Sammy Hagar is unlikely to consider Alex Van Halen‘s new memoir Brothers as one of his top reads for 2024. The memoir has sparked significant discussion due to its selective storytelling, particularly regarding the band’s history during Hagar’s tenure. This oversight may leave fans curious about the full narrative of Van Halen’s evolution and the dynamics that shaped the group during those pivotal years.

Hagar, who served as the lead vocalist for Van Halen from 1985 to 1996 and again between 2003 and 2005, recently took to social media to express his disappointment over the memoir’s content. He described the lack of acknowledgment of his contributions to the band as “blasphemy,” highlighting the ongoing tensions and the complexities of their shared history as bandmates. Fans are left wondering about the dynamics of their relationship and the impact it had on the band’s legacy.

Published in October, Brothers primarily chronicles the first twelve years of the iconic California rock band, effectively concluding the Van Halen narrative following the departure of original vocalist David Lee Roth. This focus excludes not only Hagar’s significant contributions but also the brief period when Gary Cherone took over as lead singer, as well as the eventual reunion with Roth. This omission has led to heated discussions among fans and music critics alike regarding the incomplete portrayal of Van Halen’s rich history.

“What happened after Dave left is not the same band,” Alex Van Halen remarked in an interview with Billboard in October. He clarified, “I’m not saying it was better or worse or any of that. The truth is that Ed and I produced our best work when we performed together. We always gave it our all. However, the real magic was in our initial years when we were experimenting without constraints, when we were willing to explore every possibility.” This perspective sheds light on the creative journey and the evolution of the band’s sound over the years.

Recently, Hagar shared a nostalgic photo of himself alongside guitarist Eddie Van Halen from 1991 on Instagram. He began to engage with fans in the comments section, including one comment that suggested that “most purists believe VH ended with DLR.” This interaction not only highlights the ongoing discussions among fans but also underscores the differing opinions on the band’s legacy and the pivotal changes in their lineup over the years.

“It could have [ended], my friend, but instead we went on to sell over 50 million records and achieved a No. 1 album. We sold out every venue and stadium worldwide for an entire decade,” Hagar passionately responded. “Such a feat has never been repeated.” His comments emphasize the commercial success and cultural impact of Van Halen during Hagar’s era, a time that shaped the band’s identity and defined their place in rock history.

Van Halen reached some of their peak successes with their groundbreaking album 1984, which not only featured the chart-topping single “Jump,” but also peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking it as their highest-charting release from the Roth era. Following that, their 1986 album, 5150, was the first to be released with Hagar as the frontman, and it marked the beginning of a remarkable streak of four consecutive No. 1 albums. This period solidified their status as rock icons and showcased the band’s ability to evolve and adapt their sound.

Continuing his remarks, Hagar argued that Alex Van Halen is neglecting both the band and his late brother’s legacy by omitting this crucial era from the memoir. He asserted that this exclusion does a disservice to the musical achievements and the creative collaborations that defined that period, suggesting that a more comprehensive narrative would honor the full spectrum of their musical journey.

“Alex is not doing his brother’s musical legacy justice by not acknowledging all the No. 1 albums and the incredible music Eddie and I crafted together — not Alex — but Eddie and I,” Hagar expressed. “To omit those ten years of music is an affront to his brother’s musicianship and songwriting prowess.” His words resonate with the sentiments of many fans who feel that every chapter of Van Halen’s history deserves recognition.

Despite his critical remarks regarding Alex Van Halen’s memoir, Hagar expressed to Rolling Stone that it remains “on [his] bucket list” to reconcile with his former bandmate at some point in the future. This desire for peace indicates a hope for mending their relationship, which has been fraught with tension over the years.

“I understand that he probably couldn’t encapsulate the entire era in a single book. It would’ve been an extensive read, perhaps even the length of the Bible. He may have plans for a Volume 2. Who knows?” Hagar speculated. This acknowledgement reflects an understanding of the complexities involved in documenting such a rich history and the challenges of distilling it into a singular narrative.

“I want to be friends, though. I’m not looking to rejoin the band with Al; that’s not my intention. I can sense that he’s not in a place to do that. If he were, I would be more than willing to collaborate again, but right now, I just want to restore our friendship.” Hagar’s heartfelt sentiment emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and reconciliation, even amidst professional disagreements.