Sammy Hagar Explains Why He’s Playing Van Halen Songs In His Shows

Sammy Hagar recently shed light on his decision to keep performing Van Halen songs alongside bassist Michael Anthony. In a chat with WMMR, the former Van Halen frontman revealed the thought process behind forming their current band.

Hagar praised the talent in the group, saying:

“It’s a fantastic lineup, and there’s a purpose behind it. I’ve been lucky to work with some of the finest musicians during my career, including some of the best guitarists around.”

He explained how he and Anthony chose to assemble this particular team. He remarked:

“At some point, Mikey and I said, ‘Let’s get out there and give the Van Halen fans what they want.’ They’ve been waiting patiently.
“There’s no reunion happening — it’s done. Dave’s doing his own thing. But when he was retired, Mike and I decided, ‘Why not? Let’s find the best players to perform the music.’ That’s how the lineup came together, and everyone was on board.”

Hagar also made a humorous observation about finding guitarists willing to step into Eddie Van Halen’s shoes. “When you ask a guitarist to tackle Eddie’s parts, the reaction is usually ‘Are you nuts?’ or a ‘Hell yes!’ Joe was definitely a ‘Hell yes,’” he laughed.

A Tribute to Eddie Van Halen Through New Music

Hagar’s efforts to honor Eddie’s legacy extend beyond live gigs. He recently dropped a new single called “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” inspired by a dream about Eddie Van Halen. The track was co-written with guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and features Michael Anthony on bass and drummer Kenny Aronoff.

The song is a poignant goodbye to Hagar’s Van Halen chapter, showcasing an electrifying guitar solo that channels Eddie’s spirit while blending Satriani’s distinctive sound. Hagar described it as “my farewell to that era.” He plans to debut the song live during the launch of his Las Vegas residency, The Best of All Worlds, at Dolby Live.

Staying Active in Rock and Upcoming Shows

In addition to honoring Van Halen’s legacy, Hagar has been confirmed for Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, scheduled for July 5. The event will also mark the original Black Sabbath reunion after nearly two decades.

Hagar expressed enthusiasm about sharing the stage with these legendary artists, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. This appearance highlights Hagar’s enduring influence in rock music and his continued collaborations with some of the genre’s biggest icons.

Through these ventures, Hagar shows his dedication to preserving Van Halen’s musical heritage while remaining a vital figure in the rock community.