Number 6 Most Overrated Musical Act of All Time: Van Halen (Sammy Hagar version)

Ok, we Gen-Xers get it. David Lee Roth was an impossible buffoon (see yesterday's post regarding “vocalists”). He was difficult to work with, and made decisions that adversely impacted the success of Van Halen. But kicking him out and replacing him with Hagar did not work, regardless of how many marketing articles portrayed the situation otherwise. It’s like replacing the first Darren with the second Darren on Bewitched. It didn’t fool anyone, and the original was better. We guitar players love Eddie Van Halen, but his unfortunate flirtation with synthesizers helped to bring about the end of the band, which technically happened the moment David Lee Roth slinked away in his ridiculous tights. When Sammy Hagar was the Red Rocker, he played a decent guitar, couldn't drive 55, and generally rocked our socks off. When he tried to replace David Lee Roth, the result was similar to sewing a new patch onto an old garment. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Overratedness Rating: 1/5 Miley Cyruses