WRIF interview with Michael Anthony
Friday, 19 June 2009
Radio station WRIF interviewed Michael Anthony. Listen here (29 minutes)
Filed under: Chickenfoot, Michael Anthony
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June 19th, 2009 at 11:42 am
GREATEST MOVIE TRAILER EVER!
June 19th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Yeah… a lot of stuff can happen, but it’s so nice to hear that they have looked ahead already to recording ANOTHER album.
Sweet!
Michael Anthony IS a class act. I can’t imagine his frustration over the picture Eddie paints.
Chickenfoot! Whoo!!!!
June 19th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Liked most of the interview, but hated the Ed bashing.
Michael Anthony is a great guy, but it is hard for me to understand how he could think that touring with Hagar as the “Other Half” would be accepted by the rest of the band. I completely understand that he did not want to stay home and do nothing, but he could have toured with The Who or somebody else that had nothing to do with Van Halen. Yeah, Eddie has made some bad choices - but so has Michael Anthony.
With that said, I am glad that Michael is enjoying his role in Chickenfoot. I just wonder what he’ll do when Chad goes back to the Chili Peppers.
June 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am
The DJ’s only speak about what the majority of VH fans think. The Fanbois of VH can beleive what they want. The reoccuring dream of people leaving the band is due to one individual.
June 19th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Rodney,
Like Eddie said: “I just expect the other members to work as hard as I do”.
If it wasn’t for EDDIE VAN HALEN no one would even know the names Dave,Al,Mike or Sam.
Well they might know Sam from One Hit Wonnders but no-one would really care. Kinda like Rick what’s his name and Corey someone with sunglasses.
You get the picture!!!!
June 19th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Rodney-
The DJs speak about what they think - and they definitely do not represent the thoughts of any sort of Van Halen majority. I respect your opinion, but you may be forgetting that Alex plays a role in the decision making as well. So it’s not just Ed.
Hopefully, the current incarnation of Van Halen will produce something out of 5150 for us to hear. I think the majority of Van Halen fans will prefer that over any “drama.”
June 19th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Whatever happened to the days when Eddie would say, I just wanna play guitar, man. I don’t care who sings. I didn’t put it in quotes because I’m not even sure he even said it anymore!! Can anyone remember when that was? BTW, garysamuelroth…..love your name, dude!
June 19th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Right on Gary and Big Al! Mike has not been the class act everybody claims. The other half was a shot at EVH so now he pays the price for it. Be a man about it. As Al said, EVH writes the music. He is the band, everything else really is secondary.
By the way, this also is not news. Come on Ed. Where’s the music pal.
June 19th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Im just saying guys…. It’s funny that everyone that has “quit” the band points the finger at Ed. It would be great if new music out of the VH camp. The bottom line is alot of fans don’t care for the drama anymore…..it’s about the music. In the past 10-15 years Ed has done alot of things to himself, wife, fans, and band memebers. If u guys think he is a saint in all of this your extremely neive. No one will ever doubt his talent for writing great music. As for everything else he does I consider him a POS
June 19th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Gary, They did not bill as “The Other Half” intil 2006. This was after Mike was fucked over in 2004 VH Reunion. All Mike did was play a few dates back in 2002 with the Sam and Dave tour!
June 19th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
“mikey” is simply the most overrated bassist in the history of rock. Had it not been for Dave and Ed, “mikey” would have never had a career in music. Todd Jenson would have had the same impact if given the opportunity to play with those 2 rock legends.
June 19th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Rodney, I agree with alot of what you said, but here’s my take. We know Ed hasn’t recording anything and that sucks, no question. And no one is saying Ed is without blame. But Mike rather than saying “that’s all the past”, goes into this and that every time. Granted, the DJ just eggs him on, but the reason the drama has gone on for so long is because neither Ed, nor Mike, nor Alex, nor Sammy will take the high road and admit they are each partially at fault. It’s just silly that none of them will drop it and forgive the other party. I agree, it’s about the music and that’s why alot of people dig chickenfoot. But man, they ALL act like a whiny bunch of little kids most of the time.
June 19th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Rodney,
Are the people who quit the band going to point the finger at themselves? Of course not! Yes, Ed is 50% to blame, but so are the the guys who quit. I don’t think any of the “fanboys” think Ed is a saint, but I find it funny how all of the Mike and Sammy fans think they are. He may be a POS in your opinion, but to me he is a guy with a disease (alcoholism) who absolutely may be hard to work with (or for), but Sammy and Mike aren’t much better.
June 19th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I think we can all agree that there is a part to blame on everyone. Ed, Mike, Sam, Dave…etc. However…bottom line…there was NO EXCUSE why Mike was not a part of the 2007 reunion. If Ed wanted Wolf to play, then wait another year and record and tour the next time with Wolf. VH should have done one FINAL tour with the original line up. Then give Mike his walking papers. I am not going to stick up for anybody as I said I think everyone is to blame to an extent, however the writing on the wall seems to show that Mike was fucked. Proof in the pudding with that EVH Rolling Stone Interview. Asked about Chickenfoot and immediately went into a rant about how Mike Quit. Im not a psycologist but seems pretty shady to me. I guess when you are a big rock star and living in your little bubble or in your studio making all this music we keep hearing about but not “hearing” then you tend to lose sight of reality. Rememebr the Hot for Teacher Video at the end when Eddie was in the straight jacket? I woudl like to put him in one now and make him listen to his interviews when Dave left the group and when Sammy Joined and then his interviews when Sammy left and Gary joined and then when Sammy Joined again and then before Dave joined again and over the last few years. The guy is not consistent with anything. EVH will always have a place ion my mind and heart for his talent and inspiration given to me over the years, but the respect as a person is gone. This is not Eddie bashing as some have mentioned. Its just sad to see someone act like this who was once on top and regarded by so many as “the king” and how he was Mr. Nice Guy, but in the end it seems like all fingers point to him creating trouble.
June 19th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Hey ricky v, mike anthony NOt the clas act.
Are you fucking kiddin me?
What is he suppoosed to do? sit in his ass for a decade, while the brothers, who lets have a good look, have made piss poor decision after piss poor decision all their careers,try and work out how they can manipulate DLR and earn more money.
Ed and al did sweet fuck all from 96 until that abissmal attempt at former glory (VH3), without him playing on it, and then cause they needed the money reformed in 2004, and they didnt want him there then.
So Mike shouldve waited around huh. or join the WHo like some other idiot suggested .
Please lets get fucking real, you ed sheep have really turned the situation on its head, when you start to throw up these arguments and justification foryour idols fucking hopeless decisions.
Hey, you dont like Sam, ok, but you now dont like MIke?, ok, but then Dave is cool?
Well true believers they all have something in common, they were all fired from vhalen by the dutch tyrant, so can the yall be telling lies?????
And for those who think VH starts and stops with ED, I tend to believe those 3 mentioned were just as integral, VH3 beng exhibit A right there for those who think ed can do it all on his own.
As roth puts it, the brothers may play it, but the jew sells it.
June 19th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Michael Anthony’s backup vocals were a HUGE part of the Van Halen sound. HUGE. He’s “not just and over rated bass player” How long has it been since the Van Halen brothers wrote some decent new music?!?!? A porn sondtrack doesn’t count. I’ve moved on to listening to other bands because I’m sick of EVH’s BS! How many times do we have to hear about how one singer or member of the band isn’t a hard worker? Give me a frckin break! Shut your mouth, get MA back in the band , and write put out an album that doesn’t suck ass!
June 19th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Wow do you clowns have short memory’s! Does the album Brian May Project mean anything to you? Does the song Beat It with Michael Jackson mean anything to you. Sammy Hagar is more successful solo artist than that no talent hack in David Lee Roth.
June 19th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
How many of you who think DLR has talent owns (or will even confess) to owning any of his albums? I hear A LOT more Sammy Hagar solo albums on the radio than any of DLR.
June 20th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Who cares? It is possible to like both encarnations of VH. I guess that’s what’s nice about being only 25 and seeing both 04 and 07 tours and the Sam and Dave show and just loving all things Van Halen. Everybody’s bitter, I get it. I really don’t see how Ed, Sam, or Mike could even care about any of this. Sam and Mike are enjoying success with Chickenfoot and apparently Joe is easier to work with than Ed so what do they care? Ed is back with DLR and had a hugely successful tour so what does he care? And to be honest, he said Mike quit in Rolling Stone and that’s about it lately. Kinda moved on. He didn’t tell us we’d have music before his wedding or Wolfie’s graduation so there’s nothing to bitch about until the end of 2010 if there is nothing still. Yeah he says he has 10 albums worth of music, I am sure he does. He also doesn’t release anything unless it’s exactly what he wants. Gotta have a singer to release music and neither Sam or Dave were with Van Halen in the last 10 years except for what, 2 reunion tours? Oh well. My grandpa is a millionaire but an alcoholic and the only time I can stand to be around him is from 8-11am. When all of you Ed haters go through what he has (whether self inflicted or not) I would love to be there to call you a piece of shit, cuz not only are you a pathetic excuse for a human being but you didn’t make the greatest music the world has ever known so you really have nothing to live for. Listen Fair Warning and tell me Eddie owes you shit. If you like Sam and Mike so much listen to Chickenfoot. Mike’s harmonies are there and Sam’s voice sounds amazing. They are all millionaires so I don’t see why it’s so bad that MA is not in Van Halen anymore. Not a big deal. I really didn’t get into VH bc of the bass or the harmonies. Could care less really. It’s Ed’s guitar that made us all listen to VH, not Mike’s bass. So get over it.
June 20th, 2009 at 1:33 am
To el c
You just don’t get it!!! Eddie & Alex have never had any problem with Mike jamming with Sam or anybody else, but to go out and call themselves and bill it as ‘The Other Half’ that’s just childish & wrong!!!! I bet it was Sam’s idea anyway, smells everything like Sam would do, that fuckin snake and rat!!! If Mike thinks that’s not downgrading the Van Halen legacy then he should stop drinking that Jack, because he too is full of shit!! I think Mike thinks his shit doesn’t stick!!!
What about when the DJ called Wolfie ‘Fat Kid’? Mikey just played along with him. Hey Mike why didn’t you tell the DJ “Hey respect there pal, don’t be calling people names!!” Go and Chickenfoot your ass, VAN HALEN FOREVER!!!!
June 20th, 2009 at 4:37 am
Will there ever be a an interview with Mike or Sammy only bout CF with no talk about Eddie or VH? Probably not, because thats why anyone listens through all the blurb.
June 20th, 2009 at 7:23 am
The Other Half was formed after Mike was out the band. Lets just say say VH is dead. It killed me when Dave left, but Sammy did a great job. Once Mike left it will never be the same.
June 20th, 2009 at 7:37 am
After hearing this latest interview with Mike, I’ve lost some respect for him and start to doubt his call on events, excuses or reasons on his exiting of Van Halen.
Tatts is correct when the DJ referred to Eddie’s son Wolfgang “That fat kid on bass” Mike should have held up the DJ and made him apologise for making that pathetic and downright mean comment!! But I guess Mike being the ‘wanting to please everybody’ got caught up or sucked into the DJ’s rant!! Let’s face it that DJ had an agenda against Van Halen and used Mike perfectly!! And look at the results? He’s got us fans responding furiously to this interview!! I guess Mike is learning fast from his master Sammy ‘the horrible’ Hagar on the art of innuendo, cringe worth and BS!! I much prefer the Mickey that just shut his mouth, drank and played that Jack Daniels!!! All you anti-EVH are blinded by your hatred of him!! Yet what you miss out on is the entire BS that these ex-members most particularly Sam & Mike are full of shit!!
Let’s be honest here, this it’s fascinating this whole Van Halen saga!! But when you look at both sides of the story without taking people out of context (leave that to the media that’s the only thing that their only good at!!) I think it’s laughable now how Sam & now Mike have played the fans ignorance!! Since Sam quit Van Halen Mike no longer stood up for Van Halen. He was just biding his time and just hung around. He has no idea the pressure’s of the day to day business of running a band like Eddie & Alex had to endure. No wonder he didn’t put up a fight on signing away his rights in Van Halen, he was using that so he could have an excuse to blame Eddie!! And besides he didn’t write a single note yet Eddie out of being the team player and having a heart of gold, still put him in the credits, including Eruption!!!!! You see people of jury that is called leverage!! He was building up a case against Eddie. Mike was in total control of it and executed it to plan. He was giving Eddie little choice. Mike in fact sacked himself or for better word, QUIT!!! He hooked up with Sammy again or Sammy poached him (who could give a fuck, both we’re in it together as far as I’m concern!!). It’s pretty simple; Sam got into Mike and brainwashed him, he no longer stood up for Van Halen and the real fans. He stood up for himself, Sam and their Van Hagar fans!!
You notice in most of these Chickenfoot interviews Mike does he always speaks on behalf of Sam every time? Mike always mentions “oh and the same goes for Sam’ or “Sam would say the same thing” or “Sam & I did this” or “Sam came up with this” or “Sam said this about this, that and everything!!” Get it? But because Eddie isn’t that good with the media that’s how Mike & Sam used the fans against Eddie!! This is so easy to understand. Eddie has been consistent with his views on the bands status. I never doubted Eddie for one moment…only once I disagreed with what Eddie did! That bad decision of doing that pathetic re-union with Sam!!
I will always be Eddie and Van Halen’s number one supporter/fan!!!! To the rest of you tiny Chichenfoot minority enjoy it for the little time it will last because remember…Sam is a SOLO artist, Joe is a SOLO artist, Mike will always be that EX-BASS PLAYER from Van Halen and Chad? Well he’s ok, he’s a nutter, I kind of like him, he’s a drummer!!! Besides everybody loves drummers!!! Love ya Big Al!!!!
June 20th, 2009 at 8:46 am
-el c
I am all for diverse opinions, but keep it civil. There is no need to call me or anyone else an idiot just because thoughts differ from yours.
As for the Michael/Ed debate, most of the people posting are not absolving Ed of any blame. My main point was that if Michael Anthony really did not want to jeopardize his position in the band, there was a lot he could have done instead of play VH music with Sammy on a tour. Ed and Al did not make him stay home and do nothing.
Again, I completely empathize with Michael’s passion for wanting play VH music in front of an audience. But to go out and regularly play that music without the rest of the band - and not consult them about it - how could he have not known that there would be some sort of fall out because it. Didn’t he get the message in 2004?
As R A 812 said, “I think we can all agree that there is a part to blame on everyone.” Michael is a nice guy, it does not make him perfect.
June 20th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
“mikey” will never be part of van halen again period. And towards the end of the tour, it has become quite obvious and evident that Wolf is as good and probably better than “mikey”. And “mikey” has no upside whatsoever. He is average on his best day.
June 20th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Pobody’s Nerfect!!! Get it? I made a funny.
SCAR, the picnic was cancelled cause of rain. HOLD ON TO THE POTATO SALAD ANOTHER WEEK!
June 20th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Keep it civil? garysamuelroth, have you been paying attention at this site? I’ve been called a few nasty things (some of which were deleted by the mod) because of my defense of Ed.
The Ed bashers love to slam Ed for everything from “how he treated Mike” to not recording new music, to having ten albums worth of music, but they never find any fault with Sammy or Mike. Most of the “Ed apologists” on this site still seem to agree that he is not faultless in the VH soap opera, but the chikenfoot lovers think Sammy and Mike are the second coming of Jesus and mother teresa. It is the fault of everyone! Sam and Mike seem to rehash the old issues much more often than Ed does, but Ed is the one who gets bashed for it. Yes Ed hasn’t released any new music, but for several years, until he recently sobered up, he was in a bad place where recording new music to keep “the fans” happy was probably not a priority. deerslayer5150 is the only one here who understands what alcoholism does to people - I know too because my wife’s whole family are alcoholics, and even when they have stayed sober they can be hard to get along with. In my eyes, Ed has somewhat of an excuse - maybe Sammy should stop drinking the tequila and smoking weed, and then maybe he could get along with Ed,
June 20th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
kerndawg, VH will never be the same? VH is dead because Mikes gone? Are you serious? Everyone who became a VH fan because of the bass playing and background vocals raise your hand. OK, One…Two…Three…the guy in the back has two hands up so only count him once….alright, I counted four and two of them are Mike’s parents. VH is Ed’s guitar playing and that’s it!
June 20th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
for those of you who say mike had a free ride in van halen i beg of you to tell me what alex did to make him so much more important?now wolfie is enjoying the free ride with him.
June 20th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
“It has become quite obvious that Wolf is just as good if not better than Mike.” OMG that has to be the most ignorant statement I’ve ever read. I’ve seen both play live and Wolf at this time doesn’t hold a candle to Mike. Funny how all the Sammy and Mike slammers haven’t even mentioned Roth and his lack of talent. Ohhh yeah he’s the greatest showman right? Eddie had his nuts in a vice during the reunion tour and you just know either Roth will leave again or the next album will be a totally flop. The honeymoon and remembering the old VH has run it’s course. Not only will the next album be not very good, but the attendance at the concerts won’t be filled either. Especially if the ticket prices remain the same. I love Van Halen but the business side is ruining the music side of it.
June 20th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
RedArrow.
DLR is freaken’ fantastic. LIVE he was PHENOMINAL in 2007. The man has SO much entertainment energy built up inside him, you can’t but enjoy the sincerity of his excitement to entertain you. Despite all those who have even hinted at his voice being on the down-turn, Dave is in TOP FORM.
Dave will kick ass on the next record he puts out…
With Van Halen…
(Or Solo.)
The one thing I learned from “Me Wise Magic” was that Dave is best with Van Halen.
And I think he realizes the full extent of being away from that band has on his success.
The man is AFU! (That’s All Fired Up to you who hate Sammy and never, ever listened to OU182 (nope! never!))
The Sammy Bashers say that Sammy was only good in Van Halen.
I don’t buy that…
But Dave and Eddie and Alex and… sigh… Wolfie are going to charge this band up again.
VH will rise again…
And Top Dave will cook, Top Dave will swing. He’ll have the look, Top Dave, he’ll be king.
(PS- Never BASH DLR… he’s sacred ground.)
June 21st, 2009 at 1:40 am
frank do you really believe the S*%T you Spew?? wow what an ignoramus
June 21st, 2009 at 1:42 am
Frank (Mike & Sam used the fans against Eddie!!)
you are kidding right ??? LOL
June 21st, 2009 at 1:49 am
To Vanicionado
You are spot on with DLR!! Me Wise Magic is breathtaking, it was pure magic Van Halen!!! All these naysayers will perish when the new VH album is unleashed….I just hope it’s a double album, 10 songs is just not enough of the mighty VAN HALEN!!!!! I’m getting that felling that Eddie and co have a masterpiece album in the works!! And for anyone to doubt Van Halen…do it at your own PERIL!!!!!
June 21st, 2009 at 10:50 am
Frank be careful what you say this is beginning to sound a lot like the hype that was Chinese Democracy !
June 21st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Anyone else feel having flashbacks to 1986 and 1996?
I guess the only problem is that this didn’t happen in 2006.
June 21st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Ha Ha Ha Ha….we will see what happens when the ” New Music” comes out…EVERYONE is speculating right now because…#1 . Ed says he writes all the music-he tells Alex exactlty what beats to play i suppose , and he must tell whatever bass player exactly what notes to hit and which way to attack the strings and so on…#2 . Every band-Regardless of who is singing , playing bass or drumming or strumming sounds different with changes of the line up.I dont know if Ed truly wrote all the music for the first 6 albums ( I seruously doubt it ) but even if he did it wont matter because chemistry is chemistry and no man is an island and your friends are your friends no matter what. We will see.
June 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
me wise magic is a great song but i have doubts that dave roth could pull that off live.as far as frank hoping for a double album,i’ll be happy with one great one and get those guys away from each other as soon as possible.:^)
June 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
mike is the most overrated musician in rock history. He was simply in the right place at the right time. I’d put take Todd Jenson over him in a second.
June 21st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Ok, let’s end this silly debate. If it weren’t for Eddie allowing Mike to play bass in VH and giving him 1/4th writing credit and royalties on the entire VH catalog, Michael (Swiss Cake Roll) Anthony would be struggling dock-worker at best. Eddie gave Mike everything and he simply asked Mike to be loyal and patient while Ed got his life together. Instead, Mike jumped ship and took Sammy’s side. Ed views him as a dis-loyal traitor and I don’t blame him one bit. Ed will always be the man and Mike should’ve been loyal to him. I totally understand why VH removed Mike from the VH album covers, VH Guitar-Hero game, etc. Bad Move Mike. You should’ve stuck with Ed.
June 21st, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Vanicionado.
Yes I will admit DLR sounded good on the last reunion tour. After being away for so long, I think the rest did his vocals well. I cannot say the same thing if and when they tour the next time around. The next tour will be longer and will have to go across the pond…let’s see how the voice handles that type of touring.
“The man has SO much entertainment energy built up inside him, you can’t but enjoy the sincerity of his excitement to entertain you.”
I guess you didn’t really understand my point. Eddie has a vice on DLR in being DLR. Dave did no press interviews during the tour and where was he with the fans if he wasn’t on stage? Eddie cannot stand DLR clowning around and using his persona outside the arena. As much as I can’t stand Roth’s antics, I did miss this aspect on the last tour.
“The one thing I learned from “Me Wise Magic” was that Dave is best with Van Halen.
And I think he realizes the full extent of being away from that band has on his success.”
Two songs in over 10+ years doesn’t mean the next will be any better. Again how much airplay did those two songs with Roth get on the radio???? When the VH Greatest Hits that song got played for a few weeks and then disappeared.
“But Dave and Eddie and Alex and… sigh… Wolfie are going to charge this band up again.”
I have only to ask…how many years has it been since Van Halen released a new album? Not getting my hopes up.
“(PS- Never BASH DLR… he’s sacred ground.)”
Sorry Mr. Jim Jones but I’ll have to pass on drinking the kool-aid.
Van Halen is more interested about the business than making music. I think they only thing they haven’t hawked yet is the Wolfgang Bass Guitar. I’m sure that’s in the works.
June 21st, 2009 at 5:59 pm
. In my eyes, Ed has somewhat of an excuse - maybe Sammy should stop drinking the tequila and smoking weed, and then maybe he could get along with Ed,
Being a drunk isn’t a crutch and it’d be best if people stopped grading drunks on the curve. EVH doesn’t get bonus points for being an a-hole because he was drunk at the time and it’s not up to everyone else to lower their standards to that of the lush - it’s up to the drunk to stay on pace with the rest of us.
Perhaps if Ed hadn’t gone behind his lead singer’s back in ‘96 and wrote some songs with Roth, we wouldn’t have such a thing as “Van Halen Drama”, would we?
Good for Mike that he’s away from the bad influences that he’s endured for so long. Thus far, Ed’s lost a wife, umpteen lead singers, his bass player and his reputation (songs on a porn soundtrack? Really?), but it appears that nothing will make the fanbois see anything but a demi-God in their eyes. Reminds me of the American media & Obama..
June 21st, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Actually, Ed wanted Mike out of Van Halen back in 1984ish. He actually wanted Billy Sheehan to join the group. He considered this at one time. So by Mike going out with Sammy had nothing to do with this. Also, much of Ed’s anger especially with the 2004 reunion is the sale of Cabo Wabo at the shows and the Michael Anthony Hot Sauce. Ed and all only have the VH logo and merchandise to bank on. Now Ed is more involved in marketing his name brand, products. It took him years to do more things aside from guitars and Amps. As for the drinking excuses, this is Bullshit. Ed was a drunk for YEARS! Even before Sammy joined the band. Im not putthing him down for this but its true. Being an alcoholic sucks. Its tough to deal with but he was also coked up too. I dont know where im going with this and its not to defend Mikle or Ed. I still feel that Mike should have been a part of the 2007 reunion for one more tour with the original line up. Then let him go and bring in Wolf. Some VH fans joined during the Sammy version of VH and never got to see them with Dave although they purchased the past albums, etc. Now that Dave is back they can see them with Dave, Mike is missing over stupid childish bullshit. Cant they get it right? Cant they do for the fans and not always for themselves. Also, in response to someones post about Wold being as good as Mike or better? I say the 2007 reunion 4 times and although he played the parts and sang the lines, this is a young kid who has NO PERSONALITY or SHOWMANSHIP. It is NOT ENTETAINING to watch him. These people are in SHOW BUISNESS and should be ENTERTAINING to watch. Wolf stood infront of his Mic all night and didnt move from his mark until maybe 2 or 3 times which were “part” of the show as he did the same things in all 3 shows I saw. Top of the ramp for Run w/ Devil, Play with Ed for Romeo Delight and a bit on ramp for intro to Romeo Delight. Other than that he snuc to the back to pound Red Bull. And not the small can either. I dont want to put the kid down as im sure he can play several instruments better than I but in my opinion he really doesnt belong in VH. One of the big attractions of VH aside from the music was the stage shows. They are not a typical “Metal” band. They smile and goof off and have a god time. Mike joined in with that. Interacted with fans from the stage. As for people who think Mike is the luckiest bass player in Rock, etc, I used to think that. Until I saw him more and more perform live from the front of the stage. He is all over the place. He can play v ery well but was always overshadowed by Ed. Especially in the Hagar Era albums. Early VH you hear so much more of Mike. Listen to albums like Women and Children and blast Romeo Delight especially during the solo. He is all over the place. Walks up and down the bass. I didnt hear that stuff at the reunion n 2007. Wolf just oplayed the root and 16th notes. just kept the bottom going. Earluy VH especially songs where there were no rythem guitar tracks and Ed played live, you hear how strong a player Mike is.
Anyway, bottom line for me, I am a Van Halen fan. I like them with Dave and like them with Sam. Was not the biggest fan of VH3 with Gary, but I bought the album and went to0 the concert. I will continue to do so with whoever is singing or playing as I am a Van Halen FAN.
June 21st, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Hey Lou Beadle
Amen!!
As for Mike’s picture removal from the VH album incident. “THE MIKEY PICTUREGATE!!” Who’s to say Van Halen contrived or deliberately went about to erase Mike’s role in Van Halen? Do people really think that Van Halen would steep that low and be that stupid? I can’t believe that people actually believe that Van Halen would resort to those types of childish antics!! Some people here are so ignorant including Mike himself!! Did it ever occur to everybody that it might have been the website designers doing or mistake? (It’s amazing what Photoshop can do!!)
IMO. Here’s a more civil or simplified explanation of what occurred. Van Halen whilst in the middle of rehearsing for their upcoming tour hires a web design firm to update and re-design their website. With a new promotional team and management on board, things in the Van Halen camp were moving at a frantic pace in preparation for the upcoming 2007/08 tour. I think they were as shocked & displeased when the ‘MIKEY PICTUREGATE’ happened. If it was such a big issue for Mike then why didn’t he demand an explanation from Van Halen? Why didn’t Mike make a call to Eddie? Instead Mike used that to get the ‘sympathy vote’. Got to admit it Sam has taught Mikey well on how to manipulate the media and fans!! Van Halen’s only weakness is working the media. Van Halen has always had a distain for the media and have never seen eye to eye. The media have never liked Van Halen from day one because Van Halen played by their own rules, like Led Zeppelin.
I think everyone would agree that Van Halen has that ‘old school’ attitude!! Their music is timeless but their attitude and how they view the music business is ‘Old School’. I doubt it that Eddie, Alex & Dave would be sitting around a computer screen designing a website. Their musicians!!! They would prefer to be making music than designing a damn website!!! To sum it like this, Alex was asked a question in an interview he did for Modern Drummer magazine, the question was “Alex what kind of music do you have on your ipod? Alex’s answer “What’s an iPod?” Classic Big Al!!
June 21st, 2009 at 10:34 pm
“All these naysayers will perish when the new VH album is unleashed” -Frank
Guess that means we’ll live forever!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:37 am
“Eddie has not written anything that sucks” Are you kidding me? HOW MANY SAY I? That sucked, period! Mike is a great bass player/back up singer who happens to be one of the 4 main reason that VH was successful. Quit defending Ed’s actions! He is LYING and everyone knows it! Yeah, he is talented but, delusional too… I am sick and tired of people defending his lying!!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Of course we’ll live forever Scottso!!
For us fans to survive those ‘Dark Ages in Rock n Roll’ (Sam being in Van Halen!!), we true fans of Van Halen and Rock n Roll are a resilient and tough lot!! We’re immortals like our King Edward!! Eddie’s one tough Dutch genius!!
For the ‘out of this world’ highs and ‘death row’ low’s he’s experienced in his life, I too had my doubts when King Edward had his cancer/booze health problems and then that unnecessary and horrible VH/Hagar reunion tour!!! That tour was Eddie on ‘Death Row’. He was knocking on deaths door on that tour!! I thank god everyday that Sam is OUT of Van Halen for good and that new brother Diamond Dave is BACK!!!
VAN HALEN IS BACK!!!!!!!!!
So eat that all you Chickenfoot muppets!!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hey Jimbob Duggar!! If Eddie farted it would still sound better than anybody else!!!! Eddie’s not a liar; he’s just not very good at the media BS. Like Frank and others here have stated here, Sam knows how to work the media. He’s a master at manipulating them and the fans into distorting Eddie’s view of events that have happened in Van Halen. If you take the time and listen to his interviews without taking him out of context, you’ll be amazed how consistent he’s version of events are. You and others are being taken for fools by Sammy’s masterful media work. That’s probably the only real thing that I can say he’s really good at!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Wow…if anyone thinks that Mikey sounds anything less than classy and RESTRAINED in his comments then you must have had your mind made up before you actually listened to the man.
Even the hosts say at the end after the interview that they’ve interviewed Ed and Mike before and that after having heard both there’s no doubt where all the drama and ill will comes from.
Believe what you want, because it’s pretty inconsequential at the end of the day, but wow…Mikey? Come on…he’s always been the good guy and he probably always will be.
To the “Other Pete” that said that Sammy is “masterful” at media: well, I love the guy, but wow…he says some pretty poorly thought-out things to the media, so I’m not sure if I’d call him masterful at that! (Remember comparing his new band to Zep? Not smart…but what the hell…)
I think what you meant to say is that people take to his vibe more than Ed’s. That I would agree with. Ed has just been such a bitter, negative, guy since Balance. Dave fans (myself included) would probably say it started in 1985. He just can’t help himself. As he gets older he gets angrier.
Thank god for Chickenfoot…it’s great to have some MUSIC to talk about!
Interesting, Ed only discussed a timeframe for a new VH album when asked about Chickenfoot. Given that he’s released 3 new songs in 5 years (not counting his porno career) the new record should materialize in 15 1/2 years.
Sad. And hey, if Ed released a song for every PRODUCT he’s released over the past 5 years you’d have an album and then some.
Sad…thank god for CHICKENFOOT!
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Not listening to anything Sammy has said at all but just the lies Eddie has spewed about Mike. If you take what actually happened and what Eddie says happened, you will find that Eddie is lying through his false teeth. Mike is upstanding and always has been. Lets not start spinning the story to make Ed the good guy…
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I have noticed is that just begun the adventure Chickenfoot, look at the case after a reunion tour of great success of VH w / Dave, the two have never stopped criticizing Eddie.
I bet that if the tour was a flop the two would have enjoyed.
Putting for a moment in the shoes of Eddie: I am writing all the music but the rights are divided into 4, my guitar is the trade mark of the band, but the first singer decides to become a star of Hollywod (do you remeber “crazy from the heat”,it was embarrassing ), then hiring another singer that thanks to my band becomes famous throughout the world, but then decided to return solo, to end the bassist who is a mediocre bass player, but all sudden wants to play with the second former singer because he’s boring but after all he has the right to do what he wants. Remember that Sam said he hate the band named with the last name of the guitarist? (talking about Montrose time)Well, then in 1985 could refuse to join another band called in this way, certainly today NOBODY at least in Europe know who the hell is Sammy Hagar.Eddie has been too generous with them all.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Just a quick comment on the Mike being removed from the website. I am pretty sure the Van Halens knew about this and was their idea. What web designer would just out of the blue get a pic of Wolfie and put his face on it?! They want NO part of Mike Anthony and its sad. They also want NO part of acknowledging the Sammy era. The web site has no album covers of the Sammy era albums and Sammy was in the band almost as long as Dave and all 4 sammy studio albums were their only # 1 albums. On Sammys web site he still has a link to the Vah Halen Web page. Who is the bigger person now. All of them, the Van Halens, Mike, Dave, Sam, are fuckin children. They should start selling their albums at Toys R US! However in the big picture of things, it seems like Eddie is the biggest baby. I love him as much as all of you who stick up for him. We dont want him to be the bad guy cuz he is out “god.” Unfortunately, over the last few years he has been acting like a douche bag. I hope his sobriety and his new marriage will help him be the better person he can be. Not only for himself but for his fans.
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
To Everybody who criticizes EVH:
There would be no Van Halen without Eddie(VAN HALEN).
Don’t talk bad about the guy. If it wasn’t for EVH you would not be on this site. Hell, if it wasn’t for EVH, Chickenfoot would not have all the publicity they are having. So all the Eddie haters need to shut the F#*K UP! Eveything is connected to EVH in some way shape or form including Joe’s playing. Everything spiderwebs to EVH….SO LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!
Why can’t you all just simply say, “Thank You EVH”.
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hey Frank!
Dave WAS back….almost 2 years ago now…and what did he do? He empited our wallets singing (I use the term loosely) old songs. Thanks Dave!! Seriously, Frank…your about a year and a half way too late with “Dave’s Back!” I won’t even get into your rampant disillusion about Dave vs. Van Hagar….it just ain’t worth it. I am glad they unfroze you though…welcome back.
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
exodus-
It’s not really everyone’s fault…people just want some new music. Period. Unfortunately the interwebz gives everyone (including myself) a virtual mega-phone to piss, moan, and complain. As soon as we either see VH4 album cover art, or even a leaked, or released tune, then the waters will calm.
June 22nd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Hey Big Al…Wrong again!!!
The sum is greater than its parts.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Hey theREAL chris!
Well thank you Einstein for that riveting info on Dave being back almost 2 years ago!! “You’ll get some leg tonight for sure!!” Oh man you seriously need a reality check!! Van Halen fans around the world would JUMP at the chance to see them in concert!! That’s the only thing that pisses me off with them; they never tour enough outside of the US!!
Yet I hear someone like you moaning and crying that your wallet’s emptied by going to a Van Halen concert. Oh my heart doesn’t bleed for you!!! It was your choice! You didn’t have to go, but you went instead!! Did you have a good time? Or we’re you like those typical musicians and critics that stand at the back of the room trying to look cool and be serious!!! You got to lighten up, get a grip. Can’t get laid? Watch a porno…do something man before you miss out on all the good things life throws at you!!!
Judging by most of the VH 2007/08 YouTube clips I’ve seen not withstanding some of the terrible mobile phone camera quality I might had, Dave and Van Halen were having the time of their lives up there!! I’ve never seen Alex smile and laugh so much and surprisingly Dave singing most of the night. I think this time round Dave made an effort to sing the songs. From his time away from Van Halen Dave recognized how important the fans treasured the music. Dave try’s to change a bit yet people shoot him down!! But I still love his banter between and during songs, that’s his trademark!!! Dave is so full of life!!! Yet you and others knock the guy for having a good time and wanting to entertain you. Dave treats you as the most important person in that arena. I heard that he got a bit emotional at some shows; it means so much to him to be back in Van Halen. He will forever regret the time he left the band yet people (like you!) will never forgive him. Putting it in perspective, those that will never accept him are really the Sammy lovers!!
We all have problems in life right? In a nutshell; Van Halen just want to make you forget about it for 2 hours of your life, they don’t want to remind you about how shitty this world can be…just stand up have a good time and ROCK!!! You know what made seeing Van Halen in concert the greatest thing ever? Their unpredictability, improvisation, stellar production and humour!! The last thing I want to see is a band that played exactly like the album. If you like that then stay home and listen to the album!! If Dave misses a word or 7, or Eddie played the solo’s different than the album version, then it’s not the end of the world!! Hell even Ian Gillan and Robert Plant constantly changed their words and Jimmy Page, Blackmore and Hendrix never played the same solo live in concert!! That’s called ‘Old School Rock’. But I prefer to call it the ‘BEST School Rock’. So there…and I didn’t need to call you mean names!!
VAN HALEN IS BACK!!
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Oh, Frank! I emptied my wallet in 04 and and 07, damn right I did. And here’s a another news flash from a Van Hagar fan….07 was a better show! Sure they didn’t play some of my favorite VH, but what they did play was massive, loud and and it kicked ass! One of the last things your wrote about improv…I could not agree with you more. I tried. It hurt. I wish VH did a little more of that. It was one of Zep’s most powerful weapons. I’m hoping the next VH tour will have more room for changing it up a little. Wolfie’s a little older, more polished, and I really think that’s the only reason the set list stayed static. Oh and BTW, I definitely “had a good time” at each show I went to!!
June 29th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
mikey is the background vocals i van halen,period
June 29th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
there wa no harmony in the so called reunion tour.yes,wolfy can play bass,but not even come close to mike singing back-up
.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
eddie can be totally solo,ill buy every record,the mans a genious at the guitar
June 29th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
alex aint so shabby either
one hell of a drummer
June 29th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
eddie van halen makes my fur stand-up,no matter who sings.i hope someday he releases everything he ever recorded.