Sammy Hagar Opens Up About 20-Year Silence with Alex Van Halen: “We’re Just Not in Touch Anymore”

It’s been more than two decades since Sammy Hagar last spoke to Alex Van Halen — and the former Van Halen frontman says he’s okay with keeping it that way.

In a recent interview, Hagar opened up about the long-standing disconnect between him and the legendary drummer. Despite their shared history as members of one of rock’s biggest bands, the 77-year-old singer confirmed there has been complete radio silence for 21 years.

What Happened Between Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen?

Sammy Hagar joined Van Halen in 1985, taking over as lead vocalist after David Lee Roth left the band. During Hagar’s first stint, the group released several multi-platinum albums and dominated the charts. Although Hagar rejoined the band briefly from 2003 to 2005, his relationship with Alex never fully recovered.

So, why the ongoing distance?

Hagar believes it has to do with Alex’s health and his decision to step away from music. Alex Van Halen has been dealing with a spinal injury that has affected his ability to play drums — a detail that surfaced in interviews in 2024. While Alex hasn’t addressed Hagar directly in his public statements or in his memoir Brothers, Hagar suggests the silence may stem from deeper feelings.

“He’s not a songwriter or frontman — that was always me and Eddie,” Hagar said. “If I were in his shoes and couldn’t play anymore, I’d probably feel terrible too.”

The Legacy Lives On — Just Without Alex

Even though they aren’t speaking, Hagar says he’s doing his part to honor the band’s legacy through music. He’s currently preparing for his Las Vegas residency, Best of All Worlds, which celebrates hits from the Van Halen catalog, particularly from the Hagar years.

The tour also includes original bassist Michael Anthony, another key figure from Hagar’s era in the band.

“Al, you’re still making money from this. I’m keeping the music alive,” Hagar noted. “Just leave me alone, and I’ll leave you alone. It’s all good.”

Dreaming of Eddie Van Halen

Ahead of his residency launch, Hagar released a new single, Encore, Thank You, Goodnight, on April 24. He says the song, featuring the late Eddie Van Halen, came to him in a dream.

In the dream, Eddie had a guitar slung over his shoulder and was playing a new riff — one that inspired the track. “We hadn’t seen each other in so long, but it felt real,” Hagar shared. “I dream about him a lot, and this felt like a true connection from the other side.”

Despite past tensions, Hagar and Eddie reconciled before Eddie’s death in 2020. The same can’t be said for Alex — and for now, Hagar seems content to let that chapter stay closed.

Is a Reunion Possible?

While some fans still hold out hope for a Van Halen reunion or tribute performance with Alex involved, Hagar doesn’t see it happening. He appears focused on the future, not the past, and says his priority is keeping the music alive for fans old and new.

“There’s no bad blood from my side,” he added. “But I’m not chasing anything either. What we had was great, but life moves on.”

Final Thoughts

Sammy Hagar’s reflections offer a bittersweet glimpse into the complexities of life after rock stardom. While relationships may fade, the music — and the passion behind it — continues to resonate with fans worldwide.