Sammy Hagar And Michael Anthony Say They Haven’t Been Asked To Join Alex Van Halen’s New Project

The next chapter of the Van Halen story is slowly taking shape, but don’t expect a full reunion of familiar faces.

Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony have confirmed they have not been invited to contribute to the unfinished Van Halen recordings Alex Van Halen is currently developing with Toto’s Steve Lukather (via Blabbermouth).

In a new interview with Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern, Hagar made it clear there’s been no call.

“No. We haven’t been asked, number one,” he said, before reflecting on the mountain of studio material recorded during his era with the band.

“There’s so much stuff from Mike and I and Ed and Al in the studio… So there’s so much stuff that Al could really choose from, if he wanted to include Mike and I. But, obviously, Al’s got a reason, and he’s Alex Van Halen; he can do whatever he wants. And, to me, it’s an Alex Van Halen project, and it’s not necessarily a VAN HALEN project, but I guess we’ll see if it ever sees the light today. But I’m disappointed that Mike and I wouldn’t be invited. It’s, like, what? Are you kidding me? We’re still alive. We’re out here doing it. We’re playing those songs. We can still do it, you know?”

Anthony echoed the sentiment:

“Yeah. If this is material that we jammed on or whatever, I’d have no problem coming in and singing or [playing bass] or whatever. It’s all good there.”

What We Know About The Project

Alex has been revisiting incomplete recordings originally intended for a future Van Halen album before Eddie Van Halen’s death in 2020, the tracks reportedly feature finished drums, guitar and bass, with vocals still missing. Many of the bass parts are said to be played by Wolfgang Van Halen.

Speaking to Brazil’s Kazagastão, Alex explained the goal is quality control, not a nostalgia cash in:

“We’re not gonna release it in its embryonic form… It has to be the quality that we expect.”

Paul Rodgers was reportedly considered for vocals but is unable to participate, Alex and Lukather are now searching for a singer in a similar generational lane.

For Australian fans, this remains a watching brief, there’s still no timeline, confirmed vocalist, or release date, what’s clear is this won’t be a traditional Van Halen reunion, it’s shaping up as an Alex led project built from the bones of what Eddie left behind.

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