Alex Van Halen’s Regret Story With A Sammy Hagar Song

Sammy Hagar recently reflected on a funny moment with Alex Van Halen over the song “Eagles Fly.” During the recording sessions for what would become Van Halen’s 1988 album OU812, Hagar offered the song to the band. But Alex didn’t hold back his thoughts, dismissing it on the spot.

“I’m at the studio,” Hagar shared in a recent video. “I’m playing it for Ed, and Alex is standing in the background, and I’m… on guitar, acoustic. And Alex goes, ‘Sounds like John Denver!’” Hagar laughed as he remembered his reply: “Yeah – what’s wrong with that? John’s a bad motherfucker! Shut your mouth when I’m talking about John!”

Alex’s Regret After Hearing “Eagles Fly”

With Van Halen passing on the song, Hagar decided to include it on his 1987 solo album I Never Said Goodbye. Eddie Van Halen contributed guitar, bass, and backing vocals, helping bring the track to life.

When Alex eventually heard the finished version, his reaction was very different. “Alex heard it on the record,” Hagar recalled, “and he goes, ‘Hey, man, you should have saved that for Van Halen!’ I said, ‘Dude, don’t you remember what you said about that song?’”

The irony wasn’t lost on Hagar, especially since “Eagles Fly” became one of Alex’s favorite tracks—and even a staple of Van Halen’s live shows during the Hagar years.

A Song That Stands the Test of Time

Hagar mused on what could have been if the song had made it onto OU812. “That would have been unbelievable if it would’ve been on OU812. But it is what it is; and it’s a song that I will play for the rest of my life.”

While “Eagles Fly” didn’t land on a Van Halen album, it remains a fan favorite and a personal highlight of Hagar’s career. Sometimes, even a “John Denver” comparison can lead to something iconic!

Watch Episode 64 of Story Time with Sammy as he talks more about the song, “Eagle Fly.”