In a recent statement talking to Classic Rock Magazine/Website, Sammy Hagar made it clear that he has no interest in a reunion with Van Halen. In fact, the singer seems to be going out of his way to not contact Eddie or Alex Van Halen. Hagar has stated, ‘I don’t want a Van Halen reunion. I’m afraid that if I reached out and really tried to contact Ed and Al, they would think I was trying to get back in the band or I was trying to do a reunion and I’m not. I’m so content with my current band The Circle – we play the Van Halen songs I wrote with Ed as good as anybody, but I’m happy to have just five or six Van Halen songs in my set. It’s almost like I don’t want to be asked to do it because I’d feel like I have to do it, but I don’t really want to. I’m sorry I don’t.’
Well there it is. The statement that I personally always feared. It sounds like a Sammy Hagar Van Halen reunion will never happen. I understand Hagar’s point of view though. He does have a very talented band that kicks major ass. The Circle, consisting of: Vic Johnson (Guitar), Jason Bonham (Drums), Michael Anthony (Bass) and of course Sammy Hagar on vocals, is certainly a welcome addition to come into the fold of supergroups. But despite how well they play the Van Halen songs it’s still not the same. It just doesn’t have the same energy. Don’t get me wrong, they sound great. Their live debut ‘At Your Service’ is really an excellent live album. Particularly their rendition of ‘Poundcake.’ Their new album, ‘Space Between,’ is also pretty decent. ‘Devil Came to Philly’ is a great, old school, shuffle opener. ‘Can’t Hang’ is a slick, hard rock ballad with a country vibe that can’t be beat. ‘Trust Fun Baby’ is a classic sounding Van Halen track. ‘Affirmation’ just oozes road trip rocker. And ‘Hey Hey (Without Greed)’ closes the album with soul and hard rocking grace.
What’s really amazing though is how well Hagar’s voice has held up over the years. And with all the drama in Van Halen with DLR and then the Michael Anthony reunion going bust you just have to wonder; what the hell are the Van Halen brothers thinking? Sammy Hagar is 72 years old and he still sounds like he’s in his 40’s or even younger. The proof is in The Circle’s first album, the live ‘At Your Service.’ Granted that was four years ago, but still. Here’s a guy who can still sing all the parts. With the original bass player for Van Halen, Micheal Anthony, who still has all his chops and then some. You don’t want to think about the reunion (like Eddie Trunk said on his show), because you know it won’t happen, but you can’t help but think about it. And it really hard not to think ‘How the hell are Eddie and Alex not taking advantage of this?!’ Are they not hearing this? Are they not hearing all the complaints that David Lee Roth can’t sing anymore? It’s almost presented on a plate. And the tour would be so massive that the universe might explode. It’s not even about the money. Why would any of the members of Van Halen need any? It’s about honoring the amazing songs that were created with Sammy Hagar, Eddie Van Halen, Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen. Four number one albums in a row Countless top ten singles. And tours beyond nearly every one of their peers.
But the likely chance of a Van Halen reunion with Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony seems nearly non existent now. No worries however, The Circle certainly kick enough ass to fill the void. And they deserve way more recognition than they’re getting.
