In response to a recent interview that guitarist Eddie Van Halen gave to Billboard magazine, in which he criticized former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, singer Sammy Hagar spoke out in Anthony’s defense. Watch his response below.
After parting ways with Van Halen, Anthony has continued to work with Hagar, most currently with the band The Circle, that also includes drummer Jason Bonham and guitarist Vic Johnson.
19 Responses
Eddie Van Halen’s bitterness is obvious over constantly being reminded by fans how they miss Michael Anthony’s contributions. Being the guitarist and the one mostly writing the songs, I’m sure Eddie had to “teach” his brother the songs too and not just Anthony. It’s bad enough that Eddie tried to diminish Michael’s bass playing, but that he even went further by attempting to knock his legendary background vocals. Eddie likes to forget VH3 ever happened, but anyone that had the misfortune of hearing his lead vocal on How Many Say I knows Eddie’s limited vocal ability and what he brings there. I made the mistake of seeing Ed’s chunk-monster kid on two tours with his pre-pubescent sounding vocals, while he stood in the same spot most of the night, looking down at his fretboard, and occasionally smiling over in his dad’s direction. Michael Anthony’s vocals and overall stage presence is missed greatly from the band and rightfully so.
The way I see it you can’t mistake Eddie’s guitar playing. That’s what makes him special. Everything else is simply BS. Van Halen is a mockery of itself and I’d rather listen to the first 5 albums on a lazy Sunday or a nice drive Or even by a cover band, than ever pay money to see the cheap remains of what was once a stellar group. There’s little heart and little soul left in that camp in my opinion.
One of the cooler things I’ve seen.
I’m thinking of a 1983 or 84 article in Creem about Quiet Riot. Kevin DuBrow said that the reason that Van Halen got a record deal instead of QR in the late 70s is that VH had a better bass player, because bass excellence was the one thing that the recording equipment at that time captured well.
I don’t normally comment on these subjects very often, but felt I need to on this matter. I’m 49 yrs old and a fan of Van Halen since I was 12. I’ve seen DLR and Hagar versions several times including current lineup. Love this band both DLR and Hagar versions, EVH one of my favorite guitar players. Based on what I’ve heard from both Eddie and Sammy, any idiot with half an IQ and any shred of comon sense can see Eddie is full of shit and Sammy is no doubt telling what really went on. Hey Eddie VH, you put up with DLR’s bulls–t and just deal with it, but you can’t deal with a great personality, damn good guy, great bass player and singer, WHAT!!! Dude, look in mirror, do you know how moronic that sounds! So, basically you get to play with your son and put up with DLR just to make money? Wow. that’s great!! You are entitled to make a living and your money, but if you really wanted to give the fans what they wanted, you would have Michael in the band!!! That is what the Fans Want!!! Ok, Eddie VH get with the program, smack yourself in the face, wake up smell the coffee, roses, whatever, F@$KING wake up, stop being so pig headed and stupid. While Wolfie is a great bass player, he couldn’t hold Michael’s jock when it comes to singing. Michael is always in conversation on great bass players. Sammy, I hope you read this, you’re the BEST!! You tell like it is man. Your real, no bulls–t . I hope you find your way to Tampa,Fl area with the Circle. Would love to meet you, shake your hand and raise a glass!! On this day, Happy Father’s Day to you Sammy, Eddie Trunk and all fans of hard rock and metal!!! Enjoy the Day!!
CABO WABO! If you go there once, you’ll be there twice! Shaka Doobie, and Mas Tequila! Yeah I’m just trying to ignore all the BS going on around here. 37 years later, and now all of a sudden EVH had to show Mike how to play his parts, not teach him, but show him, I guess that’s why EVH wanted to join Kiss back in 1982 so he could show Gene how to play his parts as well? So I guess Sammy had to show Eddie how to drive 55 as well? Whatever. EVH, you have become a really big party pooper! So what’s the next “Little White Lie” going to be, EVH had to show Roth and Hagar how to sing every note as well? When is all this BS going to end, and the party begin again? Just shut up & jam!