Today, we’re diving into the latest from the Van Halen universe, where bassist Michael Anthony has finally opened up about his relationship with former frontman David Lee Roth.
In a recent interview, Anthony mentioned Roth and it seems he doesn’t have any ill will against him.
In early 2024, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony surveyed how to keep Van Halen current. Hagar felt “an epiphany” and said to Anthony, “It’s up to us.”
That moment seeded the “Best of All Worlds Stays in Vegas” residency at Dolby Live, and running nine dates through May 17th. Hagar and Anthony are uncorking the “Van Hagar” era, joined by guitar great Joe Satriani, powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Rai Thistlethwayte.
Hagar, Anthony, Aronoff and Satriani recently chatted in a group Zoom interview. Hagar and Anthony have been performing partners, and kindred spirits, since Hagar’s run in Van Halen from 1986 to ’96.
During the interview, Anthony, of course an authority on Van Halen’s complete history, said: “We’re not looking for anyone’s blessing.”
The songs from the Van Hagar era were written by Hagar and Eddie Van Halen.
But diplomacy rules the band’s feelings on the subject. He said:
“We don’t hold any grudge or any ill will, to Alex or Dave, or anybody. We’re just out there trying to serve up what the fans want to hear.”
The great bassist and vocalist also recalled a recent conversation with Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang, of Mammoth WVH. He said: “I’ve talked with Wolfie a couple years ago, when he was out there at the House of Blues, and he’s all good with everything. But you know, nobody’s out there playing it from the band. Let’s go out there and play it.”
Recently, during an interview, Sammy Hagar talked about his new song with Anthony. He paid tribute to eddie van halen with the song called ‘encore, thank you, goodnight’
