In the annals of rock history, some of the greatest songs are born not just from inspiration, but from chaotic, hilarious, and utterly human moments.

One such gem is Van Halen’s “Finish What You Started,” a track that, despite its success, has quietly slipped into the shadows of rock’s greatest hits.

Behind this semi-acoustic, country-tinged classic lies a story of friendship, late-night creativity, and a neighbor caught in the crossfire.

By the mid-1980s, Van Halen was already a household name, having dominated the charts with a string of platinum albums and electrifying performances.

The band’s original frontman, David Lee Roth, had departed, and the mantle was passed to the charismatic Sammy Hagar, known as the Red Rocker.

Hagar’s arrival marked a fresh chapter, with the band quickly scoring number one albums like *5150* and *OU812*.

The partnership between Eddie Van Halen, the guitar virtuoso, and Sammy Hagar was electric.

Their dynamic was less about ego clashes and more about mutual inspiration, each pushing the other to new creative heights.

This synergy fueled hits and kept Van Halen at the forefront of rock throughout the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

“Finish What You Started” was the last song recorded for the *OU812* album in 1988.

Unlike the band’s typical hard rock anthems, this track showcased a looser, more country-rock vibe, featuring Sammy Hagar on acoustic rhythm guitar—a rarity in Van Halen’s catalog.

The song’s unique sound and groove made it stand out, but it’s the story behind its creation that truly captures the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll camaraderie.

At the time, Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar were neighbors in Malibu, California, with only one house separating them.

Both were married—Sammy to Betsy and Eddie to Valerie Burtonelli—but their proximity and friendship meant unannounced visits and spontaneous jam sessions were common.

One summer night, Eddie and his wife Valerie were having a lovers’ quarrel.

Eddie, ever the restless creative, grabbed his guitar and headed over to Sammy’s house, where he began throwing pebbles at Sammy’s window to get his attention.

Sammy recalls the scene vividly: “It was around 2 a.m., and Eddie showed up shirtless, with a cigarette hanging from his mouth and a bottle of tequila in hand.

He said, ‘Come on down, man. Valerie’s pissed at me.’ I was thinking, if I go, my wife’s going to be mad at me, but I went anyway.”

The two musicians sat on the porch, guitars in hand, and started writing what would become “Finish What You Started.”

The song was crafted on the spot, born from the chemistry and spontaneity that defined their relationship.

What makes the story even more amusing is that Eddie’s late-night intrusion interrupted Sammy and his wife’s intimate moment.

This real-life interruption inspired the song’s title and lyrics.

Sammy admitted that when he finally returned to bed, his wife was not pleased.

Yet, the creative energy from that night lingered, and by 4 a.m., Sammy was already composing the lyrics in his head, capturing the essence of the experience: “Come on, baby, finish what you started, I’m incomplete.”

This candid and humorous backstory adds a layer of authenticity to the song, making it a memorable slice of Americana and a testament to the unpredictable nature of artistic creation.

Released in September 1988, “Finish What You Started” peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to number two on the mainstream rock charts.

It became a key track on *OU812*, which achieved quadruple platinum status, solidifying Van Halen’s continued success with Sammy Hagar at the helm.

Despite its popularity at the time, the song has since become somewhat of a hidden gem, with fewer plays on radio and limited presence in pop culture.

However, it remains a fan favorite and has been covered by artists like the Foo Fighters and John Mayer, showcasing its enduring appeal.

The Hagar era of Van Halen produced four consecutive number one albums in the U.S., with a combined global sale of over 25 million albums and numerous chart-topping singles.

Their musical output during this period was prolific and influential.

However, tensions eventually arose within the band. By the mid-1990s, conflicts involving band members and management, coupled with health issues and personal challenges, strained relationships.

The 1995 tour, dubbed the “ambulance tour” due to Eddie’s hip injury and Alex’s neck brace, was grueling.

Despite plans to take a break, creative differences and logistical disputes led to Sammy Hagar’s departure in 1996.

David Lee Roth briefly returned, but the band’s dynamics had permanently shifted.

In a touching postscript, Sammy Hagar shared a dream he had about Eddie Van Halen after Eddie’s passing in 2020.

In the dream, Eddie played a new riff, and Sammy began singing a melody—an ethereal collaboration that inspired Sammy to write a new song upon waking.

This story highlights the deep bond between the two musicians, transcending even death, and underscores the lasting impact of their partnership.

“Finish What You Started” is more than just a song; it’s a symbol of the unique friendship and creative synergy between Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar.

Born from a late-night interruption and a shared passion for music, it stands as a testament to the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of rock ‘n’ roll creation.

Though it may have faded from mainstream radio, the song’s story and spirit continue to resonate with fans, reminding us that behind every great hit lies a human story filled with laughter, frustration, and inspiration.