BJ is once again joined by Greg Renoff, author of the forthcoming book Van Halen Rising, this time to discuss the phenomenon that has come to be known as Van Hagar. Listen as we babble coherently about topics like: Why did Sammy Hagar seem to leave a bad taste in the mouths of so many Van Halen fans? And who might the brothers have chosen to replace Diamond Dave instead of the Red Rocker?
BJ,
ReplyDeleteLiked hearing you guys geek out on the topic.
I'm kinda a person who likes both versions of Van Halen. I think it comes down to what was said on the podcast that it somewhat comes down to the music you heard as you were coming of age. I was 12-13 when 1984 came out... I went back and got first album... then right after that was hearing Roth's "Crazy.." & "Eat 'em", and Van Hagar 5150. To me they were all just different bands.
Old VH had more energy & rawness. Van Hagar was more like Foreigner & more melodic IMO, with more interesting guitar. Roth appealed to same part of me that liked Mad Magazine, Weird Al Yankovic, and cartoonishness of bands like Twisted Sister. Hagar, to me, probably had better voice (especially NOW), and saw them in concert during F.U.C.K.
and was good show.
Roth & Hagar may or may not have really gotten along... I think irony is that it was probably Eddie or Alex that probably contributed their fair share to the discontent in the band. I don't know much about Roth or Hagar personally (interested in reading your guest's book), but think they are probably more similar than different. Both have a sorta "laid back California" type attitude. Both are hard working in the direction they want to go in. Both are hyperactive & manic when talking in interviews.
So growing up I liked both version of VH. Both have different place in my musical memory. I will say though that, today, original VH holds up better for me. I don't listen to or have as many of the VAn Hagar era stuff.
-Eric