Michael Anthony Explains Alex Van Halen Struggles

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Van Halen is no stranger to drama—whether it’s revolving lead singers, family feuds, or creative clashes. But in a rare moment of honesty, bassist Michael Anthony opened up about one of the band’s most turbulent periods: Alex Van Halen’s divorce during the recording of Van Halen III. Michael Anthony discussed Alex Van Halen’s struggles in a video.

By 1996, Van Halen was at a crossroads. After Sammy Hagar’s departure and a short-lived reunion with David Lee Roth, the band introduced Extreme frontman, Gary Cherone as their new lead singer. There’s very little appreciation for the third era of the group, with a short stint of Cherone on vocals, which lasted only one record before Roth was back on the table.

Van Halen Three remains a controversial album to this day, with a fractured band playing all over the place, resulting in negative reviews, and a lukewarm reception by the fans. Anthony looked back on the making of that record, which ended up being his last with the band, before departing in 2006 when Eddie replaced him with his son Wolfgang.

Michael Anthony has described this era as bittersweet, and for good reason. While the band aimed to reinvent themselves with Van Halen III, behind the scenes, tensions were simmering, and personal struggles were taking their toll—especially for Alex Van Halen. During The Mitch Lafon and Jeremy White Show, Michael Anthony spoke about Alex Van Halen.