I am not trying to start a debate of any kind - but it's kind of ironic that these days, it is way better to be Sammy Hagar over being David Lee Roth or Eddie Van Halen. It's actually kind of suprising, because I certainly didn't think that Eddie Van Halen or David Lee Roth would be end up where they are now.

This is not to say that Sammy doesn't have his faults or issues that have caused problems in Van Halen - but the man who was viewed as the person who wrecked Van Halen by many, is actually the only one in the Van Halen soap opera that truly has a career in music now and who has made it through all the ups and downs. I really don't think that David Lee Roth and even Eddie Van Halen has been able to do that.

I don't love his post Van Halen solo albums - they are hit and miss songs per album, but I can appreciate the fact that through out all of this - Sammy really has had the last laugh so to speak. Now certainly Roth could hook up with Van Halen again and take over the world - but Sammy is in a very good place in his career. He loves what he is doing and he can take Van Halen or leave it - meaning that Van Halen needs Sammy more than Sammy needs Van Halen (if the Roth reunion can't work). Having said that, Sammy is in a great position and he has truly come out the winner in all of Van Halen drama.

http://usera.imagecave.com/Bard/nuclear.gif

free post?

free, but good post. Sammy is touring, enjoying the public life, pimping his products, making money & banging some chick half his age, ya, I'd say he came out smelling like a rose...

David piloting a possibly sinking ship
Ed... ( insert crickets)....

free, but good post. Sammy is touring, enjoying the public life, pimping his products, making money & banging some chick half his age, ya, I'd say he came out smelling like a rose...

David piloting a possibly sinking ship
Ed... ( insert crickets)....
Absolultey...Sam is "Livin' It Up!" with Mikey, doing their thing while Ed and Al are doing.....I don't know what their doing but it's nothing productive in the musical sense that's for sure, and Dave, he can't even handle a radio show....Go Sam and Mike!!!!

I don't know if I'd word it as "It's better to be Sammy these days". Everyone should be happy with who they are, i.e. the best damn guitarist of our time and the most bombastic frontman in rock n roll history have their place as well presently. Diehards and casual fans remember them in different ways.

I would however agree that Sam seems to be a bit more less controversial and have a good PR machine going these days.

Give it time. Cruises don't last forever!

Reading this post, a certain phrase rings in my ears:

ARMBI :thumb:

when all is said and done, hagar wakes up in the morning and is still hagar...

evh wakes up in the morning and is EVH...

(hagar would've been a footnote in music without Van Halen)

I agree with the basis of this thread, but have to add that it's probably best to be Mike. The only criticism I've ever read/heard about him is that his playing is only OK.

That being said, he doesn't have:
1) the VH-killer stigma that some try to pin on Sam
2) the unbelievable ego that some claim Dave to have
3) " " " " " " ED " "
4) the complacentcy(sp?) that Al seems to have in regards to Ed's health.


What he does have is:
1) cemented place in all eras(3 and Best of aside) of the mighty VH
2) one of the best attitudes I've ever seen in a situation like he is in
3) the time, money and health to do prettymuch whatever he wants.


...that's my .02

http://www.ahmed-ahmed.com/images/eddie_van_halen.jpg

A picture is worth 1000 words.

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/9207/livincoverfinal3007vx.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Yep.

You know what they say - the best revenge is living well. From Montrose to now, Sammy Hagar always seems to have someone in his corner.

I was just thinking today. Sammy has to be one of the most entertaining musicians around. Having been to his concerts it is obvious he has a blast doing what he does. And makes sure the fans have a great time as well. And sure he is making money. That is the American dream isn't it? Rock on, Sammy!!!

:thumb:

At this age for any of the 5 guys being discussed to be doing anything is admirable in itself. Sammy and Mike are doing very well, Ed and Alex, while apparently doing nothing, at least are doing whatever they want to or feel they need to. I guess at this point I somewhat don't expect Van Halen to resurface at all, but the 14 releases they gave us, and the various bootlegs floating around, are something we'll always have, no matter what happens.

What a stupid topic. All are rich beyond our wildest dreams, so suffice it to say it does not suck being any of these 5 characters.

Fair Warning,

This isn't about money. But sorry - being David Lee Roth or even Eddie Van Halen today is kind of a joke. They have run their lives into the ground. You won't find many people who won't agree that DLR has been reduced to a punchline. Sammy Hagar still has his dignity and is certainly living better than Mr. Roth.