David Lee Roth didn’t pull any punches recently when asked to describe his relationship with Van Halen bandmates Eddie and Alex Van Halen.

“We have always hated each other, right up until the last phone call,” Roth asserted during an appearance on comedian Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast.

The singer went on to explain that hatred has been a continual part of his dynamic with Eddie and Alex. “There were always creative differences,” Roth insisted. “We’ve never gotten along. We started in rival bands. Bitter rivals. But we were thrown together and it was amazing.”

Roth manned the vocals for many of Van Halen’s biggest albums, including Van Halen, Van Halen II and 1984. Despite massive commercial success, the infighting between Roth and other members of the band was well documented throughout their tumultuous partnership.

The frontman departed the group in 1985 and embarked on a successful solo career. He reunited with the band briefly in 1996 and again in 2007, with members occasionally coming together for tours since that time.

While some may categorize Roth’s relationship with his bandmates as toxic, the singer believes the animosity within Van Halen actually contributed to the group’s popularity. “Think of your favorite jeans,” he explained. “They’re ruined and full of holes. What you love most about them is the fucked-up parts.”

The frontman had previously teased a reunion tour, insinuating that Van Halen would be performing in stadiums this summer. Despite continuing reports that a trek featuring Roth and original bassist Michael Anthony was in the works, a tour never materialized.

 

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