has continued to honor Van Halen’s legacy through various musical projects. During 2024, Sammy Hagar embarked on a tour that featured Michael Anthony, celebrating the legacy of Van Halen and reconnecting with fans, as detailed by Sonic Perspectives. Hagar described this tour as a way to honor what he accomplished with Van Halen. He noted that if Eddie were still alive, the experience would have been even more meaningful.
Most recently, Hagar launched “The Best of All Worlds Tour – The Residency” in Las Vegas in 2025. The residency runs from April 30 to May 17 and features Hagar alongside Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff, and Rai Thistlethwayte. The shows are designed to celebrate Hagar’s career and offer fans a unique, intimate experience that honors the Van Halen legacy.
