Alex Van Halen Reflects on Van Halen’s Evolution: “Not the Same” After David Lee Roth Departure
In a recent interview, Alex Van Halen, co-founder and drummer of the legendary rock band Van Halen, opened up about the seismic shifts the band underwent following the departure of their original frontman, David Lee Roth. The drummer expressed a deep nostalgia for the group’s early years, stating that the magic of Van Halen was rooted in those initial, formative years with Roth, who left the band in 1985.
“Van Halen wasn’t the same after Dave left,” Alex said candidly, reflecting on the dynamic that propelled them into rock stardom. “The magic was in the first years. There was something electric about what we did together during that time.”
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Van Halen, fronted by Roth and powered by Alex’s brother, the virtuosic guitarist Eddie Van Halen, became one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Their combination of high-energy performances, virtuosic guitar work, and Roth’s flamboyant stage presence captivated audiences worldwide. Songs like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil” became iconic, helping the band solidify their place in rock history.
However, tensions between Roth and the Van Halen brothers led to Roth’s departure, and Sammy Hagar stepped in as the band’s new frontman. The band continued to find success with Hagar, releasing hit albums like 5150 and OU812. Yet, Alex admitted that despite the commercial achievements of the Hagar era, the essence of the band had changed irreversibly.
“Sammy brought his own thing, and it worked in its own way, but it was different. The chemistry we had with Dave was something unique. The early years were something you can’t replicate.”
For Alex, the early era with Roth was the band’s creative pinnacle. It was during those years that the band’s raw energy and fearless experimentation pushed boundaries and redefined what rock music could be. While Van Halen’s later iterations achieved notable success, Alex’s reflections underline how foundational Roth’s presence was to the band’s initial explosion.
Eddie Van Halen’s untimely death in 2020 brought an end to any potential reunions, but the band’s legacy endures. As Alex looks back, it’s clear that those early years, filled with innovation, struggle, and camaraderie, are what he cherishes the most.
As Van Halen’s place in rock history remains undeniable, fans continue to debate which era of the band reigns supreme. But for Alex, there’s no question: the magic of Van Halen lies in those first, electric years with David Lee Roth at the helm.
