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Sammy Hagar has expressed his dissatisfaction with Alex Van Halen’s recent memoir, Brothers, which seems unlikely to make his list of favorite reads for 2024.
Hagar, who served as the lead vocalist for Van Halen from 1985 until 1996, and later again from 2003 to 2005, shared his critical views on social media regarding the memoir. He described the exclusion of his contributions to the band’s history as “blasphemy.”
Released in October, Brothers concentrates primarily on the band’s initial 12 years, concluding its narrative after the departure of David Lee Roth. Notably, it fails to include Hagar’s era in the band, the brief stint with vocalist Gary Cherone, and their eventual reunion with Roth.
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Alex Van Halen has articulated a perspective on the evolution of the band following Roth’s exit. In an interview with Billboard, he remarked, “What happened after Dave left is not the same band,” while emphasizing the distinct dynamic and creativity present in their early years.
In a recent Instagram post showcasing a moment with guitarist Eddie Van Halen from 1991, Hagar engaged with fans in the comments, addressing a viewpoint suggesting that “most purists believe VH ended with DLR.”
Hagar responded emphatically, pointing out that the band achieved extraordinary success after Roth’s departure, stating, “We went on to sell over 50 million records for a No. 1 album and sold out every building and stadium in the world for a whole decade.”
Notably, the band reached a pinnacle of success with their album 1984, which included the chart-topping single “Jump” and is recognized as their highest-charting album during the Roth era. Following this, Hagar’s first album with the band, 5150, marked the beginning of a successful partnership that produced four consecutive No. 1 albums.
Hagar believes that by omitting this period from the memoir, Alex is not doing justice to the musical legacy of his late brother, Eddie Van Halen. Hagar contended, “To not acknowledge those 10 years of music is blasphemy to his brother’s musicianship, songwriting and legacy.”
Despite his criticism, Hagar revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that he harbors hope for reconciliation with Alex Van Halen. He noted the potential for a more comprehensive account in future volumes, suggesting that it could be challenging to cover an entire career in one book.
Hagar expressed a desire for friendship, stating, “I want to be friends, though. I don’t want to play in a band with Al. I’m not asking for that,” acknowledging the complexities of their relationship while emphasizing his wish to reconnect on a personal level.
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www.billboard.com