The rock world has witnessed many legendary rivalries, but few can match the intensity and longevity of the feud between David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar.
As iconic frontmen of the band Van Halen during years of massive success, both artists brought distinctive styles and charm to the stage. Yet, their contrasting personalities and strong pride have fueled a bitter rivalry that has persisted for decades. Like devoted fans who pledge allegiance to one camp or the other, Roth and Hagar have engaged in a battle of words and avoided each other behind the scenes.
The Heavyweight Champs Tour
In 2002, after both Roth and Hagar had left Van Halen, the two singers surprisingly joined forces for the Heavyweight Champs tour. Hoping to give fans a unique experience, they embarked on this tour together, even though their rivalry was well known. Roth acknowledged the rivalry and described their relationship as that of “fraternity brothers that have been through the same shitty hazing.” The competitive nature between the two provided audiences with unforgettable performances, with each striving to outdo the other in a friendly, yet intense, musical showdown.
Roth’s take: “Sam and I are like fraternity brothers that have been through the same shitty hazing. There’s a rivalry between us, so the audience gets the absolute best out of both of us. You have to think of it as two title fights with no undercard.”
The Rivalry Turns Ugly
While the Heavyweight Champs tour seemed like a fun endeavor, it didn’t take long for the sparks to fly between Roth and Hagar. Behind the scenes, tensions escalated as they clashed over creative decisions. Roth rejected many of Hagar’s ideas, leading the Red Rocker to express his frustration openly.
Hagar’s take: “I fucking said, ‘Fuck this guy. He’s an asshole. You can’t get along with him. He’s no fun. He’s full of shit,’” the Red Rocker later recalled.
In interviews, Hagar called Roth an “asshole,” claiming he was no fun and full of himself. The camaraderie they initially attempted to portray quickly faded, giving way to a more hostile atmosphere.
A History of Incidents
The Heavyweight Champs tour was just one chapter in a long history of incidents between the two rock legends. Over the years, they have exchanged barbs in the press, highlighting their contrasting views on Van Halen’s legacy and the music industry as a whole. Their distinct personalities and musical styles have often been cited as the primary reasons for the ongoing feud.
Who Won?
As the rivalry between David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar continues to capture the imagination of classic rock fans, it serves as a testament to the power of pride and artistic individuality. While their clashes may have been bitter at times, their contributions to Van Halen and their respective solo careers have undeniably left an indelible mark on rock music.
For fans, the debate of Roth versus Hagar remains a timeless topic, perpetuating the enduring legacy of Van Halen and ensuring that the feud between these two charismatic frontmen will never be forgotten.
