No words needed.  I have been vindicated by Alex Van Halen himself!

See below from “Sammy Hagar” after our LeBrain Train episode on the 5150 album.  In a case of over-preparing for the episode, I played 5150 numerous times that week, along with 1984, OU812, and Eat ‘Em and Smile for context.  I felt that each era had its merits, but Dave had better lyrics than Hagar.  I still feel that way,

I was teased for calling David Lee Roth a “poet” while critiquing the lyrics on 5150.

In 2026, Alex Van Halen said:  “He was a poet.  We did our best work with Dave.”

I’d call this vindication!

Full LeBrain Train episode is below (April 30, 2021).

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Hold onto your seats, folks, because T-Bone will blow you away with his 5150 knowledge and insight. In fact, all six panel members tonight brought it!

• Mike
• Tee Bone
• Derek Williamson
• Aaron (KeepsMeAlive)
• Uncle Meat
• Kevin

While it wasn’t fun being the lone dissenting voice when you’re up against heavyweights like Kevin and Meat, this was one of the best discussions on 5150 that you are likely to hear. And you need a dissenting voice, right?  I was happy to play the role of punching bag too!

The Van Halen talk begins at exactly 0:48:00 and runs through to the end.  Enjoy!