Tragic Details About Van Halen

It hasn't been good times all the time for Van Halen. They've endured lineup changes, the consequences of a rock 'n' roll lifestyle, and plenty of health scares. Here are some of the most tragic moments in Van Halen's history.

While Van Halen was named after brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, their breakout star was colorful lead singer David Lee Roth. He was always good for a quippy quote, bouncing around on stage, and mugging for the cameras. But then in 1985, he left the band, a year after the release of their most successful album, 1984.

That left the rest of Van Halen scrambling to find a new lead singer to keep the gravy train rolling. Several of the band's initial choices turned down the gig, which eventually went to hard rock solo artist Sammy Hagar. Patty Smyth of the band Scandal was one of those choices. She told Delaware's News Journal in 2014,

"They had asked me not to talk about in interviews at the time, because they didn't want Sammy Hagar to feel like he was the second choice."

Another interesting selection that could've been was the honey-voiced Daryl Hall of blue-eyed soul duo Hall and Oates. When Hagar was a guest on Hall's show Live at Daryl's House, he asked Hall about the rumor that he'd been asked to join his old band, which Hall confirmed.

Watch the video for more Tragic Details About Van Halen.

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David Lee Roth's departure | 0:11
Papa Van Halen's passing | 1:15
Losing Michael Anthony | 2:17
The hated brown M&Ms | 3:33
Struggling with alcoholism | 4:55
Rock 'n' roll marriage | 6:00
The tragic hip | 7:02
Tongue cancer | 7:50
Diverticulitis | 9:01
Van Halen vs. Van Halen | 9:57

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