Interview with co-creator of Michael Anthony’s Mad Anthony’s Hot Sauce
From ScottRobertsWeb.com:
FireTalkers: Interview with Mike Greening of Mike and Diane’s Gourmet Kitchen
Scott Roberts, Sept 5th 2009
Mike and Diane’s Gourmet Kitchen is the company works with Michael Anthony to create his award-winning Mad Anthony hot sauces, BBQ sauces, and mustard. Below is the Michael Anthony portion of the interview.
Scott: Since I used to be a hardcore Van Halen fan, I have to ask you a few [ex-Van Halen, and current Chickenfoot bassist] Michael Anthony questions. How did you hook up with him to make his Mad Anthony sauces?
Mike Greening: Long story. I will try to keep it short.
I had heard for years that he had [our company's logo] Ring of Fire tattoo but until I’ve actually seen it, I don’t believe it. Several years ago some friends of ours were going to a music trade show that Michael Anthony was going to be signing autographs at. They asked me if I wanted them to check out his tattoos. I gave them a few bottles to take with them (just in case) and they did. Low and behold, he did have our chileman tattooed on his left forearm. They took a picture of him holding a bottle of sauce next to his tattoo for me to have proof. On a whim, I e-mailed his website and said that if he ever wanted to do his own hot sauce to give me a call. I never even thought he would see the e-mail, let alone respond to it. On the very next day, he called me and said “Hell, yeah, lets do it.” The rest is pretty much history.
Scott: How much input did Michael Anthony have in the creation of his hot sauces, BBQ sauces and mustards?
Mike: At the onset with Michael, I told him that if he was looking to slap his face on a bottle of hot sauce just to make money on it, I was the wrong guy to work with. My only concern was to make a superior quality product, regardless of how much it sells. He was in total agreement. He wanted a product that he would be proud to have his name on and it wasn’t about making money.
With that part out of the way, I would come up with a type of base for a sauce, a background if you will, and send it to him and see what he thinks. From there, we go back and forth adding things to it until we get a sauce that we are both happy with. He usually only has two requests for the sauce. “HOTTER! And more garlic.” Once we get the garlic where we want it, he just says “HOTTER!”. The man can eat some seriously hot foods. He can down a half a bottle of his XXXHot at a sitting, without it even phasing him. Me, one taste of that sauce and I’m done. This is how we pretty much did all of his sauces.
Scott: Were you a big Van Halen fan before you and Michael collaborated? What do you think of the new Chickenfoot album?
Mike: To be honest, I wasn’t much of a Van Halen fan at all. My wife Diane still has their first two albums. (yes vinyl albums). I liked their music but never thought about it much, except for the Hot For Teacher video. That was hot.
I really do like the new Chickenfoot CD. I actually bought a copy of it because I didn’t want to wait for Michael to send me one. I am also extremely happy for Michael because he is having so much fun with the new band and they are all having a blast playing the concerts. For them, this was about making music and having fun and they really are.
View Scott Robert’s recent review of Mad Anthony’s XXXTRA HOT Private Reserve Hot Sauce.
View all Mad Anthony sauces at Van Halen Store. 
Filed under: Merchandise, Michael Anthony
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September 7th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Good for MA he found something at last to have fun with these days and during his last dark years with VH.
Peace to you, Mike. You deserve it.
Frank, NL
September 7th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
funny he said he bought the album before Mike send it to him.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Now we are interviewing hot sauce companies…WTF!
I thought this was a news site!
September 7th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
There is no news.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Dawg1981, relax. It’s not supposed to be earth-shattering news, just perhaps a little more light shown on our favorite bassist’s hot sauce obsession.;-)
Both Mikes (Greening and Anthony) are great, down-to-earth guys, and I wish them both continued success in their shared venture.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
has anyone here ever tried the stuff? thats not sarcasm by the way
September 7th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Man, when I first tried the stuff, it was a couple summers ago. I was putting it on almost EVERYTHING that summer. I tried each bottle. They are ALL very, very good. I would use the original hot sauce and/or the fiery mustard on almost everything. Also the BBQ sauce (regular flavor, not the hot one).
I am actually out of them now, and I’ll have to get more. They are really very good. Michael Anthony has won some legitimate awards with some of his sauces.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I love Michael Anthony, but my my god isn’t this a stretch for news.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I hope this wasn’t the reason Mike got kicked out of VH because if it is, that is petty to say the least. Mike is branching out from music into other ventures which is very cool. Doesn’t Joe Perry have a hot sauce as well? Funny, we didn’t hear about him getting booted from Aerosmith for having a business venture outside of the band.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I tried the stuff ….its o.k….everybody claims to have the hottest….but it was just like all the rest…good flavor though….great on chicken
September 7th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Seems overpriced
September 7th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I’m laughing that this bugs some of you out there, relax, it’s a slow news day! If a story about Mad Mike’s hot sauce gets some of you all hot and bothered, then I can’t wait to read the comment’s when RickiVanWiener blake, BubbaCO and J5149.5 start getting free publicity for the new brand of man pads they developed just for themselves and the rest of the haters!!! I hear the slogan goes something like this, “TheTruthHurts, now shut it and plug it, time to man up”!!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I forgot to say piss off to the haters!!! PISS OFF!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Scar, I thought you said “relax”
Frank, NL
September 8th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Funny you should say that, I also have those first two VH records on vinyl…Never really listened to them. Are they as good as Chickenfoot?
September 8th, 2009 at 2:41 am
What kind of news you people want??? There’s bunch of guys that are o were in VH (EVH,AVH,DLR,MA,SH,GC&WVH), and this site is about what they’re doing with their lifes. If you don’t like this, well… get http://www.disney.com
September 8th, 2009 at 4:20 am
Scar there is no need to be disgusting and yes that is what you are being down right gross. the so called haters are right on this one. We all love mike we all miss him yes. But do we honestly and search your angry soul on this one, give a flying fuck about his hot sauce? NO. I’d rather see 5 chickenfoot updates a day and 1 VH update a month that this shit. O WAIT… Admit it people we are all pissed, bored, and tired of van halen farting around. They are our favorite band and they have sat on their ass for too long. We all have not given up hope yet and so we pass the time bad mouthing the people that we will be hugging when a new van halen album hits the stores so until then lets please ease up on the hating and rock out to our complete van halen collection and hope that those crazy motherfuckers we love so much will give us just one more album.
September 8th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Hearing all this hot sauce talk is making me hungry!
Anyone want taco’s?
Taco’s on the duck!
Someone bring the corona!
September 8th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Cool article. Everything I’ve ever read about Mike is about how genuine he is.
This sounds like a fun hobby for him, not your garden variety cash-grab. Good for him to have a little fun and put together something that really is tasty. (Better than Joe Perry’s which is also very good.)
I watched some old vids of VH yesterday - both eras. I also watched the VH Early Years thing again. Then I saw a bootleg of the ‘07 tour.
I’m still in amazement that Mike is no longer in VH, and that such a classy guy was treated with “no” regard. He read about it like the rest of us that he was no longer in VH.
Given all that, I’m happy to see him in a working band again, especially one that kicks so much ass and actually remembers rock and roll is supposed to be fun. (At least the kind “I” like!)
If VH can pull an album together, good for them. More good music is good for all of us. But I’m glad Mike is somewhere that he’s appreciated, and something that lets him show off his immense talents. I guess everyone is where they should be in 2009.
Have a good one everyone,
Pete
September 8th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Mike is also co owner of Bonspeed wheels.Funny no mention of his wheel line.Very clean wheels.I have heard nothing but good about his sauce line.I would like to get some,any stores sell it or just online?
September 8th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Its A Shame The Way Mike Has Been Treated In VH.Back In 81 During The Fair Warning Tour Talas Was Opening For Them And Ed Approached Billy Sheehan About Possibly Replacing Mike.Jees What Did Mike Do To Deserve Such Animosity.
September 8th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I bought all of them and wow they are what they claim to be “HOT” I’m not much for super hot stuff but I realy enjoy the bbq flaver. Ok Ducky/Dirt duck I’ll take taco and a bottle of anything…ta go!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Boring!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Darren!
You got it brother!
I put a glazed donut on the side for dessert
September 8th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
more power to ya mikey!
September 8th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Ducky: can I bring some Heineken’s along?
Frank, NL
September 8th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Frank!!!!
Hell yeah brother!
You dig ” St. Paulies Girl” lagar?
I love my heineken’s dont get me wrong , but I love my paulie girl too! Ever try one?
Dont matter! We’re having a party! Taco’s….beer….woman?
Speaking of…..where have you been kim!?
September 8th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
SCAR
You are the one channeling all the hate on these message boards. Get a grip on yourself you little wanker.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Yo Adrian, Do you really think I care what you or the hater’s think of my comments???? So what, I’m disgusting and gross!!! Here’s a nickel - get a clue ASAP!!!! If you can’t handle the heat………
September 8th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Well well well, I see RickieVanWiener took the bait!!! When will you hater’s ever learn!!! Another fool caught in the fishing net!!!! Oh yea, The Red Rocker ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wanker that putz!!!! Why behave in public when your living on a playground????
September 8th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Scar way to be original buddy! yo adrian! never heard that one before jee you sure are witty. I could give a rats ass about your nickels and clues asshole if you read what i said below I think we can all agree on this i will will restate it:
Admit it people we are all pissed, bored, and tired of van halen farting around. They are our favorite band and they have sat on their ass for too long. We all have not given up hope yet and so we pass the time bad mouthing the people that we will be hugging when a new van halen album hits the stores so until then lets please ease up on the hating and rock out to our complete van halen collection and hope that those crazy motherfuckers we love so much will give us just one more album.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Yo, Adrian, looks like you still can’t handle the heat!!! Thanks for wasting your time re-posting your comments!!! Now here’s a another nickel, post your comments to somebody that cares, because I’m just going to keep on laughing at you SUCKER!!!! It’s been a pleasure annoying you!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
SCAR, you obviously haven’t been laid in quite a while. got a little extra energy? or should i say heat? you seem to like that term. Heres some advice for free no nickels involved. Stop fucking commenting on van halen stuff when all you have to say is bad mouthing others online. When was the last time one of your comments included one of these key words?
1. 5150
2. Van Halen
3. Dave/Sammy
4. Kramer
5. New album
It seems to me all you can talk about on the so called discussion board is your ideas for men’s tampons. what the fuck!? no one wants to hear about men’s tampons if you need someone to talk to about your rectal bleeding get on WEB M.D not VHND. LEAVE
September 8th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Yo, Adrian, I’m still laughing at you!!!!!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Anyone who say’s using the ‘WORDS” piss off and pisser is ‘Gross’ has to be half a Fag to say the least…Scar..Right on Bro…Keep the Rock-N-Roll Flag flying high….Before you know it these Half-Wit Half-Men censor happy House Husbands will ask us to ‘Please refrain your selves from vulgarity….’ ……Frigging yuppie poseur pussies
September 8th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Yo, Adrian, FYI, if you are thinking of making another lame point again, I’m going to be busy getting my buzz on, but no need to worry - I’m still laughing at you!!!!!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
pushcomestofuck i dont give a shit about piss or any other vulgarity all im sayin is scar is talkin about mens tampons and no one wants to hear that bullshit. i quote “start getting free publicity for the new brand of man pads they developed just for themselves and the rest of the haters!!! I hear the slogan goes something like this, “The Truth Hurts, now shut it and plug it, time to man up”!!!!”- SCAR.
wat the fuck is that!??
to Scar: you are a child just sitting on line annoying the shit out of people. you have no friends. Your wife is fucking your 300 neighbor.
September 8th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Yo, Adrian It’s a lot better laughing at you with a buzz!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Yo, Adrian, thanks for quoting good ol SCAR and by the way, I’m still laughing at you!!!!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Yo, Adrian don’t feel left out putz, I’m still laughing at you!!!!
September 8th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
hmmm id like to try some of this stuff on some bbq chicken. i wonder if they sell it at super markets?
September 9th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Fair warning, I hope you are still ticked off at me and hate my guts!! I look forward to annoying you some more in the near future!!!! Have a wonderful day putz and remember, keep dishing it out - I’m easily entertained!!!!!
September 9th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Yo, Adrian, good morning and yes, I’m still laughing at you!!!!
September 9th, 2009 at 8:24 am
i think it would be cool if the format for VHND was changed a bit-
for example, MAJOR updates would be the top-banner headline and little things like retro clips and interviews with alumni would be in a sidebar.
this way, the crybabies would look atthe front page and see what the headline is ( which would typically reamin unchanged- but always a major news item ie: tour dates, recording sessions, new dvd etc etc ) and the sidebar could have more frequent updates about the peripheral things ( ie : old clips and alumni stuff )
so- we could keep up to date on chickenfoot, mike, sammy, gary, producers, etc AND maybe the windbags would get off thier period
September 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
mikey tries hard but he is so so uncool. I read once where Dave never would even ackknowledged him and thats why mike is so negative toward Dave.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Good heavens, I go on vacation for a couple of days and the whole place falls apart.
Duck, I want some tacos for sure. Please save me some!!
September 10th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Skutch!
Done….
I got steak taco’s….chicken taco’s….
September 10th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Steak for me. All the way.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:57 am
One “steak”……COMING UP!!!!!!!