A few years ago I read an interview with Mike (can’t remember which one) in which he stated that he was part responsible for a few VH songs and lyrics.
So I don’t hide behind the album credits, I just get the facts.
And you’re right, he never wrote a VH song all by himself.

I don’t think Ed told Mike how to play a particular bass line, a real musician like Mike knows how to play a part that fits the song.
Just like Ed knows how to play his guitar part and Al the drums.
But you sure sound convinced regarding your story, perhaps I missed an Ed/Al interview? How do you know all this?
And please don’t tell me it’s because I’m not a true VH fan.

Finally:
I wanted to compare both Anthony and Ed to each other as human beings dealing with the same kind of situation.
Forget about Ed being the greatest rock guitarist and Anthony Kiedis as RHCP leadsinger for a moment.
There are 2 bands on hiatus.
Chad Smith joins a band called Chickenfoot, Mike did Planet Us.
Both Smith and Mike don’t know when RHCP and VH will be back again.
Anthony Kiedis seems to be OK with it, Ed is pissed.
Can you tell me why?
I don’t think money and talent has got anything to do with it, it’s just temper.
But again, that’s my humble opinion.

Anyway, I think it’s fun too to share thoughts with an American VH fan, it’s always interesting to read and learn how people in the “new world” think about a particular (VH) situation.
Let’s hope VH will be back again soon with some new music, hope you agree with me on that!

Frank, NL

Yes! Mike should’ve waited for HIS BAND MATES to get better and ready to record and tour! Mike could’ve made a guest appearence on Sam’s record or anyone else’s. HE STARTED A NEW BAND!!

He turned his back on Ed, AL and the fans!!

You hide behind the credits of the album but we BOTH know (if you’re a TRUE Van Halen Fan) who CREATED the SONGS and LYRICS! If I bring a song to you and say, play BASS to it, I’ve made your JOB a whole lot EASIER!!

If I say, sing these LYRICS that I wrote a little higher than ME, I made your JOB a whole lot EASIER!!

Ed was GRACIOUS enough to SHARE CREDIT, MONEY, FORTUNE and FAME with Mike and AL! THATS LOYALTY!!

You’re right, Mike doesn’t have to wait for Van Halen to make him money anymore, ED’S MADE HIM MILLIONS ALREADY!!

Name me 3, no make it 1, song Mike CREATED on his OWN for VAN HALEN?

Are you really going to COMPARE Anthony Kiedis to EDWARD VAN HALEN???

I did appriciate your thoughts and opinions. It’s always FUN to debate other Van Halen FREAKS like myself!

Let’s do it again!

First of all, Ed and Al didn’t start a new band and they had no reason to, ’cause Ed was dealing with his personal issues like hip replacement etc. like you said.
His health is more important than anything, so I don’t blame him.
Alex doesn’t play with no one else but his brother (nothing wrong with that). This was even stated by Sam in an interview.

The sleeve notes of all my VH albums mention Mike’s name as being part responsible for the writing of the songs (OK, not all of them), Mike confirmed this once.
I doubt it that this is mentioned in the European album versions only, ’cause I’m Dutch.
You say all Mike did was playing what’s been written and sing high harmony.
Mike was responsible for all the bass parts.
You make it sound like Mike had no influence at all in giving VH their remarkable sound.
Why do you think most of the fans (including me) were stunned when they heard Mike was out of VH?
If Mike flunked the whole thing, no one would care less…
Mike’s contribution and passion to VH is equal compared to the others, so it’s normal to share everything in equal parts.
Not Ed, Al, Dave nor even Sammy made Mike rich & famous as you say, they are all responsible for making each other rich & famous.

Then, Ed needs some time off for his health (not knowing how long this will last, but that’s logical).
Mike gets tired of doing nothing for 4 years but he doesn’t want to push Ed & Al to make up their minds (quite loyal, don’t you think?).
So in the meantime he does this Planet Us thing.
He never said he left or quit VH and he stated that he would return once Ed and Al were up to it again.
Can you blame Michael for doing something else during the VH hiatus, of which the length was unknown back then?
All he wanted to do was to go out and play, not to hurt the brothers’ feelings but he had to leave anyway.
Was he supposed to ask Ed and Al for permission? Come on…
So do I think Mike was fired? Yes, I do.

Does VH wait for Mike to make him more money?
Obviously not, but like I earlier said, Mike already agreed to get paid less during the 2004 tour so he didn’t give a **** about the money at all.
Finally: yes, Mike is loyal ’cause he did the tour for the fans who got tired of waiting (although I still have to wait for their European tour).
I mean, come on, do you hear Anthony Kiedis talking about chopping Chad Smith’s head off for doing this Chickenfoot thing?

But hey, these are my thoughts about the whole matter.
You’re free to think otherwise.

Frank, NL