Meaning: This quote is from Gary Cherone, the lead vocalist of the band Van Halen from 1996 to 1999. In this statement, Cherone reflects on his time with the band and offers his perspective on why his tenure as the frontman of Van Halen was not as successful as he had hoped. The quote also sheds light on the dynamics within the band and the challenges they faced during that period.

Cherone's mention of "old, classic Van Halen" refers to the band's earlier repertoire, particularly the songs and albums from the time when David Lee Roth was the lead vocalist. Van Halen experienced significant commercial success and critical acclaim during the Roth era, and their music from that period is considered iconic and influential in the rock genre.

Cherone's comment about trying to "pull out some old, classic Van Halen that they had not played in 10 or 15 years" suggests that he made an effort to incorporate older, beloved Van Halen songs into the band's live performances during his time as the frontman. This could have been a strategy to connect with the audience and tap into the nostalgia associated with the band's earlier music.

The quote also touches on the issue of preference and loyalty within the band. Cherone implies that there was a reluctance to perform the "Dave stuff," referring to the songs and era of the band associated with David Lee Roth. This highlights a potential source of tension and disagreement within the band regarding the direction of their live performances and the selection of songs to be included in their setlists.

Cherone's assessment that "I think that was Sammy's mistake" alludes to the impact of this approach on the band's dynamics. Sammy Hagar, who was the vocalist before Cherone, had a successful tenure with Van Halen, during which the band achieved commercial success with a different musical style compared to the Roth era. Cherone's statement suggests that there may have been a misstep in attempting to prioritize the older material over the songs associated with Hagar's era, potentially leading to a disconnect with the audience and impacting the band's overall performance and reception.

Overall, Cherone's quote provides insight into the complexities and challenges faced by Van Halen during his tenure as the band's lead vocalist. It offers a glimpse into the dynamics of the band, the decision-making processes regarding their musical repertoire, and the influence of past eras and vocalists on the band's performances. Cherone's reflections shed light on the intricacies of maintaining the legacy and identity of a band with a storied history and a diverse fan base.