Exclusively Van Halen: Sammy Hagar Reveals Why 'Eagles Fly' Wasn't a #VanHalen Song. 12/30/24

https://www.youtube.com/live/DYquc8DOaWQ?si=GWCiPrB817Q8KorA Sammy Hagar recently shared the story behind his song “Eagles Fly” in an episode of his Storytime YouTube series, revealing how it was almost a Van Halen track before being dismissed by Alex Van Halen—only for Alex to later regret the decision when the song appeared on Hagar’s 1987 solo album, I Never Say Goodbye. “I’m at the studio,” Hagar recalled. “I’m playing it for Ed, and Alex is standing in the background. I’m on acoustic guitar, and Alex says, ‘Sounds like John Denver!’” Hagar couldn’t help but laugh at the memory. “I’ll never forget it! I’m thinking, ‘Yeah—what’s wrong with that? John’s a badass! Shut your mouth when you’re talking about John!’ It was just such a funny reaction.” Hagar eventually recorded “Eagles Fly” for his solo album, with Eddie Van Halen contributing guitar, bass, and backing vocals. When Alex later heard the finished version, his tune changed. “Alex heard it on the record,” Hagar explained, “and he said, ‘Hey, man, you should have saved that for Van Halen!’ I reminded him, ‘Dude, don’t you remember what you said about it?’” Although it wasn’t released as a Van Halen track, “Eagles Fly” became a staple of their live performances during Hagar’s time in the band. “It’s ironic,” Hagar noted, “because it became one of Alex’s favorite songs. It was also one of Eddie’s favorites. It really should have been on a Van Halen record.” Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Hagar added, “That would’ve been incredible on OU812, but it is what it is. It’s a song I’ll play for the rest of my life.”