After Sammy Hagar left Van Halen, the band briefly hired Mitch Malloy as their new frontman. During his short stint, Malloy and Van Halen demoed a song titled “It’s the Right Time” before the singer decided not to officially join, leading the band to instead recrute vocalist Gary Cherone.
Malloy has now released a retooled version of “It’s the Right Time,” posting it to his YouTube channel. “Van Halen’s third singer was actually Mitch Malloy in 1996,” the song’s video description reads. “Mitch asked the band to not disclose this. It was later discovered and incorrectly documented and after more than a decade of silence forced Mitch into correcting the record.”
“This song was written by Mitch Malloy and Eddie Van Halen. It’s Mitch Malloy in Van Halen. It’s not an official release and it’s not for sale. It’s a gift, from Mitch.”
In the comments, Malloy revealed that he is frustrated over essentially being erased from Van Halen’s history:
“I should be able to benefit from the art I worked my entire life to perfect. What person doesn’t get promoted for their accomplishments? In America, that’s how it’s supposed to work. Instead of being celebrated as Van Halen’s first choice to replace Sam, I’m left with sticking up for myself. It’s not right and it’s not fair to me.”
“And I’m kinda pissed. Anyone else would not have handled this as well as I have. Ed told me that last time I saw him. I just wish in the end he’d told the press the truth. So I don’t have to. I wish no one knew, to be honest. But since they do, they should be able to hear the result. You’re welcome.”
