In a heartfelt admission that blends regret, hope, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar has declared his intention to reconcile with drummer Alex Van Halen. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Hagar revealed that mending the fractured relationship between the two is a top priority on his “bucket list,” emphasizing his desire to end any lingering animosity.
“It’s something I don’t want to take to my grave,” Hagar stated with conviction. “I want to be friends… I don’t want to play in a band with Al. I just want peace between us.”
The revelation comes in the wake of Alex Van Halen’s newly released memoir, Brothers, which chronicles his profound personal and professional relationship with his late brother, guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. The book has generated waves in the rock community, but its omission of Hagar, who served as Van Halen’s lead singer during a pivotal period of their success, has not gone unnoticed.
A Rocky Relationship
Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen’s relationship has long been marked by highs and lows. Hagar joined Van Halen in 1985, replacing original frontman David Lee Roth, and ushered in an era often referred to as the “Van Hagar” years. This lineup delivered chart-topping albums such as 5150, OU812, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, and Balance. However, behind the scenes, tensions simmered.
While Hagar and Eddie Van Halen forged a close musical partnership, his dynamic with Alex was less harmonious. Creative differences, coupled with the intense pressures of fame, often fueled disagreements. These issues culminated in Hagar’s departure from the band in 1996 under acrimonious circumstances. Although Hagar briefly reunited with Van Halen for a tour in 2004, the friction between him and the Van Halen brothers, particularly Alex, persisted.

Brothers: A Painful Exclusion
Alex Van Halen’s memoir has added a new layer of complexity to the story. In Brothers, Alex pays tribute to Eddie’s genius and their shared journey, but Hagar is notably absent from the narrative. For Hagar, the omission stings, though he admits it’s not entirely surprising.
“I get it,” Hagar reflected. “The book is about Alex and Eddie, their bond, and their journey. But it’s hard not to feel a little hurt. I was a part of that journey too, and for a while, it was a really good part.”
Hagar acknowledges that his departure and subsequent public disagreements with the band likely contributed to his exclusion from the memoir. “I’ve said things in the past that I regret,” he admitted. “I’ve been critical, and maybe that’s come back to haunt me. But I’ve also praised them—Eddie especially—because they deserve it.”

A Desire for Closure
Despite the complicated history, Hagar insists his desire for reconciliation with Alex Van Halen is genuine and personal, not rooted in professional ambition.
“I don’t want to make music with him. That’s not what this is about,” Hagar explained. “This is about two guys who shared something incredible, something bigger than either of us and who let things get in the way. I don’t want to leave it like that.”
Hagar’s reflections come across as deeply sincere. He spoke of Eddie Van Halen’s death in 2020 as a wake-up call that underscored the fleeting nature of life and the importance of resolving old grievances.
“Losing Eddie hit me hard,” Hagar confessed. “It reminded me that none of this lasts forever. If there’s a chance to make things right, you take it. You don’t wait.”

A History of Reconciliations
This is not the first time Hagar has sought to mend fences with former bandmates. His relationship with Eddie Van Halen, once fraught with tension, experienced a bittersweet thaw in the years leading up to the guitarist’s death. Hagar has often spoken about their final conversations, describing them as “beautiful” and filled with mutual respect.
Similarly, Hagar has patched things up with original Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, with whom he shares a close friendship and musical partnership in their band, The Circle. These reconciliations serve as a testament to Hagar’s willingness to let go of past grudges and prioritize meaningful connections.
“I’ve learned that forgiveness is as much for you as it is for the other person,” Hagar remarked. “It’s about freeing yourself from bitterness.”

What’s Next for Sammy and Alex?
The ball now seems to be in Alex Van Halen’s court. While Alex has largely avoided public discussions about his relationship with Hagar, his decision to exclude him from Brothers speaks volumes. Whether he shares Hagar’s desire for reconciliation remains uncertain.
Fans, meanwhile, are hopeful that the two can find common ground. Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Hagar’s comments, with many urging Alex to respond in kind.
“This is bigger than music,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “It’s about healing and honouring what they all built together.”
Another added, “Sammy reaching out like this shows real maturity. Life’s too short for grudges.”

The Legacy of Van Halen
At the heart of this story lies the enduring legacy of Van Halen, a band whose music continues to inspire generations of fans. The group’s ability to transcend genres, from hard rock to pop, cemented their place in rock history. For many, the “Van Hagar” era represents a golden age, marked by soulful melodies, electrifying performances, and some of the band’s most commercially successful work.
Hagar’s willingness to reconcile with Alex Van Halen reflects a broader acknowledgement of that legacy and the unique bond they shared as part of one of rock’s most iconic bands.
“This isn’t about who was right or wrong,” Hagar emphasized. “It’s about recognizing that we were part of something magical, something that mattered to millions of people. That’s bigger than any feud.”

A Message for Fans
Hagar ended his remarks with a message for fans, encouraging them to focus on the music and the joy it brought rather than the conflicts behind the scenes.
“Van Halen was never about perfection,” he said. “It was about passion, energy, and connecting with people. That’s what I want to celebrate, and I hope Alex feels the same way.”
As the rock world waits to see if Alex Van Halen will respond, Hagar’s heartfelt appeal serves as a poignant reminder of the power of reconciliation and the enduring impact of music. Whether or not the two former bandmates make peace, Hagar’s words have resonated deeply, reminding us all of the value of forgiveness and the importance of cherishing the time we have.

For Sammy Hagar, the journey toward reconciliation may be just beginning, but his willingness to take the first step speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to honouring the legacy of Van Halen. Only time will tell if Alex Van Halen is ready to join him on that path, but one thing is clear: Hagar’s heart is in the right place, and his words have struck a chord far beyond the world of rock and roll.