Alex Van Halen Dismisses Sammy Hagar's Memoir, Calls Him a 'Complete Idiot'
Alex Van Halen has reignited his long-standing feud with Sammy Hagar by calling him a 'complete idiot' and refusing to read his 2011 autobiography, Red. In an interview with Brazil’s Roadie Crew magazine, the recently knighted drummer praised David Lee Roth’s memoir but dismissed Hagar’s account of the band’s history. This latest exchange highlights the deep-seated tension between the two former Van Halen frontmen, contrasting Alex’s high regard for Roth with his contempt for Hagar.
Key points
- Alex Van Halen called Sammy Hagar a 'complete idiot' in a recent interview.
- Van Halen refused to read Hagar's 2011 autobiography, Red, stating he did not want to know its contents.
- The drummer praised David Lee Roth's memoir, Crazy From the Heart, as entertaining and faithful to Roth's humor.
- This is the latest escalation in a multi-year feud between the two former Van Halen singers.
- Hagar previously criticized Alex's 2024 autobiography for ignoring his time in the band.
Background
The conflict between Alex Van Halen and Sammy Hagar has persisted for years, involving disputes over touring lineups and historical narratives. Hagar's 2011 book, Red, detailed Eddie Van Halen's struggles with alcoholism, which Alex has consistently rejected. In 2024, Alex criticized Hagar's Best of All Worlds tour for not doing the band justice. Hagar, in turn, has compared their relationship to the fractured partnership of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Roger Waters. Recently, Hagar extended support to David Lee Roth after Roth canceled tour dates, a gesture that further highlighted the divide between the two classic-era frontmen.
Why it matters
This feud underscores the enduring complexities and personal tensions within rock history. The public exchange between Van Halen and Hagar illustrates how legacy and artistic credit remain contested decades after a band's peak. It also highlights the divergent views on the Van Halen era, with Roth and Hagar representing different chapters of the band's history that continue to influence fan perceptions and industry dynamics.
What to watch
The feud may continue to escalate as both parties engage in public commentary. Hagar's Best of All Worlds tour remains active, and any further interactions or statements from either side could reignite public debate. The outcome of these exchanges may influence how the Van Halen legacy is perceived and remembered in the music industry.
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