David Lee Roth praised ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony Tuesday in an interview with Rolling Stone:
“But Ed has his own vision, I’m assuming. We haven’t really been able to speak about it and it’s a disappointment, just as not having a chance for a reunion of the original band. Clearly, vocals are every bit as much a component of success as a rhythm section or a guitar solo, and there’s an old expression saying, “They don’t go home singing the lighting show, they don’t go home singing the production.” You’re right, they sing my words and my melodies. And what we have at our fingertips is arguably one of the greatest high tenor voices ever – that was in Michael Anthony. In our tiny little corner of the universe, that voice is as identifiable as the high voice in Earth, Wind & Fire, as identifiable as the high voice in the Beach Boys. Van Halen is an indelicate house blend of both – that’s intentionally. So I would always look forward to that reunion.”
Respect. This is probably the most eloquent compliment paid to Michael Anthony from any past or present member of Van Halen. High praise indeed from Diamond Dave.
Classic Van Halen’s unique vocal sound was derived from that magical, explosive combination of David Lee Roth’s unmistakable baritone voice (and banshee scream) and Michael Anthony’s equally-unmistakeable background vocals laying over the top and lifting up the harmonies into the stratosphere. Michael’s harmonies became a hallmark of the Van Halen package–earning him the nickname “Cannonmouth.”