David Lee Roth Jokes About Eddie Van Halen’s Ghost Visiting Him, Confessing to Pranking Sammy Hagar
via David Lee Roth / YouTube
David Lee Roth has never been one to shy away from humor, even when it comes to the memory of his late bandmate Eddie Van Halen. During his August 13 performance at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Roth took a playful jab at Sammy Hagar’s recent claim of receiving a song from Eddie’s ghost. The lighthearted moment quickly became one of the highlights of the night, blending comedy with nostalgia.
The story unfolded in the middle of Roth’s set, as he introduced the joke before launching into Van Halen’s “Dance The Night Away.” He acknowledged Hagar’s talent and reputation while setting the stage for his tongue-in-cheek anecdote. The crowd, already energized by the music, was caught off guard by the unexpected tale.
At its core, Roth’s commentary wasn’t just a roast—it was a reminder of the complicated yet unbreakable bond between the two frontmen and their legendary guitarist. By blending humor with heartfelt sentiment, Roth managed to honor Eddie while poking fun at his long-standing rivalry with Hagar.
Sammy Hagar’s Spiritual Encounter
The inspiration for Roth’s joke came from a widely reported story Hagar shared earlier this summer. According to Hagar, Eddie Van Halen’s spirit visited him in a dream and played a unique guitar lick. The melody supposedly stuck with him, and Hagar later turned it into the foundation for his song “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.”
Hagar described the moment as a powerful connection to his late bandmate, emphasizing that the dream carried emotional weight. The song itself was presented as a gift of gratitude—a tribute to Eddie’s impact on his life both personally and professionally. Fans of Hagar interpreted the story as sincere, reinforcing the idea that Eddie’s influence continues beyond his passing.
While skeptics may see the tale as symbolic rather than literal, Hagar’s claims were never meant as a publicity stunt. Instead, they came across as an emotional reflection of a complicated partnership that ended on better terms than many expected. For Roth, however, this provided the perfect opening for his trademark wit.
Roth’s Ghost Story and Punchline
In Roth’s retelling, Eddie’s ghost visited him while he was watching the weather report in his hotel room. According to the singer, Eddie appeared laughing, ready to share a mischievous secret about Hagar’s new song. The twist? Roth joked that the song was actually just Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” played backward.
The absurdity of the punchline drew laughter from the crowd, as Roth leaned into Eddie’s accent to add authenticity to the story. He painted a vivid picture of the ghostly exchange, complete with Eddie asking him to keep the prank a secret. The audience responded with a mix of humor and affection, recognizing Roth’s unique ability to blur the lines between comedy and tribute.
The tale ended on a surprisingly emotional note. Roth described sharing a “ghost Marlboro Red” with Eddie, hugging his late bandmate, and exchanging words of love and humor. The final line—Eddie telling Roth to “still go to hell” and Roth responding with “save me a seat”—summed up their brotherly mix of affection and banter.
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A Legacy of Rivalry and Respect
Although Roth’s story was meant to entertain, it also highlighted the enduring complexities of the Van Halen legacy. Roth and Hagar may have often been at odds, but both remain connected through their respect for Eddie’s artistry. Their contrasting stories—Hagar’s heartfelt dream and Roth’s playful ghost tale—reflect two sides of the same tribute.
Over the years, both singers have acknowledged Eddie’s struggles and triumphs. Hagar, in particular, has expressed regret over publicly discussing Eddie’s addiction in his memoir, later apologizing for exposing those personal details. Despite the turbulent history, Hagar confirmed that he and Eddie reconciled before the guitarist’s passing in 2020.
For fans, these anecdotes show how Eddie Van Halen’s presence continues to loom large over his former bandmates. Whether through humor, dreams, or music, Roth and Hagar keep his spirit alive. Their words serve as reminders of Eddie’s influence—not just on rock and roll, but on the friendships and rivalries that shaped Van Halen’s story.
