Live Review: Chickenfoot in Cambridge, MA
From LiveDaily.com:
By Jon Zahlaway / LiveDaily Senior Writer
“Man, my hotel room is bigger than this,” Sammy Hagar quipped shortly after his new supergroup, Chickenfoot, took the stage in the packed and sweltering basement of Cambridge’s Middle East nightclub on Tuesday (5/26)–and, given the multi-platinum rocker/tequila mogul’s tax bracket, he probably wasn’t kidding.
“This is where we all started,” Hagar said, referring to his and his bandmates’ long-ago days of slogging through clubs–and, with a maximum capacity of 575 people, the Middle East has the distinction of being the smallest one that the group will hit during its current outing. “And we’re startin’ over again now–but how ’bout startin’ over again with these motherf—ers, huh?”
The motherf—ers to whom Hagar was referring, of course, are his high-powered bandmates: guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and bassist Michael Anthony, who, like Hagar, is a former member of Van Halen. Suffice to say, the lineup has a bit more name recognition than the average bar band–which explains why the Middle East was packed to the bursting point and sporting a room temperature that easily cleared the 100-degree mark.
The quartet put on an awesome display of musicianship while road-testing a batch of down-and-dirty blues-rock originals that made very clear the reason why the four veterans feel compelled at this late stage in their respective careers to try getting another group off the ground. The new music is, quite simply, among the best work any of them have ever done.
In recent years, Hagar’s concerts with his now-on-hiatus solo band, The Waboritas, were purposely staged as reasonable facsimiles of what it’s like to spend a tequila-soaked night watching Hagar and his cohorts jam at the singer’s Mexican nightclub, The Cabo Wabo Cantina. During those affairs, Hagar carved out a niche for himself as heavy-metal’s answer to Jimmy Buffett while working through a setlist largely comprised of songs that first surfaced years ago.
A Chickenfoot show is not that.
Despite its impressive pedigree, the group rolled out only a single song from its respective members’ pre-Chickenfoot arsenal (”Bad Motor Scooter,” a ’70s-era Montrose cut that is the first song Hagar ever wrote), and spent the rest of the time tearing through material from the group’s forthcoming, self-titled debut, which hits stores June 5.
In Chickenfoot, Hagar is not the center of gravity around which the rest of the band orbits; he is one star in a constellation of four equally bright lights.
Which isn’t to say that he doesn’t stand out; the 61-year-old singer has somehow managed to slow down the aging process to the extent that he looks substantially younger and, more importantly, sounds exactly the same as he did during his late-’80s/early ’90s heyday with Van Halen; he still has one of the best voices in rock, and can hit those high notes with as much power as ever.
And speaking of high-register vocals: meet Mr. Michael Anthony, the man whose background harmonies helped define Van Halen’s sound almost as much as that band’s namesake guitarist. In addition to helping Smith shake the room with teeth-rattling bass lines, Anthony served up backing vocals so clean-sounding and spot-on that they would have been first-take keepers in the recording studio. Hearing new music featuring his and Hagar’s voices together again would justify Chickenfoot’s existence in and of itself.
No such justification is needed, however, because Chickenfoot’s other half makes the band a one-of-a-kind rock juggernaut that truly lives up to its “supergroup” billing.
Smith, known for his funk-infused output with the Chili Peppers, was a monster. The tall and lanky percussionist punished his kit with the kinds of thunderous chops and intricate fills that would cause anyone to question how he and a guy who merely keeps 4/4 time could both be called “drummers.”
Satriani, who has spent most of his career focusing on instrumental pieces that showcase his otherworldly guitar skills, chose well when he decided to shelve his lone-wolf ways and join this band; no one knows more than Hagar and Anthony about making music with a guitar god. Pale-skinned, Turtle-Wax bald and sporting black wraparound shades, the guitarist–who, after years as a solo act, is used to being the main attraction on any stage–looked more than happy to share the spotlight with a trio of equals.
Always impressive on its own, Satriani’s phenomenal six-string work felt more focused and accessible as part of Chickenfoot’s soulful, well-crafted songs. If anything, his prowess stood out even more by virtue of the fact that it wasn’t the sole focus; when he took a solo, it was an event.
An added benefit of seeing four millionaires perform at a hole-in-the-wall club? They can afford really, really good gear and an experienced sound man … which, when combined with their inherent talent, resulted in a positively stellar-sounding show.
After wrapping up a main set comprised of all original material, the group left the stage, but returned a couple moments later for a two-song encore that began with the aforementioned “Bad Motor Scooter.” The sweat-drenched quartet closed things out by covering Deep Purple’s “Highway Star,” which was cool and all, but it’s a safe bet that the crowd would have been a lot happier if they had instead dusted off something from Hagar’s tenure with Van Halen. (Chances are they’ll do just that when they mount a full-fledged tour of larger venues in August and September.)
Although faced with almost nothing but songs from a not-yet-released album, the small, tightly packed crowd was jacked up from start to finish–and their enthusiasm went well beyond the simple excitement of seeing four legendary rock stars in such an intimate setting; familiar or not, the impressive batch of raw, ass-kicking music is what fueled the frenzy.
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May 28th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
awesome performance Chad Smith Ferrel. I ran into your brother Will Ferrel in the elevator to the show and he was stoked for you. He said he would’nt miss these debut shows for nothing.
It really moved me at how your family sticks together. Very touching. He said he was gonna make a SNL comeback soon but seeing his twin brother Chad Ferrel was on his priority list.
Rock on.
May 28th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
The guitar solo’s between satch and hagar are pathetic. Total EVH rip off. Get this crap off the vhnd.com site. Please!
EVH where are you?
May 28th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
He’s busy signing endorsement deals so he can squeeze every last dime out of people like you.
May 28th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Karl, woof!
May 28th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Great show, from start to finish. 550 fans sammy, chad, mike and smoke, like being at toads in the early days. Thank you chickenfoot for a glorious rock n roll night!!!!!!!!!!!
May 28th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
An album like 5150 could not have been made with out Sammy in the mix…just like 1984 could not have been made with out Dave. Both the Dave era and the Sammy era have their merits…there will never be another monster as big as Van Halen. Just shut up and be thankful that we got to witness the magic all these guys have created….past present and future.
May 28th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
well said grant!
May 28th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
The Desk does a great job putting out any info orbiting the VAN HALEN PLANET, lately it happens to be Sams project. Once the band gets their asses in gear and does something, it will be the main topic…til then we get the Chickenfoot Coop—>
May 28th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Kudos Karl. Well stated.
May 28th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Positive news on Chickenfoot.
This will have the haters spinning themselves right out of their EVH shoes.
May 28th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Just a few things… the Chickenfoot bashers… chill out. Angry this is on the VHND? Well, umm, what VAN HALEN news would like them to report instead? Ahh that’s right… there isn’t any.
And while we all wait for the ‘10 albums worth of new material’ that Ed allegedly has and been talking about for years, at least there is another hard rock band with noticing out there.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Ed’s music and always will. I bought a freakin’ porno…. FOR THE SOUNDTRACK. The man is the reason I play guitar. I am a fan.
But why bash Chickenfoot? If you don’t like it, cool. I’m waiting for a new VH album too. But this _IS_ relevant news, 1/2 the band are former VH members. Back when Dave was still out and solo, did anyone gripe if the VHND covered Dave related news? Nah, he was a member and it was relevant.
Personally I think there is room enough for all of the fans and all of the musicians that are/were/may be again members of Van Halen.
Second issue; why is everyone calling the Boston show the smallest on the mini-tour? I was at the Roxy and the sign on the wall said ‘Capacity 449′
What an amazing show that was last week… felt more like crashing the band’s private party than a ‘concert’. Complete with free Cabo shots (gee… wonder who made that happen?)
May 28th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
there is no doubt if this was daves new band the CF haters would be all over it no matter how bad it was.all van halen has to do is something (anything) and we will all get our wish as long as it isnt another best of or an oldies but goodies tour.
May 28th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Karl
You posted this from cabo wabo right? That is pretty funny.
May 28th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Was at the show, Barry Guedreau and Peter Wolf were in attendence, the show was fantastic!
They delivered, were having fun and it showed.
Sound was great for such a small setting.
Bravo.
May 28th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Dave
You did with the price of admission and cost of all the other extras. You don’t think Sammy did it out of the goodness of his heart do you? I am sure the tequila banners where all over the place. Did you wear your EVH shoes!
May 28th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Uhh… What if Chickenfoot’s lead singer was Roth. Would it then be suitable for VHND? Sheez, it’s new rock and roll from 2 people in VH history. That can’t be erased. On another note… What’s Gary Cherone up to these days?
Eat Me and Smile. Oops! Spelled it wrong!
May 28th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Hey VanWhalen, what’s with this chip on your shoulder? Maybe if you actually attended a CF concert and see for yourself maybe you would lighten up a little. These guys are making new music and having a blast and sharing the experience with the fans. If you don’t like it why not wait for VH to do something and then post a comment. Let the rest of us have our fun ok?
May 28th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I saw Chickenfoot in Cambridge and they were amazing…Sammy is 62 and has better pipes than any rocker out there….Satch was amazing as well…an I have a new found respect for Chad, he’s a powerful drummer…..and it was great to hear see Mike and the Jack Daniels Bass…..
More proof that these younger rockstar have nothing on old school rock…..
Thanks Guys…..
May 28th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
dave good to here people like you say it how it is i was at roxy show great show i was in vip noing someone in band helps rock on with the foot!
May 28th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Oh and another observation from the show…
I had some apprehension about an all Foot set-list…
Didn’t miss a beat, even though the tunes were relatively unheard by many, it didn’t matter…
They delivered…it was (no BS) a good show.
Music is to be interpreted differently by different people, but as a fan of all things Van Halen, I was impressed.
Not many know Chickenfoot..but they will.
May 28th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Well Said Dan!!!!!
May 28th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
i wish they were coming close to where i live but i am looking forward to the album.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
chicken foot blows
May 28th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I am a huge van halen fan mainly because of eddies guitar but i never chose sides.Chickenfoot sound great because they enjoy playing together. I cant wait to see them live
May 28th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I guess Diver Down was awesome then?
May 28th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
I can see it coming!! As soon as this Chickenfoot start introducing some Van Halen songs into their set, the ‘Joe plays it better than Eddie’ comments will start to flood this Chickenfoot News Desk!! Much like what happened to Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. Example: If anyone ever thinks Stevie Ray’s version of ‘Voodoo Child’ is better than the original, have no idea about music, period!!
It’s a fact; Sammy’s fans are littered with them!! Sammy fans remind me of the guy that couldn’t go to a Led Zeppelin or Van Halen concert because of his parents’ disapproval and instead got stuck watching the Partridge Family!! They’ve been bitter ever since because they missed out on the Rock n Roll history & fun the rest of us had!! That’s why we constantly hear them on these chat sites telling us what an asshole Eddie is, Dave can’t sing, Van Halen don’t care about their fans, on & on. First of all too even put Sam in the same league with Diamond Dave just spell’s ignorance & naivety. You just don’t GET IT!!!
The real hardcore fans of Rock n Roll couldn’t be bothered bitching with bitches on these sites. Get a life! But I would have loved to have seen all your faces when you all predicted the Van Halen tour won’t last. Now that was music to my ears!!
I speak for the majority VH fans outside of the USA; Van Halen is and always will be with Diamond Dave at the helm, the original and the best!!! King Edward, Alexander ‘The Great’ Van Halen and Diamond David Lee Roth are the architects of one of the greatest Rock N Roll bands ever to rock this planet. As for Mike, you left Van Halen and you abandoned the REAL fans!!!
VAN HALEN FOREVER!!!!
May 28th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
AMEN!!!!
May 28th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
84 cannons you dont speak for no one but your freakin self a minority,dont be a liar and hater stick to your day job of a dave masterbator!!!!!!!!!wipe your chin you got dave jiss flowin down it.
May 28th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
hey 84 and jano whats the name of the new vanhalen cd?or their new song and that 30 year old set list is really worth the 150. bucks they hose their fans for.and im willin to bet you never even saw the reunion tour of 07,08!as i said go back to those day jobs fellas.
May 28th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I think that you all should check out what this guy said on another blog on VHND. I’m supporting him for what he says, not for the fact that he has the same first name as me.
The link is here:
http://www.vhnd.com/2009/05/28/sammy-hagar-stimulated-by-chickenfoot/
Go down towards the bottom of the discussion on May 28th, 2009.
Well said Dave!
May 28th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
we should all be happy for sammy and mike cause they’re enjoying their new project and we should all be excited for VH’s next project. it will be great!
May 28th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Attn: 84cannons
“As for Mike, you left Van Halen and you abandoned the REAL fans!!!”
They say that ignorance is bliss. You must be the happiest mutha effa on earth! MIKE LEFT VH???? Wrong. Eddie kicked him out. Mikey was a team player. Eddie’s lost his mind. The Eddie Van Halen we all know and love is long gone. His mind is a drug-infested pile of mush. He is incapable of making rational decisions for his band - which is why Van Halen no longer exists.
May 29th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Everybody’s talking about good atmosphere, sound quality, Sammy’s voice, Mike’s voice, fun etc… But not a single word about Chickenfood’s MUSIC. We all know it’s NEW but is it GOOD or BAD? Can anyone of you CF fans say something more about the music itself? Or is it meaningless for you, guys?
May 29th, 2009 at 1:11 am
Fanboy. I saw the first Foot show in Seattle. The music kicked ass. Not only were the songs great, but the fellas were all on top of their game. Hard to believe how polished they sounded for their first show. Anybody who likes old school hard rock is going to like this record (except the Hagar haters who won’t give it a chance anyway).
May 29th, 2009 at 1:28 am
from what i’ve heard its solid rock and roll.satch is a pleasant surprise because i wasnt sure how he would do in a band situation.
May 29th, 2009 at 1:50 am
“The new music is, quite simply, among the best work any of them have ever done.”
I count at least 16. You can find a few more if you care to look.
May 29th, 2009 at 3:14 am
rickyvanwhalen you are such an idiot why dont you just shut up! you are so full of it! mr master guitar player more like wanker!
May 29th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Karl: “The new music is, quite simply, among the best work any of them have ever done.”
Do you really mean it’s as good as the best Red Hot Chily Peppers’ records?
Is the rest of the 16 opinions as deep and wise as this one?
May 29th, 2009 at 4:03 am
84, I’m a Van Halen fan outside of the US and you most definately do NOT speak on my behalf. To suggest Mike quit Van Halen is ridiculous. Van Halen will always be Eddies band, and good or bad, its never going to change. Face the fact that most in Van Halen are now in their mid to late 50s, and if you think about it, its pretty sad that they’re going out touring songs that are 25+ years old. No new material, nothing. All we get is another Van Halen, Wolfgang, put into the band…Mike looks slim in comparison.
Its pretty funny hearing people say this and that about the “Sammy fans” - truth is, most on here like everything Van Halen ever did. I got into Extreme through Van Halen, I got into Sammy Hagar/David Lee Roth solo records through Van Halen…the only thing that fans like me get annoyed about is people who take the first 10 years of a band and suggest that was the only good material they did, even though they were making studio albums 14 years after DLR quit! Renunion was inevitable, but why can’t people just be happy that Sammy has a good band, Van Halen were recently on tour, Ed was sober, it was all good. Even Extreme are back together. All 3 singers from Van Halen have respective bands to play in, yet there is still bitching about who should be where and telling other how music should be played!
Although I do agree with the fact that basically everything Ed touches now has to be seared with the EVH brand name. New guitar, straps, effects, amps, cables, picks, shoes, t-shirts, books, tabs, strings, amp covers, d-tuners, pickups…the list goes on.
May 29th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Okay seriously, as a fan that was not around for all the bullshit that went down with the band in ‘84 I can honestly say all I’ve got is the music. And what I hear from Dave is ten MILLION times better than the mainstream stuff they put out with Sammy. But still, I respect Sammy and the guys for what they did and just because it isn’t all to my liking doesn’t mean it isn’t good stuff for other people out there. Seriously, this Chickenfoot thing is cool, good for Sam and Mike, but there is no reason for you assholes to be bashing Van Halen and all they did and are doing. VH is a legend and their music was crazy influential, so I don’t know why these “fans” are being so frickin bitter.
What? Did the band charge you poor babies too much for their tour? Then don’t go and shut the hell up! I paid that shit three times and every single show was kick ass, so I have no complaints.
Congrats to Chickenfoot for their success so far, its cool you get to do what you love.
May 29th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Stew you blow.
Chickenfoot fkn rocks no one can take that away from Sammy and the boys No new stuff from Vh so what is the problem with chickenfoot?If EVH would get off his ass and make some new music all would be well but he is not so maby he should get off his ass and do something about he is lossing ground on satch who is better EVh OR Satch?
May 29th, 2009 at 5:26 am
I seriously doubt CF would play any VH tunes no matter how much they probably would like to and how much a section of the fan base might like it, I dont see the point and it would diminish all the hard work and $$$ that have gone into making CF stand on its own.
I beleive joe is a very dignified and respectful human being and i doubt he would feel comfortable playing Ed’s music unless he was asked to by Ed, or mega pissed off for some other reason.
Just for the record I love all VH, Satch and CF ok.
May 29th, 2009 at 5:45 am
I have no idea, I wasn’t there. You said there was “not a single word about Chickenfood’s MUSIC.” Just pointing out that there was.
For the record, though, I doubt it’s as good as Blood, Sex, Sugar, Magic. I also doubt it’s as good as the best of VH or the gems that Satch pops out every now and again. Still think the snatches I’ve hear so far sound pretty good, though.
May 29th, 2009 at 6:03 am
To Scottso!
Stop reading between the lines!!! Didn’t you hear what Mike said in those VHND interviews? He admitted it that he left Van Halen. Ed & Al didn’t kick him out; he instead went off to play with Sam. It’s as simple as that!! There were no innuendoes, backstabbing or bitching. But as usual with Sam (the snake that he is) he used that to his advantage and headlined it at every opportunity he got around his media campaign.
True rock fans know where the media stand in Rock n Roll!! Like that great quote in the movie ‘Almost Famous’, “The Enemy”. You can also find a radio interview of Eddie and Al (YouTube) explaining their disapproval of that pathetic ‘other half’ tour. You must give respect to Ed & Al for standing up for us the fans into condemning what Sam & Mike did to the Van Halen brand!
Plus what a hypocrite and liar Mike is, I’m shocked!! He then revealed in that VHND interview doubting Ed’s circumstances on not appearing at the RRHOF awards. Ed was in rehab and Mike doesn’t believe him??!! Calling Ed a liar!! Yet in his acceptance speech he gave his support and well wishes’ on Ed’s recovery. The problem Ed’s got he’s way to honest, there’s no BS, he tells it like it is and people find it hard to take. Much like he’s peers and idols did when he first exploded on the music scene, they couldn’t believe how Ed was doing what he did, still do today. Yet unfortunately for Eddie he wasn’t around when Hendrix was, and like it is common with dead artist they grow bigger in statue when dead than alive. Unfortunately of Hendrix he didn’t get the help, but thank god Eddie did. Yet people (mostly Sam fans!) disrespect him!!! To hell with all you, KING EDWARD VAN HALEN IS THE GREATEST!!! THE MIGHTY VAN HALEN FOREVER!!!
May 29th, 2009 at 6:23 am
84cannons: I must be having vision problems. For a moment I thought you said the following things in your last post:
1. Ed and Al didn’t kick Mike out;
2. There was no backstabbing re Mike being out of VH;
3. You must give respect to Ed & Al for standing up for us the fans; and
5. The problem Ed’s got he’s way to honest.
Then I realized that since you post on this site, you must know something about the history of the band so I knew then my eyes really weren’t working properly. Because the only other option would be that you are the most ignorant and brainwashed VH fan on Earth and we know that’s not true, right?
May 29th, 2009 at 6:36 am
I agree with phil! Let Sam & Mike have their fun, but leave Ed, Al, Dave & Wolfie out of it. It’s Chickenfoots spotlight, not Van Halen’s. 84cannons makes some valid points…and funny ones too!
I too have heard Mike’s VHNDesk interviews and he does say he LEFT Van Halen!! Yes we all know that Mike got bored of hanging around doing nothing, but I’m surprised even Mike not understanding the toll on Eddie’s health (Cancer, booze etc) Maybe Mike didn’t know the personal day to day struggle Eddie had after he was told of his cancer problems. Any forms of cancer bites at the very core of life!!
Damn Mike! For the lifestyle you so cherish (and deserve!) now, a bit of compassion for Eddie, maybe a hug, or a phone call? After all if it wasn’t for the band that bears his name you wouldn’t have the life you have today!! Just be happy that all are alive and happy!! And for those that disrespect Dave, he did not at any time on the tour take pot shots at Sam or Mike. I can’t say the same for Sam & Mike, it seems they want a point to prove and always can’t resist the urge at taking pot shots at the band that put them into the RRHOF!!! That’s sad…
May 29th, 2009 at 7:26 am
84cannons, that’s one of the daftest posts I’ve seen on this site - and you’re up against some stiff competition.
I’m guessing you’re either really young and you’ve got one of the eight hour teenage hard-ons so all the blood has drained out of your head. Or you’re really old and all the marbles have come loose. Cause if it’s neither of those then you must be plain bonkers!
May 29th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Amen Kayser and Karl.
May 29th, 2009 at 8:17 am
hey Roger i saw the last tour OF THE REAL VAN HALEN.So be quiet little boy!
Chickenfoot be dead by next year anyway and 5 years from now nobody will remember this band anyway!
But CVH will be on everybody ’s heart for ever!
May 29th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Don’t be bashing on people for being young. Music is music. Who gives a shit? Stop being rude to each other…the whole reason for this site is to be united in our love for VH. So Sammy lovers- Stop being ignorant. And Dave lovers- Open your mind and stop being stubborn. Everyone here is acting like babies, God.
May 29th, 2009 at 9:38 am
These guys have nothing to lose. Start mixing up the set list. This tour will be the same set list every night. So many songs to choose from and they play the same thing every night. Disappointing.
May 29th, 2009 at 9:53 am
“Stop reading between the lines!!! Didn’t you hear what Mike said in those VHND interviews? He admitted it that he left Van Halen. Ed & Al didn’t kick him out; he instead went off to play with Sam. It’s as simple as that!! There were no innuendoes, backstabbing or bitching. But as usual with Sam (the snake that he is) he used that to his advantage and headlined it at every opportunity he got around his media campaign.”
84, if you are going to quote something do it accurately. First off, this crap with ed and mike was going on way before the 2007 tour.
When Sammy intiated the reunion back in 2004, Eddie said he didnt want Mike. This was before Mike started playing all the time with Sammy. Sammy told eddie he wouldnt do the tour without Mike.
Ed backed down but he made Mike sign a contract for lower pay and his rights to anything involving Van Halen. Mike went and ahead and signed it. So he can do the tour for the fans.
Plus Ed had been trying to replace Mike for years behind Mike’s back dating to the early 80’s. By trying to get bassists like Billy Sheehan to join.
Im sorry as awesome of a guitarist Eddie is, he is a sorry excuse for a human being. To shaft Mike like that who has been fiercely loyal to the band for years, is a disgrace.
Mike Anthony could have gone on a disparaging rave about Ed. But instead decided to be classy about it. Whereas, Ed has no reservations of ripping and insulting Mike any chance he gets. Like on his last appearance on the Howeard Stern show.
Say what you want about Sammy in regards to his musicality. But at least he is loyal to his friends and respects the fans.
Can you honestly say the same thing about Eddie?
May 29th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Um, GOB… you are aware that this is Chickenfoot’s first album, right? Makes it kind of tough to avoid playing the same songs every night if you’ve only got one album’s worth of music.
May 29th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Look - I like CF and want them to succeed bigtime for selfish reasons. I think EVH needs a wakeup call. The fact the CF is dominating the vhnd is pathetic justice.
I find Satch’s playing interesting and at times, inspiring. I love the technical aspect of his playing. He clearly came from the school of EVH. However, sometimes he is like listening to a mathmatician recite his formulas really fast. If you like than what the hell does it matter to me!
Hagar has no business having a guitar around his neck when either satch or EVH is on the stage. But hey, I am just a wanker with an opinion and a computer.
I think I will make Satovan’s day and off myself if EVH doesn’t do something soon.
May 29th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
since when is playing with other people when your band is not active (normal for van halen) leaving the band?eddie was pissed that mike had a life and kicked him out for it or at least used that as an excuse.i love eddie and he is the best guitarist out there but he didnt do right by mike at all here.
May 29th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
My neighbor saved Brooke Shields from drowning.
He is using the reward money to hire VH to play his
birthday party.
May 29th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hey Satovan let’s settle up:
I will pay you $2,000 if you post a video of yourself on youtube playing the solo to “one foot out the door”. I will even let you do at less than full speed. On the other hand, if I can do the same thing at full speed you pay me only $50. We get two days to post it.
Are you in? Let’s all see who the pretender is.
To all vhnd users: This guitar solo off of Fair Warning LP is very difficult and lighting fast. Watch how satovan ducks the challenge.
May 29th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
first of all ricky dicky I never boasted that I am so good at playing vh or satch like you did so your challenge will only satisfy you! I dont need to prove myself as to how good a guitar player I am by posting on youtube! The money I make and gratitude from fans is enough for me, keep playing with yourself buddy, at least someone likes what you do! In the imortal words of DLR Ha Ha Ha Ha Haaaaa! Spend that 2 grand on charity if you have that much to throw away on a stupid bet! PS keep rockin on the guitar bro, you’ll get better!
May 30th, 2009 at 6:28 am
In fact you did boast about a topic you know nothing about. You are a pretender. Which is why you duck the challenge. Your mystic potatoe rant gave you away (if you knew about playing you would have picked a better satch song) as did your complete ignorance over mean street and the music theory behind it. So shut the f up about guitar playing. You have know idea how to play anything outside of power cords and pentatonic scales. If you like the sound of it… that’t fine with me. I like the sound of your girlfriend humming I’m the One as I play eruption on her face.
May 30th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Yet you’re the guy who finished one of his posts with “Who the F is Stevie Ray Vaughn.” You might know the name of a few exotic scales, but you sure don’t know music.
May 30th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Karl what the hell do you know about SRV. Nothing. You are smart enough to proof read posts but not smart enough to understand the sarcasim and reference to VHIII t-shirts. Duh!
May 30th, 2009 at 8:39 am
karl and Sato
It sounds like you two need guitar lessons. How about you two agree to pay $200 to a legally recognized charity of your choice, if i post one foot out the door on youtube (nobody has ever done it - search youtube and you will see). Then, if you are still interested, I charge $500 for a personal guitar lesson on any EVH (DLR era), Satch (up to time machine) or any SRV song you want. I am here in my studio ready go. My videos are customized and sent right to your email account.
May 30th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Guess a large part of the guitar playing world could do with a dose of your wisdom, then. Don’t know if you’ve noticed but SRV is quite highly rated. Do you suppose he made the cover of all those guitar magazines for his nice line in hats?
May 30th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Hey, anyway, just post it. I’d love to hear it. And that’s not meant to be sarcastic, I really would.
May 30th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Some people here are so clueless it hurts. Mike recieved one quarter of all VH royalties just for having been in the parking lot at the right time. Eddie made him rich and famous. For what? to be called a shitty human being now by you. What did Mike contribute to the success? Oh right, some people here in there mindless support find will put up any argument to boast his importance, his holding down the groove, his backing vocals, yeah yeah. The guy is just perceived an itegral part of VH because he managed to get on the family picture long enough. If he would have been replaced in 1980, nobody would have noticed and none of you would care. What on earth would Mr. super-classy bitch about? That he got rich and famous by participating in the financial rewards of other’s talents and now is no longer allowed to? Where is the loyalty, showing up hand in hand with Sam at the RRHOF? He should have sticked with his band if he was loyal to them and said no induction of VH before all of us can’t be present, instead of sending his false thoughts from the stage with the reward in his hands, getting off with the other talent-free clown that made a name on Eddie’s back.
May 30th, 2009 at 10:03 am
SRV is the best blues man out there - sorry clapton. I loved the guy (and his hats). I am also into Jeff Beck and Pat Metheny.
I am the most frustrated Van Halen fan in the world. I am so freakin tired of comming to this site waiting for any news on new music. Come on EVH - I am loosing it. I am hear four times a day - at least!
I don’t like giving away a great guitar solo for free. I do teach guitar lessons on the side (I am a CPA in my real life - go figure right!). As I said in a previous post, I can play the notes but barely pull off the speed. The ending just kills me. I will put it up on youtube over 4th of July weekend. I know you are on this site all the time. I will let you know.
Sorry for rant.
May 30th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Hey Rick,
You are the BIGGEST brown noser I have ever seen on here. Mike was already out of the band when they got inducted you idiot!
You want some news smart ass? The reason why the last reunion tour didn’t start out right away is because Dave, yes David Lee Roth wanted ALL 4 MEMBERS to do the reunion and Eddie said no.
You sir have no clue to what you are talking about. Without Mike, there would be no harmonies to make the background vocals sound good and to make Dave sound good. I bet you think it was all Eddie singing huh?
Have you heard How Many Say I when Eddie actually tried to sing? He sucks beyond the word. Dave sounds like Rob Halford when Eddie sings.
You are a clueless tool who worships Eddie WAY too much! When you contribute something to rock history, let us know, just like when Van Halen puts something soon to right?
I’m 36 and I don’t have that long to live to wait!
May 30th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
hey Rick,what did alex do that makes him so much more important then mike?alex is no more entitled but yet there is no mention of his free ride.
May 30th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Maybe Van Halen can open for Chickenfoot next year, then they can have the best Van Halen singer who is Sammy get out and show Dave how to sing some good Van Hagar songs
May 30th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Duh yeah, the background vocals! They could have been done only by the master of the background himself - Mikey. Without them no VH sound, in fact he should have gotten 50%. I’m not against the guy, but some people here ovedo it with him. Sammy and Mike calling themselves the Other Half is a joke, maybe they were financially, out of Eddies generosity, but musically Mike was less than 25% and Sam, well for my taste, goes into the minus area. In every interview they all stated themselves that Eddie wrote all the songs, so I hope nobody ia arguing around that one here again. He didnt have to share the royalties divided equally by four. Not many people would do that. That’s what you should call generosity and solidarity. And at least Alex is a great drummer in his own right, and he is part of the musical core unit of VH, I’d say.
May 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
What do you mean “the best Van Halen singer”? There was always only one Van Halen singer and his name was David Lee Roth.
May 30th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
This review is DEAD ON in every way. I saw them at the Fillmore in NYC this past Thursday - same exact story, to a “T”. A fun set by the LEAST dysfunctional band ever… the friendship and enjoyment were CONTAGIOUS! So cool.
BTW, If you chose this page to have anooooooooother “VH Debate”, just realize that you’re the only ones who care. At the very least, Sammy and Mike have moved on, and are visibly enjoying themselves. You should too. Go buy the Chickenfoot record June 5th. Watch them on the Tonight Show that night. Crack open a cold one. Relax.
May 31st, 2009 at 12:02 am
Rick,
I feel like I’m picking on you, but the truth here is that they were a BAND. Not Eddie Van Halen and the Halenettes.
Mike, Dave, Sammy, and Alex all contributed to the band on every level. Eddie didn’t write every song and didn’t write all the music. These 5 guys made it about the band by sharing in everything.
Just like sports, without a offensive line, what would the quarterback do to protect himself?
This band NOW is all about Eddie and if you like that sort of thing, now you know why it was a 5 man collaboration to make it all work.
Do you like what happened when it became all about Eddie Rick? 11 plus years of obscurity and nothing to show for it?
Trust me when I say this, if it was about the “band” again, Van Halen would’ve released at least 6 albums during the past 11 years.
But what you got was the Eddie Van Halen project and yet what’s it called again, or why it’s still not out yet? Or why he’s so hell bent on not doing anything musically or Alex either.
The one who gets a free ride here is Wolfgang. All he has to do is what his daddy tells him and yet he deserves a piece of the pie?
That’s sad Rick you think Mike or Sammy don’t deserve anything and yet Mike in the band since the start and Sammy in the band longer than Roth and Wolfgang.
4 #1 albums with Sammy I guess was all Eddie’s doing too huh?
May 31st, 2009 at 7:43 am
Breaking News…… EVH went to the bathroom.
There you go fresh Van Halen news. And thats all you will be getting. Comparing Dave to Sammy is ignorance. Thank god they had the music mix so loud on the last tour so you really couldnt hear Dave. And Ed wrote the music and Sammy wrote the words. Same thing with Dave. Mike doesny have to be sensitive to anybody. Eddie is the one who put himself in those health situations. You act like they are all your neighbors and or have som right to judge the next decision they make in life. If you want to talk about someone along for the ride or just being fortunate, talk about Wolfie. He wouldnt be anywhere without daddy.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:45 am
Yeah, I wonder what Wolf’s share of $93 million was? For what? Spending the summer learning a few bas lines? Don’t get me wrong, I think the kid did a great job, but if there’s a Klingon in Van Halen, the pie eater’s your man (er, kid…).
May 31st, 2009 at 9:24 am
thanks for the breaking news Swade. I am desperate enough to be interested. What did it sound like and is it on youtube?
May 31st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
The topic was Mikey not the kid, you Spammy lovers never have any argument in substance, either you get personal or change the subject. Lame.
May 31st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
IS THIS A CHICKENTFOOT SITE OR A VAN HALEN SITE? IM CONFUSED………………..
May 31st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Jeremy - what does royalties for songwriting have to do with being a band? You think the Beatles split everything equally by 4? For The Who Townsend didnt get the lionshare for writing all the songs? Wake up. I’m not saying Mikey and Sammy deserve nothing, but I think they got way more than their fair share. And Eddie deserves recognition for sharing equally instead of being called an a**hole by everybody.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Rick,
The reason why it’s called a BAND is because it’s a group of people who SHARE a common interest and it’s music.
The Beatles all the way down to 2 Live Crew started out with a vision, made it a reality and worked hard.
Your telling me that EVERY ALBUM, EVERY TOUR, AND EVERYTHING ELSE Mike and Sammy did, they didn’t deserve an equal share?
So Eddie sings, plays bass, and plays guitar on every album, and every tour?
George and Ringo lived justfine without worrying about money because they knew they had done their job, and did it well. Besides, the Beatles were friends and still are, unlike Eddie, Mike, and Sammy. Who’s fault is that Rick?
Certainly not Mike’s and the new James Brown, Sammy Hagar!
Without those 2 in Van Halen, this band would’ve had to do what Eddie wanted to do and that’s do an “all star” record with Phil Collins, Pete Townsend, and Patti Smyth or whoever else they wanted to sing when Dave “jumped” ship to be a solo artist.
Thank god for Sammy and thank god for Mike!
June 1st, 2009 at 8:48 am
Jeremy, there is a reason why McCartney has more money than Ringo, because there is difference in reward between writing the music and performing it. That is how things run. Why you think Satch is so eager to get hold of that “Gwyneth Paltrow money”? Because if it turns out he wrote it, then he gets a big share of the proceeds. So neutrally, yes I’m telling you that for “EVERY ALBUM, EVERY TOUR, AND EVERYTHING ELSE Mike and Sammy did, they didn’t deserve an equal share”, because that’s the truth, unless you use the word “deserve” in some romantic way. I guess Mike didnt even really play bass on half the albums, for VHIII he admitted to that and I’m sure that was not the first incident. In every 2nd interview Sammy said himself Eddie wrote all the music, if you dont believe me go back to youtube and do some research. Thats a cloear cut case for me.
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 am
So Rick,
When your at work and another co-worker does the same job as you, but yet makes more money than you and you’ve been there the same amount of time, do you think you deserve to get paid the same?
It’s not about who does what, it’s about the common goal to get the job done. Sammy wrote all the lyrics so how about only Sammy gets paid? What did Alex do to deserve an equal part then? Because his name is Van Halen? NO!!!!!
Your making it sound once again that Eddie DID IT ALL!
If he did, why did he need a band then? Apparently he doesn’t and it shows till this day!
Without Dave, Sammy, and Mike, there would be no Eddie.