Sammy Hagar has been open about his strained relationship with Alex Van Halen, especially after not speaking for over 21 years. In a recent interview, Hagar shared insights into his ongoing feud with Alex and his thoughts on the Van Halen legacy. Here’s a deeper look into their tension, his new music, and upcoming performances.

Sammy Hagar’s Dream and Feud with Alex Van Halen

Sammy Hagar recently released his new song, “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight”, which he claims was inspired by a vivid dream where he communicated with the late Eddie Van Halen. “It was 100% a communication from beyond,” Hagar said, emphasizing that he often dreams about Eddie. The interview, published by Rolling Stone, delves into Hagar’s thoughts on his complex relationship with Alex Van Halen.

According to Hagar, the dream with Alex felt strikingly real. “I dreamt about Alex the other night. It was crazy,” he recalled. In the dream, Hagar confronted Alex, seeking answers about their fallout. Alex, in turn, responded with a cryptic laugh, saying, “You really don’t know, do you?”

While Hagar continues to reflect on their feud, he’s not holding grudges. In the interview, he speculated that Alex’s anger might stem from Hagar’s continued success after Van Halen, particularly his profitable ventures like the Cabo Wabo brand. Hagar also addressed the issue of Alex’s health, acknowledging the struggles he’s faced in recent years, including the loss of his brother, Eddie. Despite the tension, Hagar remains open to a more peaceful resolution, saying, “Al, you’re fine. Just leave me alone. I’ll leave you alone.”

Hagar’s Legacy and Van Halen’s Continued Influence

While Alex Van Halen remains a private figure, Sammy Hagar keeps Van Halen’s legacy alive. “I’m out there selling Van Halen records and keeping the name alive,” Hagar remarked. He emphasized his role in keeping the iconic band’s music fresh and relevant, performing classic hits with his band and bringing the Van Halen sound to new generations of fans.

As for Hagar’s upcoming Las Vegas residency, he plans to keep the setlist dynamic, featuring a mix of fan favorites and some lesser-known hits. “Every album sold millions of copies,” he noted, highlighting the band’s extensive catalog of well-loved tracks. Hagar’s Vegas shows will blend nostalgic hits like “I Can’t Drive 55” and “Why Can’t This Be Love?” with a few surprises to keep the performances exciting.

The Future of Hagar’s Career: One Show at a Time

At 73, Hagar knows that his touring days are numbered. Despite the physical toll of travel, Hagar is committed to delivering memorable performances while he can. “I love this shit,” he said, underscoring his passion for music and live performances. While he isn’t ready to retire, he plans to carefully manage his schedule, opting for shorter runs of shows like his Vegas residency rather than extensive world tours.

Hagar also discussed the possibility of taking his show back on the road, including potential one-off performances at events like Stagecoach. He expressed an openness to touring again, but only if he feels physically up to it. “If I have 50 more shows left in me, I’ll give it all I’ve got,” he said.

A Van Halen Biopic? Not Likely, But Hagar is Game for a Documentary

With biopics being all the rage, the idea of a Van Halen film has come up. Hagar expressed interest in a Van Halen documentary, but cautioned that it would be challenging to get all the band members to agree on how it should be portrayed. “Van Halen is so dysfunctional,” Hagar said, referring to the complicated dynamics between band members over the years.

Despite this, he suggested that a well-done documentary could serve to introduce the band to a new generation of fans. “It should be a three-part, six-hour Netflix documentary,” Hagar proposed, citing the success of similar projects like The Beach Boys documentary on Disney+. Hagar even said he would be willing to give his blessing to the project, with the condition that his contributions be portrayed accurately.

Hagar’s Musical Journey: The Van Halen Influence

Hagar has long been celebrated for his solo career, but his time in Van Halen holds a special place in his heart. He reflected on the band’s evolution, noting that his collaboration with Eddie Van Halen helped Eddie push the boundaries of his musicality. “Eddie’s musicianship blossomed when I joined the band,” Hagar said, praising their creative partnership.

Looking back on Van Halen’s legacy, Hagar said it was a bittersweet experience. He admitted that Eddie, who stopped releasing music in the 2000s, had exhausted many of his creative avenues, but that didn’t diminish the impact of the music they created together.

Sammy Hagar continues to honor the Van Halen legacy while embracing new musical ventures. His upcoming shows, including his Las Vegas residency, are a testament to his enduring passion for rock music and his commitment to keeping the Van Halen spirit alive.