Sammy Hagar’s Simple Plea to Alex Van Halen: “Just Leave Me Alone”

The personal strife between Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen seemingly stems all the way back to Hagar’s entry into Van Halen in 1985. The robust reason for the conflict is not entirely clear, however, Hagar and Van Halen have cited creative differences and personal treatment as two factors for the animosity. Though in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Hagar divulged a new theory for the conflict between the two.

Videos by American Songwriter

In short, Hagar assumes that the existing feud between the two derives from a place of envy. He told the publication, “I think Al’s angry because I’m out doing it, and Mike [Anthony] and I are out doing it, and he can’t,” and “He’s not a singer. He’s not a guitar player. He is not really a band leader. And he seems like he doesn’t want to play drums or can’t play drums anymore, and he can’t go write a new record…”And I think that really bothers him that Mike and I are still out there doing it. I would feel bad. If I put myself in his shoes, I would feel terrible if I couldn’t do it anymore,” sympathetically concluded Sammy Hagar.

Per this animosity, Hagar also added, “Al, you’re fine. Just leave me alone. I’ll leave you alone. Everything’s good,” and “I’m making you money, by the way, Al. I’m out there selling Van Halen records and keeping the name alive, keeping the music alive.”

Sammy Hagar is Still Kickin’ It

The main meat of Sammy Hagar’s comments is merely theory. However, what isn’t theory is that Hagar is still an incredibly active performer and, consequently, keeps the name and music of Van Halen alive. Currently, Hagar is waiting to kick off his Best of All Worlds Las Vegas residency, which starts on April 30 and lasts until May 17, 2025.

In addition to his residency, Hagar has also been creating new music, as he recently released the single, “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.” Also, he performed a set at the 2025 Stagecoach festival in Indio, California. Needless to say, at 77 years old, Sammy Hagar is still living the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle to a certain extent. And per his comments, he wants to do it in peace and without conflict.

Photo by Kevin Kane/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame