David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, and Michael Anthony ink deals with Warner/Chappell

November 22, 2010 86 Comments

Some interesting behind the scenes business going on…

Warner/Chappell recently inked deals with legendary rockers David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, all of Van Halen fame.

As part of the new agreement, Warner/Chappell acquired the entire catalog of songs written by Sammy Hagar — songwriter guitarist, and former lead singer of Van Halen (1986 through 1996) — including his work with the bands Van Halen, Montrose and Chickenfoot, as well as his music as a solo artist.

Additionally, Warner/Chappell extended and expanded its worldwide administration agreements with songwriters David Lee Roth, original lead singer for Van Halen (1978 through 1984), and Michael Anthony, bassist for Van Halen and Chickenfoot. Roth’s existing catalog, including his Van Halen and solo work, as well as Anthony’s work with Van Halen and Chickenfoot’s debut self-titled album, are part of the agreements.

“Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony have not only each co-written hit songs recorded by Van Halen on some of the highest-selling albums of all time, but each had success on other solo or band recording projects as well,” said Scott Francis, President, Warner/Chappell Music, and Chairman and CEO, Warner/Chappell Music U.S.

“Their work is classic, timeless and adored around the world. The entire Warner/Chappell staff is excited to be working with such revered musicians who we know will continue to thrill fans for years to come.”

Warner/Chappell made a similar announcement in August regarding the administration of publishing by Eddie and Alex Van Halen.

Filed Under: Alex Van Halen, Chickenfoot, David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Michael Anthony, Sammy Hagar, Van Halen

http://www.michaelq.com.au Michael Quinn

Nice investment by Warner / Chappell and some good strategic moves by the boys.

Good signs for the future care and releases of VH and some box set opportunities.

Probably helps Sammy save some money on bank admin fees with the one royalty cheque.
phil

awesome! three great legends. dave, sam and mike have all entertained us over the years. great move by warner.
http://youtube.com/joshkosh95 Joshua Gallagher

Hmmm intriguing…
http://youtube.com/joshkosh95 Joshua Gallagher

I say Van Halen should release a new album with Roth this next year, then the next year an album with Ed, Al, Dave, Sammy, Mike and Wolf! Everyone would have to resolve all their conflicts and fueds with each other but can you imagine?! Just like “Falling in Between” by Toto, they got alot of singers and players from their previous albums to guest on it. Then live we could have sammy singing backing vocals on the Roth songs and vice versa. Wolfgang could play keys and Mike can play bass. Then we can have the kings Eddie and Alex doing what they do best! This deal could also mean another greatest hits (-.-) or some live blu-rays and boxsets! In the modern drummer 2008 issue Alex says “We want the songs to sound the 2007 way” This would be the 2011 or 2012 way! Just think of the money Van Halen!
Brett Wheer

So when do we get a VH tour with Sammy, Dave, Mike, Eddie, and Alex ALL together?
http://youtube.com/joshkosh95 Joshua Gallagher

However I would be just as happy with the rendition of the band that they have now. New album, Blu-ray concert, volume 2 music videos, old concerts (definately 1984 live blu-ray) and world tour!
Diamond Dean

What does all this mean??

Wldnt it be nice if they put out a dvd boxset? old interviews old tv performances , new interviews , somethiong along the lines of what led zep , iron maiden etc did ?? something that goes for like 6 hrs , heaps of differant concerts , is it just me that looks 4ward to this stuff?
Eric

So, does this mean the Sammy-era CD’s will finally be remastered?
JACK N SAM

Sounds to me like =VH= will be releasing their new album through Warner/Chappell and this is in anticipation of sales for all things =VH= expected to increase after their new album comes out.

Hopefully Dave got a good royalties deal out of it. The original =VH= deal was pretty bad according to the band. The brothers renegotiated their deal some years back but Dave was left out.
Fear of a Sparkless Horizon

My gut feeling just got a little guttier.
Brian

Bingo Jack.
Gary in Gilroy

Any chance this will mean remasters for 5150 and OU812 ???
WHAT?!

Interesting…can’t wait to see what comes next…or hear what comes next. If Dave was being honest, we’ll hear something from them within the next 6 months.

On a side note, I hope maybe now the band will agree on allowing Harmonix to release Van Halen music from Sammy’s time with the band for play on Rock Band 3. It’d be great to learn to play those tunes via Pro Mode with the keyboard and the upcoming Fender Squier for the game.
Keith

Warner/Chappell should push for the new VH release BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2010 … MANY MORE SALES !!! and Happy Fans
Opusthe1

Follow the money. It’s a good sign for 2011.
Tom

Hopefully now that Dave and Mike have resigned that means new and older Van Halen material,like the 1981 footage and even older footage and recordings will see the light of day.We all know both camps are working on new stuff and hopefully new music and more will be coming along soon…..I have enough Van Halen t-shirts….try giving us something else guys(this is aimed at the band)
chriso

They’re all 6 going to tour together- The Sam & Dave & Ed & Alex & Mike & Wolfgang Show…. Now THAT would be history…
the joker

i just want to get right to the point with Van Halen. Are they recording with Mike, Dave, and Sammy? Are these guys going on tour together? Is Eddie accepting this agreement? Who knows, i need my time machine.
RA 8 1 2

First, VH has to acknowledge that the Sammy era existed in order to do this best of album / tour with all old and new members.
Simonhead

There has to be something going on over the VH Camp in order to make Warner deal with Dave, Michael and Hagar. Hummm!
Craig Daniels

Since VH3 in ’98, 12 years have passed.
To put together a new album since then, Ed would have had
to record less 1 second of music a day.
I’m not holding my breath for any new material.
andym

And then Joshua woke up to realize we’ll be waiting forever for ANYTHING new from Van Halen to be released.
andym

To those who are confused (Simonhead, Joker, Chriso etc.)…this doesn’t mean that the 6 current/past members of the band are getting together. Ever. It just means that Warner/Chappell can cash in and take a cut on anything these guys release in the future. Of course we all know they basically went “all in” hoping VH actually does release something.

A reunion with Dave, Sammy, Mike, Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang will NEVER happen. Too much bad blood between them all and no Band Aids big enough to stop the bleeding. Sammy has so much money that he’s donating lots of revenue to charity (profits from Beach Bars, albums, etc) so he “doesn’t need the money” — or the aggrevation.

And do you really think Sammy will “sing back up vocals to Dave and vice versa”??? Can you honestly see Dave on stage in the background singing backup vocals while Sammy’sin the spotlight??? Dave would probably try to steal the mic from Sammy and a fist fight would break out.
Dooley

I’m intrigued. If they all tour, they could ditch everything that was piped-in last time (keyboards, backing vocals)and let Dave focus on what he does best (attitude, swagger, sense of humor, showmanship…all that stuff that makes him truly unique) and not be as concerned with the condition of his vocal cords, which is a legit concern. A 1 hr. set instead of 2 hrs prior to “rock-us” (spelling error intentional) encores would be a good thing.

I can understand those who would say this could “never happen”, but that’s what Ed & Al said before reuniting with Dave for the 07-08 tour. I’m not betting on it, but I am intrigued.
Dooley

andym:

If all six went on tour (which could NEVER happen, just like the 07-08 reunion with Dave could NEVER happen as per Ed & Al as recently as 2006)they could do a Sam set, then a Dave set, without each other on stage. I know it could NEVER happen and I wouldn’t bet on it, but Hell froze over when the Eagles re-grouped. And there seems to be a public that likes the idea, and there would be a lot of $$$ in it and I know Sam is rich, but I he probably spends a lot of $$$, too…
But I’m still not betting on it.
Vancionado

I thought Mike gave all his royalty rights away…

This is confusing.
Herb

andym is 100% correct: the notion of reconciliation being spun from this story is preposterous. Ain’t gonna happen. Ever.

This is simply a long over due move by their recording company to make more money. It’s guaranteed by re-mastering previous music.
EdsDad

C’mon guys…gimme a break! There’s no way in hell that Dave would ever share a stage with Sammy. I think I remember a quote from Dave many years ago where he said something to similar to “every night he (Sammy) will have to sing my songs but I will never sing a Sammy Hagar song!”

I still believe that rings true. I think that Dave has been waiting for so long to be back with Eddie and Al, that if anyone in the VH camp/management even approached him with the idea of sharing the stage with Sammy…no matter how much $ is involved, he would bail out on the spot.

Although I could wrap my brain around the idea that Mike would come back and Wolfie could play keyboards at shows. This way Eddie still has his son around/contributing and he gets back the trademark background vocals that are a staple of the VH sound.

The only thing that the Warner/Chapell deal gets me pumped about is that I pray they are finally going to release a sick live boxed set containing both CD’s and DVD’s. Please give us pristine versions of the US Festival ’83, Japan ’79, and anything from Fair Warning ’81.
chriso

It might be like the YES reunion w/ both Steve Howe AND Trevor Rabin, when Howe travelled separately…

Ed, Al & Wolfgang would show up together, then later Dave with his strange enourage of chicks and folks arrives…

Lastly, Sammy and Mike get there and they hang separately until the show, when they all act on stage like the best of friends,

Then they go their own ways afterwards, except Wolfgang treats everyone good and is liked by everyone, and finds he has a penchant Mad Anthony hot sauce on his biscuits and gravy. And Mike being the great guy he is, gives him a case of it…

And they all make a ton of money $$$!!!
JHop5150

VAN HALEN!!!!!!!
http://www.vhnd.com Pat G.

Who really knows what the hell will happen with this deal. It is cool that Sam, Dave, and Mike, in particular, are getting a new royalty deal from the record company. I do wonder how Mike is getting any $$$$ from this. I read that in order to be a part of the 2004 debacle, he had to take a pay cut and sign away any future earnings from VH. Was that just for that tour or any record royalties he would earn from album sales??? But maybe this will be a kick in the ass for VH to release something, ANYTHING, in regards to new material. Box set, DVD, old concerts on DVD, any-FUCKIN-thing!!!!!!!!
Tater Salad

Something to be thankful for
Chris

Go back to the August 6, 2010 announcement on VHND – “Warner/Chappell Music says Van Halen will have an album out next year”…press release subsequently pulled from W/C web site because they didn’t have all their publishing rights in order. As mentioned by another post above, after the release there will be sales and re-releases (remastered maybe) of old albums. Sammy’s solo stuff is (was) associated with a bunch of non-Warner record companies )Geffen, Capitol, MCA, etc.). Roth had some non-Warner stuff as well. All just loose ends being tied up…
Tommy Boy

Who really gives a fuck about conjecture and speculation and compensation….LET’S ROCK!!!!
Michael

The Sammy Camp folks are the only ones cool enough to want/be open to doing something with everyone…even Gary.

The Dave-era folks aren’t cool enough to ackowledge both eras, and then the Gary experiment with Eddie producing.

I love all three collections, and would love to see something that included all three, or at least the ‘two’.

Eddie, Alex, Sammy, Mikey, Dave, Wolfie, and Gary… let’s do it!
Nat

After reading this, it’s kind of harsh to think that neither Dave’s nor Sammy’s reign in the band was as long as it’s been since the last studio album.

Here’s hoping they get inspired and release an album a year like they used to.
SCAR

Holy fried turkey Batman!!!! Tommy Boy said it best!!!!! Here’s a holiday toke and toast to all who are rocking the fuck out this holiday!!!!! Good friends and a bottle of tequila gets the party started!!!!
Just Some Dude

Warner/Chappell should go through all of Dave and Sammy’s solo albums, pull out the best stuff, and then lay it over top of some of Eddie’s guitar riffs from VH3. Re-release it as, “I Can’t Believe its not Halen”.

Sorry, I’m just really desperate for a new Van Halen cd.
DrGuitaritis

Well, that’s good news! We might finally see that long awaited DVD of all Dave’s classic videos then… and how about Mike joining the Van Halen pack again? And – come on Alex and Eddie – it’s time to record a new album! That would make my year, if the classic Van Halen line up recorded an entirely new album.
andym

Thanks Dooley and Herb.

Dooley – I would never bet on all 6 getting together either. Way too many egos to sort out among other issues. Some of the guys can’t even pick up the phone to keep in touch after all the years spent together and now the years spent apart. It could never happen in their lifetimes.

Herb – good point with the record company thing. This is definitely just a move to cash in on everything these guys have put out in the past, MIGHT put out in the future, and keeps the dooropen for re-relasing older albums that are remastered (again) or maybe some boxed sets.
Dooley

Michael says:

November 24th, 2010 at 1:03 am
The Sammy Camp folks are the only ones cool enough to want/be open to doing something with everyone…even Gary.

I know. RedHeads are the coolest. And Dave did tour w/Sam in 2002. Not doing the whole show is good for his vocal cords. Dave really is great, that’s his one limitation.
KirkP

I was also under the impression that Mike signed away his claim to the catalog. Was that just for the Best of Both Worlds album/tour royalties?
Mike

Nat said: “After reading this, it’s kind of harsh to think that neither Dave’s nor Sammy’s reign in the band was as long as it’s been since the last studio album.”

Even more harsh, how about this: If you don’t include VH3, Van Halen released its *entire* past studio catalog within a 17 year period. In January it will have been *16* years since Balance.
JACK N SAM

Van Hagar fans want to see Dave and Sam perform together with the band because they think that will somehow make both eras equal. It will never happen – get it out of your minds. The Van Hagar pop era is (thankfully) over. Dave is back and that is the way it is.
Nat

JACK N SAM said: “The Van Hagar pop era is (thankfully) over. Dave is back and that is the way it is.”

Yeah, it sure has been great hearing all the new music they’ve put out.

Err, wait…
http://youtube.com/joshkosh95 Joshua Gallagher

Lol yeah I know that everyone on the stage has a 5% chance of happening, but I can dream can’t I. I’m just saying that would be awesome if it did happen. I still think an album is coming from Wolfgang, Dave, Eddie and Alex though, I don’t know when it will be released but it will. Eddie is too dedicated to Wolfgang to let him down.
Rocko

Van Hagar was never Pop, they were #1 on the Rock Album Charts, The Roth era’s Jump and Dave’s Crazy from the Heat songs were more on the Pop Charts. Rothtards Get your head out of your ass.
Craig

Do not count on Van Halen “opening the vaults” and releasing any past performances on DVD. Oakland ’81 ain’t coming out on Blu-Ray. Why? Because it would be so cool, and Van Halen hasn’t done anything cool for their fans in many, many years.
Diamond Dean

Why wld anyone really want to see them all tour together , now that wld be embaressing and the final nail in the coffin
sammyvanroth

SHAKIRA should be the lead singer of van halen!