Alex Van Halen Says Hagar, Satriani & Anthony Were ‘Not Doing Van Halen Justice’ With Their Tour, Denies Claims He’s ‘Quitting’ Music’
Alex Van Halen, co-founder and drummer of the legendary rock band Van Halen, has publicly criticized the recent tour involving former bandmates Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, and Michael Anthony. The trio has been performing what they describe as a tribute to Van Halen, but Alex claims the project is “not doing Van Halen justice.”
In a recent interview, Alex expressed his frustration with the tour, emphasizing that Van Halen’s legacy should not be taken lightly. “This isn’t what Van Halen stood for,” he said. “It’s not just about playing the music; it’s about the energy, the chemistry, and the brotherhood that made Van Halen unique. What they’re doing, while well-intentioned, is not capturing that essence.”
Alex’s criticism comes as a surprise to some fans, considering Hagar’s tenure as Van Halen’s lead singer from 1985 to 1996 and again in the early 2000s. During that period, the band released some of its biggest hits, including albums like 5150 and OU812. While the combination of Hagar, Satriani (a guitar virtuoso), and Anthony (Van Halen’s longtime bassist) has drawn considerable attention, Alex feels the performances lack the authenticity of the original Van Halen lineup.
In response to claims that Alex Van Halen is retiring from music, the drummer firmly denied the rumors. “I’m not quitting music, not by a long shot,” he clarified. “I may not be on tour or in the spotlight right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m done. I’m still very much involved in music, and there’s more to come when the time is right.”
Alex’s statements reflect the delicate balance between honoring a band’s legacy and the challenges that arise when former members embark on separate projects. With the passing of his brother Eddie Van Halen in 2020, many fans hoped for a proper tribute to the band’s contributions to rock history. However, Alex’s comments suggest that any future celebrations of Van Halen’s music would need to meet a high standard.
While it remains to be seen if Alex will ever perform under the Van Halen name again, his recent comments make it clear that, for him, the spirit of Van Halen is something that cannot be easily replicated. Fans will be watching closely to see if and when Alex decides to reenter the music scene—and whether a more official Van Halen tribute could be on the horizon.
