Sammy Hagar has made it clear that retirement is not in his immediate future. He cites a profound sense of responsibility to keep Van Halen’s music alive for the fans who supported him throughout his career. In a candid interview, the legendary rock vocalist explained that his continued touring is driven by duty rather than financial necessity, particularly following Eddie Van Halen’s death.
“Yes, it really is,” Hagar responded when asked if his motivation to perform stems from the love of music. “And one other thing. I used to play 5 Van Halen songs in my two hour show. When Eddie died, the band was so big and powerful, I just felt all of a sudden my heart was bleeding for the fans. I go, ‘Somebody has to play this music. Somebody has to continue this thing on.'”
Hagar elaborated on the emotional weight of this responsibility. He described it as an obligation to the fans who made his life possible. “I really felt an obligation. The obligation I feel to those people that put me in this position to live this life and to be, you know, this is the best life in the world. And I earned it, maybe, but they also gave it to me.”
The Red Rocker was particularly critical of artists who continue performing despite vocal decline. He views this as a betrayal of fan loyalty. “I feel sorry for those people that support you all them years and say, when people retire, they go out and do this horrible show, like some of these people are doing nowadays, with people that can’t even sing, and they go out and they do that to them, and they go, don’t you realize what these people did for you? And that you’re gonna just go piss on them? I don’t, I can’t do that.”
Hagar’s commitment to honoring Van Halen’s legacy has become the centerpiece of his touring activities in recent years. His performances now feature significantly more material from his time with the legendary band.
The Rock Revival reported that Hagar’s commitment to the Van Halen catalog has grown substantially since Eddie Van Halen’s passing. What began as just five Van Halen songs per show has evolved into a much more comprehensive celebration of the band’s catalog. This shift reflects Hagar’s stated epiphany with drummer Mike Anthony about the importance of preserving the band’s musical legacy for devoted fans.
The expansion of Van Halen material in his setlists demonstrates how seriously Hagar takes his self-imposed mission. By increasing the number of classic Van Halen songs performed each night, he ensures that audiences experience a deeper dive into the band’s most iconic work. This honors both the music and the legacy of Eddie Van Halen.
Visit Indy indicated that Hagar’s 2026 touring efforts continue under the banner of the “Best of All Worlds Tour.” The tour reunites him with the Best of All Worlds Band, which includes original Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony. This lineup represents a direct connection to Van Halen’s classic era. Anthony serves as a living link to the band’s golden age.
The 2026 tour marks another chapter in Hagar’s ongoing mission to keep Van Halen’s music alive on stage. By touring with Michael Anthony and other accomplished musicians, Hagar ensures that the Van Halen experience remains authentic and respectful to the band’s legacy. This approach prevents the experience from becoming a watered-down tribute act.
