Thursday
Nov022017
Speaking Of Guys Who Hate Each Other

Sammy Hagar is speaking out about his relationship with the Van Halen brothers. Or rather, lack of relationship. Basically, if you're wanting a Van Hagar reunion, forget about it. Hagar was hurt the brothers didn't wish him a happy 70th birthday. He interpreted that as the friendship is over. I'd say that's probably correct. Thoughts?
Reader Comments (11)
And for what it’s worth, I still think Randy Rhodes was the more talented guitarist to come out of that era.(IMO,Eddie has been basically playing the same solo in every song for about 35 years now. Lol )
In other words, success does not equal a sound state of mind. A look at the current president proves my point. I digress. Also a look at the current accusations against the Harvey Weinsteins, Kevin Spaceys, James Tobacks, Bill Cosbys etc... reinforces this point. Or a look at the Chester Benningtons, Scott Weilands, Pinces, Jani Lanes...I could go on and on, but hopefully you get my point.
Edward Van Halen, IMHO, is not the exception, but the rule. Sure, I have worshipped the guy over the years, but in the same vein, I've also been saying for years that my armchair analysis of him is that he is a chronic, drug addled alcoholic and if one has truly analyzed his behavior and mannerisms over the years, he could be the poster boy for Asperger's Syndrome. (it's now the Autistic Spectrum) as evidenced by trouble interacting w/o guitar in hand, preoccupation to one's on world, not sharing enjoyment/achievements (ask Valerie or read her book), Limited interests (ask anyone who has known him since childhood), and insensitivity to other people's feelings (not because of callousness, but because of ignorance), and most of all, the belief that things are "all or nothing", etc... (His relationships with Dave, Sammy, Michael). I write this as I, too, have a son who is diagnosed with Autism, yet can play his guitar proficiently and has worked terrifically in bands- he's actually joining another in the near future. And if you wanna talk about "all or nothing", you should be around when I take away his cell phone.
Anyway, despite my admiration for EVH (which includes having an extensive rock room dedicated to Van Halen in my basement) it doesn't cloud my judgement of him as simply an excellent musician. If lightening wasn't caught in a bottle many years ago, all of us probably would've never heard of him- or David Lee for that matter.
In Allyson's narrative above, she writes, "[Sammy] interpreted that as the friendship is over. I'd say that's probably correct. Thoughts?" I would surmise that he has trouble making and/or keeping friends." Simply ask Michael Anthony for his assessment.
As someone on here often writes...it would be great if they could just hug it out.
https://www.stereogum.com/1810136/eddie-van-halen-explains-why-david-lee-roth-is-not-his-friend-why-he-thinks-van-halen-gave-him-cancer/news/
I agree with every thing you wrote and as a music fan I used to put these highly talented people on a pedestal and think that they were great people as well as being highly talented. It was a sad day when I realized they have just as many issues as the rest of us and most are narcissistic assholes. My list of musicians I wanted to hang out with has significantly shortened.
I understand Sammy's sentiment but he needs to quit airing his feelings to anyone that will listen - time to let it go and move on. But at the same time maybe he actually misses Ed and wants him back in his life in some capacity I just don't think publicly complaining/venting will gain him anything.
Kudos and keep it up!
“Stay frosty”!, as you like to quote!
To paraphrase the man himself, “... Crank up that Les Paul in your face!”
In honesty though...thank you for your acknowledgement.
peace/rock on, peeps!