Michael Anthony Night

October 22, 2010 107 Comments

Michael Anthony will be on two VH1 shows this Saturday, Oct 23rd; Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp at 10 pm Eastern, & That Metal Show at 11 pm Eastern.

Filed Under: Michael Anthony

Phil

Mr. Vanchickenhalenfoot…if that really is your name. Actually I don’t really have a comment, I just wanted to say Mr. Vanchickenhalenfoot. Wait, here’s something we can maybe all come together on, let’s just make fun of Kip Winger
MA=VH

Anyone have a youtube link to these shows?

MA=VH
Phil

MA = VH, Check the vh1 classic web site.
mjc

I think Dave himself would tell rothaholic to get some help.
patrick

@=VH=OZ MAN…i dont think mike really picked sammy over van halen.i think mike got tired of sitting around the house for years and went out and hung out with his buddy.there is no doubt mike would have dropped everything the second van halen wanted to hit the road or go into the studio but eddie waited for years for an excuse to can him.if mike being friends with someone eddie doesnt like was reason enough to dump him then i find that a bit childish.
Sandman

Michael Anthony is a Rock-N-Roll Gentleman and has to be one of the most respected musicians in the industry.
anythingleftinthatbottle

Roth-A-Holic, I’M with you buddy. No way around it. If Sambo was the singer in 1978 and remained so for however long they would have lasted, it wouldn’t have been even the same decade that produced, Ratt, Motley Crue, Dokken and endless other bands that were just there on Diamond Dave’s good graces. There is just no explaining it unless you where there at the time to feel the vibe of the larger than life Dave. I think, even today’s Dave doesn’t understand that periods Dave. No, I don’t want to see him doing jumping splits (WHere his right leg doesn’t quite go as high as his left leg) off the drum riser, but I think he has the depth to find a (Most interesting man in the world) approach to his stage persona. Like I’ve said “Sam is like meeting the guy next door” & “if I wanted to meet a guy like the guy next door, I’ll go next door!”
Tom

I just dont think Ed AND Al liked the fact Mike and Sammy went out,called themselves The Other Half,clearly a jab at Van Halen,and performed Van Halen songs,even if Sammy did help write lyrics for them.Everyone says Ed has been wanting to can Mike for years…but then why didnt he?If he didnt play much bass on VH3,why didnt wasnt Mike booted then?And why is it only Ed?Just because Al doesnt say much doesnt mean he doesnt do much besides play drums.I think he has alot more to do with what goes on behind the scenes then people assume.People amaze me with their own assupmtions and stupidity.Unless anyone here has sat down with all memebers of the band past or present and knows the facts,its all BS to me.Beleive nothing you read in the press and half of what you see.Its all smoke and mirrors……just ask Diamond Dave himself.You may only see it as music,but its show biz folks
F’n Rockstar

I just don’t think VH have it anymore… I’m glad Mike moved on…The 2007 tour was just a nostalgia act. Dave was a small glimmer of his former self as was Ed. Al was pretty timeless. There were some glimmers of former genius in there…but just a few minutes here and there. They really need to kick it up on this next album and tour. The 2004 and 2007 tours weren’t even in the same league of ANY of the previous VH tours, including Gary. VHIII live was a step down and the Sam Reunion and VHIV took it down even further. I hope Ed being sober, and Wolf getting older brings this band back from the dead.
http://gswoerner@hotmail.com Jim

Michael Anthony extends his record. He now has been labeled “a class act” for the 93 Million and 86th time.

He has over an 87 Million lead over runner up Bruce Springstein.

In response to this amazing accomplishment, Anthony credits Ed, Alex, and Dave for giving him his shot in Van Halen as without Van Halen, nobody would have ever known who he was. Anthony then goes on to credit Sammy because had Sammy not given him the opportunity to double cross Van Halen, then he would probably have still ben in Van Halen and would have had minimal “class act” credits as most of the “class acts” were acknowledged after leaving the band.
Vanicionado

In the end, no matter who says what about whom… I will always listen to any Van Halen album and will always be moved.

That’s the bottom line… if you are a __REAL__ Van Halen fan.
Matt ( from Mass )

I caught ‘That Metal Show’. It was worth it! Nothing really new with Mike but entertaining nonetheless.
Mark

Michael Anthony double crossed Van Halen if you live in Bizarro World, otherwise, no way dude.
Tommy Boy

Vanicionado: ditto

The show was cool…
Dooley

Michael Anthony is better off nowadays. He’s in an excellent band that produces new tunes and tours, let’s him play his bass without inhibition,and has a powerhouse singer who plays second-lead/rhythm guitar quite well. In other words, doing what a rock n roll band should be doing.

Rock on Mike, be very proud !!
Mark Sachs

I know it gets on some people´s nerves that Mike is referred to as a “class act“ on a very reglar basis on here. However, I know of very few people who would have have handle the way he was treated in a good way! Think about it, most regular folks who I know or you probably know, for that matter, would not have taken the high road after being fired or whatever you want to call it that happened to him! Even if Mike would in reality be in the wrong somehow with the whole thing, the perception is that he isn´t because he continually behaves in such a, Yes “Class Act“ manner. lol
Dooley

Tom’s comment:

“Its all smoke and mirrors……just ask Diamond Dave himself.You may only see it as music,but its show biz folks”

Yeah, that helps explain the use of MA’s backing vocal tracks on the last VH tour, a topic touched upon during the Metal Show segment.
Top Jimmy

I’d just like to mention, and I really don’t think this is said enough, that Michael Anthony is a Class Act.
patrick

how unimportant was mike if they felt the need to use his backround vocals during the last tour?not a “class act” by van halen.
phillster

If Mikey had just put out his own solo album instead of teaming up with Sammy all the time,
He`d Still be in =VH=.
They should have read him the”VanHalenSaga”book where it tells how Mike chewed Dave out and asked what he really said.
Mike`s explination of went down was vague at best.
phillster

Michael Anthony`s a class act.
OzzyVanHalen

Michael Anthony is NOT a class act.
He is one of the most legendary bassists in music.
Fear of a Sparkless Horizon

I googled the expression “class act” and don’t ya know it, there’s a pic of Mike Anthony.
http://gswoerner@hotmail.com Jim

How about this? Everybody is “a class act”.
chris b.

Missed the shows on tv, but I was able to catch Fantasy Camp on youtube. How about loading up the Metal Show appearance?
Albert Jackson-Munoz

Eddie Trunk is a POSER!!! BUT, he has made some valid points. VAN HALEN AND THE HALL OF FAME was quite accurate, However, his rants and raves on UFO quite frankly suck. I find that so many times he tries really hard to fit in and justify his ignorance. But nonetheless, he is a professional. he has a show, and I DON”T…..9 out of 10 times he’s wrong and I’m correct………..but it is his show.

VAN HALEN RULES!!!!!
Roth-A-Holic

I called out Eddie Trunk about Van Hagar and the facts support my side. He thinks there is a huge fan demand for Van Hagar when there clearly is not — the dismal 2004 tour proved that. I dont hear Van Hagar songs on the radio anymore. That stuff sounds so dated.

However, Trunk is overall a VH fan and I give him kudos for that. He did seem to have trouble naming all the VH studio albums so that makes me wonder how big of a fan he really is. I would murder the guy in a VH trivia contest!
Lupercal

Mike only played 3 songs on VH3, he said it himself. Eddie still needed him in the band because he needed the live performance to be perfect. You really think Van Halen fans would flock to a band that not only recently got the ex-lead singer of Extreme but also some other schmuck on bass? Just wouldn’t happen. Plus Eddie KNEW Mike wouldn’t bitch and moan, and just get on with it. Hell, maybe he actually wanted Mike around anyway. Who knows? We sure as hell never will. Its all speculation based on half-told statements that we have to try and take for truth.

Didn’t catch this show as I live in the UK but Mike always seems like he just does and says the right things, cares about the fans, all that. The Oakland footage is phenominal because ALL 4 of the guys are giving it their all; the start of Unchained is Mike literally punching his bass and looking ecstatic.

Plus, I’m sure every VH fan has seen those little live “moments” when Mike and Eddie jam or get to the bridge of the song and rock out together. I’m thinking of stuff like Amsterdam bridge on the Toronto show and Without You in Japan 98. Pretty cool and reminds you they did actually get along and probably still would.
Vancionado

Roth-A-Holic…

I don’t hear too much DLR’s solo stuff on the radio that much anymore.

I think there is demand for ANY Van Halen right now, as you can plainly read from many comments from the true, die-hard Fans (who like any singer) and even guys like you.

Just out of curiosity, do you drive ONLY a vehicle made by a certain company, use ONLY certain tools made by a certain company and ONLY drink one kind of cola?
Kate

The fact that he couldn’t come up with the correct answer for the Better Half question was pretty shocking to me. I mean, I would think that most fans would know that as it sort of fanned the flames in the VH drama realm. I’m not much of a fan of Eddie Trunk either, but hey, at least we got to hear from Mike.
Art Vandelay

I’m a VH fan and it doesn’t matter a whole lot to me who the hell sings. However, I’d prefer Roth from here on out. But, CLEARLY Ed drives the bus and always has. Who sings is up to him. So, putting the band’s problems or laying blame somewhere other than at Ed’s feet is feeble at best.

Rothaholic, banging that same stupid drum is pointless. There are so many underlying reasons why that 2004 tour didn’t do as well as the Roth reunion. Do they need to revisited? Not really. I don’t care who sold more tickets. I have a feeling that a vast majority of people don’t care. I just care if they’re out there doing what they should be doing.

It’s seriously time for you to get over the “my dad’s better than your dad” syndrome.
True Reunion

Life is too short for these guys not to let mikey back in the band. Atleast give the guy one proper tour. He’s an original and a big big part of the classic Van Halen sound. Its easier to forgive than to hold some sinceless grudge…

Maybe we need to get some sort of a petition goin to show some support for our guy!!!
True Reunion

Roth-A-Holic says:

“October 26th, 2010 at 8:02 am
I called out Eddie Trunk about Van Hagar and the facts support my side. He thinks there is a huge fan demand for Van Hagar when there clearly is not — the dismal 2004 tour proved that. I dont hear Van Hagar songs on the radio anymore. That stuff sounds so dated.

However, Trunk is overall a VH fan and I give him kudos for that. He did seem to have trouble naming all the VH studio albums so that makes me wonder how big of a fan he really is. I would murder the guy in a VH trivia”

I just want to say I went to a couple of shows on that 04 tour. Eddie was clearly wasted on the shows I attended. Which over all was quite a bummer.
Kayser Sozay

Very cool to see Mike on That Metal Show getting props. Kip Winger boycotting the VH reunion tour was maybe a tad overboard but maybe that’s a bass player solidarity thing, who knows?

Like most people, I was bummed to see Mike fired from VH, especially for such a silly reason. (Not to mention the classless way in which it was done). But I think it ended up being a good thing for him. I know I’ll get crucified for saying this in this forum but in my opinion, he’s much better off with Chickenfoot. Not only does he finally get to be relevant and active again, but he gets to be in a much more fun and functional environment with top notch musicians that are still motivated and capable of making great music.

I am a die-hard fan of all eras of VH so nothing would make me happier than if VH put out a kick-ass new album. But I really have my doubts it will happen. Like everyone I jumped at the chance to see VH back with Roth on the 07 reunion tour. While it was cool to hear those classic songs played live again, the performance was wooden, uninspired and sloppy at times. The joy and interactions between Ed and Dave felt contrived rather than genuine. Video clips I’ve seen from other shows on the tour confirm it wasn’t just a bad night.

The show only confirmed my belief that the reason Ed sat around for so many years doing nothing (besides the health issues and drugs/alcohol) was that he just doesn’t have the desire anymore. I’ll always love Ed for all the music he’s given us and consider him the greatest rock guitarist ever and VH the greatest band ever, but I think he’s been done by choice for a long time. If his heart was really in it, don’t you think there would have been new music or at least something else going on since the 07 tour by now?

And while no one can deny that Roth is one of the all-time great frontmen and was unstoppable in his day, he just doesn’t have the talent anymore. That’s no knock on Dave because virtually everyone’s abilities decline with age. Sammy’s just one of those very rare cases that manages to maintain vocal ability at 63 years old.

Clearly Chickenfoot will never come close to the greatness that VH enjoyed from 78-96 (or 78-85 if you Hagar-era haters prefer). And clearly the nostalgia factor means anything VH would do today would outsell Chickenfoot. But as a band, I think Chickenfoot brings more to the table today than VH does and has more to offer a guy like Mike, especially since he doesn’t seem motivated by money but by being able to do his thing with great musicians and have a great time doing it. Mike’s right where he should be and I’m happy for his success. Know why? . . .

because Mike’s a class act. (ha – couldn’t resist)
Rick

I’m glad to see that there’s so many others who can’t stand “Roth-A-Holic.” He is no doubt the most annoying person who posts on VHND on a regular basis.

The pathetic thing is that right now, “Roth-A-Holic” is happy with himself, thinking, “See! The Sammy fans can’t stand me!! God, Dave is sooo much better than Sammy!” But in reality I prefer DAVE over Sammy. Even the huge Dave fans like myself can’t stand his juvenile posts. If VHND were to ever ban someone from posting, he’d be a great candidate. People like him hurt this website.
DavesGroupie

I agree with roth- a-holic ! Mike is just a bass player and hes was trying to make fun of Roth for drinking Jim Beam Not Jack Come on hed be nothin with out Roth !!!!
DavesGroupie

Im sick of Mike & Sammy cryin !! Sammy plays roth song to this day!!! Sammy & mike are nothing with out Eddie & Roth!!!!!
http://none 12beerstogo

I don’t fully understand where people are coming from on the Michael Anthony issue.How do you feel sorry for a guy that was getting paid millions to take a long vacation.He also probably could have jammed with just about anyone in the world EXCEPT Salami hagar and been fine.I’d be willing to bet that most of the people on here are not independently wealthy,yet you have a shoulder for Anthony to cry on.Some on here cuss out and ridicule anyone that could care less for Salami or chickenhawk but you probably have a lot more in common with those people than you do with any rich cat from chickenhawk.I personaly don’t feel sorry for millionaires but it’s a free country.
D.O.A.

@DavesGroupie: Sorry if I’m a little slow, but WTF was that?
patrick

@davesGroupie…i believe its the hard core roth fans who cant let it go.
51504vh

I don’t believe that even the original Van Halen could ever duplicate the music that they played back in the day. I remember both era’s (Van Halen/Van Hagar) and the Van Halen era was such a unique time and band. Ed will never be able to play the way he did at that time and Dave will never be able to jump and sing the way he did nor will he ever be stoned enough to wear the things that he wore back then. Those six Van Halen CD’s are kept separate from all my other CD’s and when I listen to them, I know that it was a special group of guys in a special time that created that music,image and attitude that they themselves or anyone else will ever be able to duplicate ever again. I have never compared the two bands because they were night and day, apples and oranges. I just always thought that they should have changed their name after Roth departed but unfortunately they left it up to us.
DavesGroupie

I can’t type or spell ! I just can’t understand why a true Van Halen fan would complain about Mikey not being in the Band all the time rather than be happy that Dave back! Mike& Sammy act as if Dave’s a joke ! I think Sammy turned into a Joke when he started acting like Jimmy Buffet!!
patrick

i think its less about mike not being there and more about how it went down…dumping him without the balls enough to call him,images removed from the web site and piping in his backround vocals on the last tour and BTW davesGroupie…not everyone thinks dave is god.
DavesGroupie

I do … Dave & William Shatner are GODS!!!!!
Fear of a Sparkless Horizon

When I look back at all of these posts, one thing is crystal clear…

VAN HALEN HAS SUCCESSFULLY DIVIDED & CONQUERED ITS ENTIRE FAN BASE!!!!

bummer
Just some dude

Great post by Kayser Sozay!

P.S. WHERE’S PANAMA RED — I MISS HIS POSTS!
http://vhnd Jimmy

I like the way he answered his opinion on the two guitarists.
I can visualize Joe(one badass player)being all buisness
totally musically proper in every instant.
I also visualize Eddie being such a naturally gifted player.
Props to Mike for his respect.

I hope they(Ed, Alex, & Mike) just talk and fix this shit so we can see them all together, all at once. One jam packed festival with everyone for everyone.
Lupercal

Well, @ Fear of a Sparkless Horizon, there are many, many fans who *gasp!* don’t like to bitch and moan about what singer is better and all the crap that goes with it. Personally, I love all eras of Van Halen and I’m just glad that nobody has died or come down with a serious disease or something. They’re all healthy and happy. Sometimes things just aren’t or are meant to be, I guess Van Hagar has had its time, but thats not to say Sammy hasn’t shown he can still rock out. And just look at what Gary, Eddie and Alex have achieved as well; reunion tours and new material (on Extreme’s part anyway).

I don’t think Van Halen have divided their fan base as such, but I guess Eddie’s behaviour just confuses the hell out of the fans. At the end of the day we all really care about this band and the people in it. In a perfect world we’d all have our perfect incarnation of Van Halen and we’d all probably have totally different outcomes to them. Who is to say what’s right and what’s not?

I think if we all came together as a fanbase people like Eddie would be a lot more inclined to get going on the road again rather than bitching to Guitar World about how childish we all are. He only needs to read this message board to see what his active fanbase thinks.
Kayser Sozay

Good post, Lupercal. As far as the fanbase, I think Ed could get every VH fan eating out of his hand again by simply making the fans feel like they matter. The last many years have shown the band’s relationship with its fans is almost as dysfunctional as the relationships within the band.

A good place to start would be to tell the fans what’s really going on with the band. I think fan bitching would stop if Ed came out and just told us what’s up, even if all he had to say was that things are really up in the air with the band right now and he’s not sure what’s going to happen. Or, if he’s really done, he could just say so. It would be, “thanks Ed, for all you’ve done, enjoy retirement.”

Instead, fans keep getting jerked around and while many don’t care, many don’t like it. We either get assurances of new music (remember the whole after my hand surgery and Wolfie graduates thing a few years back?) and then a failure to deliver or else the band intentionally trying to keep us from knowing what’s up (remember Ed’s wife a while ago going to the press after rumors of a new album for the sole purpose of NOT confirming anything one way or the other?) This pattern has been there quite a while. When the fans bitch I think Ed’s confidence gets shaken and then things are back up in the air and it’s the whole vicious circle thing. That guitar magazine interview a while ago really proved how much fan response affects Ed’s attitude. It almost sounded like he wanted to punish the fans for bitching by not putting any new music out.

But I do think if VH started to embrace the fans and let them know what was up, the negativity towards the band goes away. Then once we’re all a big happy family, maybe things really start to happen. Just a theory.

But I don’t think the fans being split over lead singer makes any difference. Ed has proved the band is entirely capable of making kick-ass music no matter who is singing.
http://VHND HIKER MAN

ED AND DON HENLEY GREAT MUSICALLY, BUT REALLY HARD TO GET ANY INFORMATION OUT OF THEM