Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth appeared as a guest this week on Marc Maron’s “WTF Podcast”. In a great and wide-ranging interview, Roth weighed in on many topics including the current state of affairs between himself and Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Notably, Roth commented that the band has “always hated each other” and rarely gotten along, even in the best of times. He expanded this by discussing the dynamic of the three leaders of the band, both historically before they worked together, right up to their very last tour together. He also mentioned recently performing a remix of ‘Jump’ at Pinkpop Festival with Armin Van Buren, and many stories from his life. Listen to the podcast below and read some quotes we transcribed.  There has been much speculation that Van Halen would announce full reunion with bassist Michael Anthony to perform at festivals or tour dates this summer,  but a published report revealed it was called off.

Asked by Maron about his relationship with Eddie and Alex:

“We have always hated each other, right up until the last phone call.”

How the band started writing together at the beginning of the band:

“There were always creative differences. We’ve never gotten along. We started in rival bands. Bitter rivals. But we were thrown together and it was amazing.”

On why Van Halen works, in spite of the ill feelings:

“Think of your favorite jeans, they’re ruined and full of holes. What you love most about them is the fucked up parts.”

On whether he can hang out with the brothers or have dinner with them socially:

“Not even close.”

http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-1034-david-lee-roth