Sammy Hagar Says David Lee Roth Is Only Welcome To Sing 1 or 2 Songs In Tour
via @SammyHagar / Youtube
Sammy Hagar took to Instagram to clarify the details regarding David Lee Roth’s participation in the upcoming The Best Of All Worlds tour. This clarification follows Roth’s public acceptance of Hagar’s initial invitation to join the tour.
After receiving the invitation a week ago, David Lee Roth declared his readiness for the 2024 tour through the Van Halen News Desk. A fan highlighted this announcement in the comments of a recent Instagram video posted by the singer.
It turns out the Red Rocker isn’t ready to bury the hatchet yet as he replied to fan comments that Diamond Dave isn’t welcome to the tour, even taking shots at his fellow Van Halen singer’s ability to remember their songs.
“He can come out and sing a song on a show or two if he can remember the words,” Hagar commented.
Not exactly an invitation for David Lee Roth
Hagar recently revealed his upcoming Best Of Both Worlds tour, featuring former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, and drummer Jason Bonham.
The tour is dedicated to the Van Hagar era and commences in July 2024.
In his tour announcement, Hagar expressed, “We’re gonna invite every musician in every town. If Alex Van Halen wants to jump up, if David Lee Roth wants to come out and join us, come on, motherfucker. You are welcome. This is about Van Halen.”
While Roth accepted the invitation, it seems that Hagar may not be particularly enthusiastic about the prospect.
“been there done that”
In a series of comments on Instagram responding to fans, Hagar was quick to remind everyone that Roth isn’t invited to the tour, though he can partake as a guest in one condition. The Red Rocker had this to say in the comments:
“he’s not invited on the tour NOOOO F;()$(.g way. It was to sing a song with us somewhere like a lot of singers guitarist etc are going to do on this tour. i know better than to have him on tour again. been there done that.”
Hagar then took some shots at Roth about his ability to remember lyrics, adding: “he can come out and sing a song on a show or two if he can remember the words.”
Guess expecting fans will see no Diamond Dave doing his thing on stage with the Van Halen tribute band (sort of), given Hagar’s opinion of him.
The last time Sammy and David shared the stage was in 2002
Sammy and David last shared the stage during the 2002 Song For Song, The Heavyweight Champs Of Rock And Roll tour.
However, in a post-tour interview with Guitar World, Hagar revealed that the two vocalists faced some conflicts during their performances.
Reflecting on the tour, Hagar stated that, although it was decent, he believed it had the potential to be much better. According to him, Roth was an “unreasonable guy”. Then Sammy dished out some harsh words towards his fellow Van Halen vocalist:
“He’s not a cool guy; he’s not a fun guy. He’s got this persona, this image like he’s Mr. Party — but the guy’s Mr. F**king Uptight! I mean, you can’t even imagine. Boy, I hate to ever say I’m sorry I did something, so I can’t say I’m sorry I did it. But I certainly wouldn’t do it again, let’s put it like that.”
A celebration of the Van Hagar era
Sammy Hagar and his new bandmates participated in a press conference immediately after their appearance and performance on November 14th on The Howard Stern Show on Sirius Channel 100.
On the same day, Sammy Hagar was featured in interviews on Access Hollywood and Access Daily, which was followed on November 16th with a conversation with Rob Lowe on the latter’s podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe.
The upcoming tour follows the resounding success of The Collection II, a box set released on October 6th. This compilation includes newly remastered versions of the four consecutive No. 1 albums from the Hagar era of Van Halen: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995).
With Anthony, Satriani, and Bonham having collaborated in various phases of Hagar’s career, spanning Van Halen, Chickenfoot, and The Circle, fans can expect a diverse setlist featuring rock anthems from four decades.
