Michael Anthony is the only authentic personality on the Van Halen/Hagar/Cheron line. God Bless Mikey for tolerating all of those egos for 40+ years. True music fans appreciate Mad Mike!! \m/
Besides perhaps Roger Taylor...there is no better backup vocals in rock, and no more vital to the band's sound. Try and imagine VH without Mikey's vocals supporting DLRs. If you can.
Michael Anthony is the perfect rock bassist. He lays down a great groove, locks in with the drummer and has the best backing vocals….what else would you want? The guy is gold!
For those who need any proof of how important Mike was to the band...go look up concerts from the 70s before tech and autotune came along. Then try to even contemplate what VH would sound like without Mikey's background vocals. I dare you. Especially with DLR and EVH running all over the stage showing off.
@@ronaldstone1285 He has sung lead, but he is better at backing...they are not the same. In music background vocals are an art unto themselves, a special sound that compliments. Background vocalists are not failed lead singers, they are background for a solid, good reason.
@@jupiter7x7 There is an interview in 2012 with DLR, Alex and Eddie. Extremely likeable those guys and all three are answering each other's sentences. Spammy Hagar the Horrible sound like an idiot in every single interview. Explain that.
@@chrish7I saw Van Halen a few times and have seen many live performances and I disagree with your take 100% he not only hit all those notes live he hit the really high notes on the DRL stuff they played live with Sammy Hagar.
@@Supernova_1024 I saw them twice, front row on the VH II tour and on the F. U. C. K. Tour. For Roth, they were tuned down a half step low and sounded horrible vocal wise in the early days because Roth did all of the vocals in the studio and they couldn't reproduce the vocals live. Then, when Hagar joined the band they tuned back up to 440. Hagar said vocal wise, they were a mess and he had to seriously work with the band to get their vocals dialed in before they went on tour, so Anthony started doing the background vocals in the studio on 5150 so they would sound a lot better live.
MA was great, but it was his voice and Edwards’s together that made the background vocals unique. Go back and listen to “In a Simple Rhyme” and you’ll hear what I mean.
i am a bass player. Michael Anthony is a very good bass player and a great vocalist. Eddie didn't want a flashy bass player. Eddie famously said in a Guitar Player article that he wanted Mikey to play simple bass lines and i quote "Not play bass like Jack Bruce!" Eddie wanted his guitar front and center. Mike's bass lines allowed that. Alex is talking shit.
The more Alex Van Halen talks, the less I like him. I respect his musical contribution as a drummer and his talent, but I don’t really like him as a human. He’s hiding behind this book and acting as if he’s not dissing Sammy Hagar while dissing Sammy Hagar. I’d rather he be honest and just say look I don’t like the guy. Instead, he acts like he’s above it all well while subtly ripping Michael Anthony, and not even mentioning the time or era with Sammy. It’s obvious that he still holds resentment + anger, towards Sammy and Michael.
At least Michael is capable with playing with other people, Alex was only ever able to play with his brother. Michael is out there playing music, Alex is sitting at home.
You are confusing playing the bass with writing songs that the overrated Michael Anthony was not contributing to. He was the weak link in VH by a mile. I was in a VH tribute act and his vocals and bass were no challenge at all. Chris Squire (Yes) he sure as hell is not.
The claims that Michael Anthony’s bass playing is subpar are ridiculous. Just turn your stereo to the channel the bass is on and it’s easy to hear his incredible skills.
Michael Anthony's bass playing is subpar. He drones away on the root note of the chord over and over again and when the chord changes he does the same thing, and when he gets the chance to showcase his bass playing skills during his bass solo he drinks tea out of a Jack Daniels bottle, runs and rolls around on the ground, and beats his bass on the stage. 🥴
Amen. Anthony's "limited" participation was, as I understand it, because he was limited by Eddie making him play the most simplistic bass lines so that he, himself could shine all the brighter. Then, to add insult to injury, was forced to take a pay cut and was made, essentially, into a paid employee instead of the founding member he was. Then, to add further insult, he finds out he was fired by reading the band line up for an upcoming tour online and it didn't include himself but Wolfgang instead. He was of course fired because of his continued friendship and professional partnership with Sammy. Musical geniuses can be very complex people indeed!
When I was a kid I couldn't stand kiss it pissed me off that they wore the makeup, I thought it was a gimmick and it wasn't not necessary because the music was pretty good but the f****** wearing makeup it's like what are you guys hiding I thought it was silly and childish the makeup stuff
Those Van Halen albums just wouldn't sound the same without Michael Anthony's input. When I listen to those records I always marvel at his harmonies. Unmistakable and irreplaceable in my book.
Well your "book" blows monkey balls because the last VH release in 2012 "A Different Kind of Truth" was the best thing they did since "Fair Warning". It was done with Wolfgang. FAR better bass playing. Bass is more important than the vocals. His vocals were not quite as good but he put together a monster recording to end VH.
Yeah, he was great. I remember when listening to Van Halen at first. I was admiring the female backing singers. Then I found out it was Michael doing the backing! Essential part of the band he was!
I'm a fan of Ed and Alex musically, but I think they treated people poorly.... Maybe they've criticized Mike for his laid back nature, but If he had been more assertive, they would have hated that.....Being a passive team player isn't the worst thing in the world, because Michael Anthony's contribution to the Van Halen sound is indisputable
I don't remember where I read it sometime after they cut Michael Anthony's pay the article said that the rest of the band was jealous of Michael Anthony because he had held onto his money and the rest of them had to get back out on tour to make some money, and remember I used to split everything equally Michael didn't piss his money away as fast as he made it
Alex Van Halen was the biggest drunk on the face of the Earth that probably ever lived. He drank from the morning he woke up until the time he went to bed. Anything that comes out of his mouth I wipe my ass with. Michael Anthony let's not the greatest bass player but he showed up and did his job Eddie wanted to write songs and that's what they did.
Actually work ethic was the problem. Alex and Ed lived in the studio perfecting tracks while Anthony enjoyed the money and didn't contribute to the creative aspect of composition.
Several times in interviews Eddy said....I don't want a busy bassist they get in the way. Mike's bass is mixed low on purpose and Eddy's guitar is filling a lot of frequencies. He was also in a band with huge egos and 2 people fighting over musical direction. That doesn't leave him with a whole lot of voice or creative freedom. The recording sessions were filled with a lot of coke. A joint and some booze is one thing, but hard drugs are quite another especially for someone who is not really wanted to compete with his own ideas but only support the others ideas on recordings. He filled his role perfectly staying out of the way of and supporting the major creators in the band. The live performances reflected this. If they wanted more? They should have increased his role instead of criticizing the very role they gave him to fill.
@@jpb1231000 Wrong. The last VH "A Different Kind of Truth" was a classic with Wolfgang's BANGIN" BASS! Best thing they did since 1981. Every VH release without DLR is subpar slop. So at least you recognize Dave as the man so you get some points in.
@@deathmetaldouglas69 DAVE is IT!!! Hey... I'm an ALLEGED BASS PLAYER so I can dig a good Bass man... I just hate the kids name!!! WOLFIE in place of WOLFGANG don't help either... VH without DAVE ??? VH W/O DAVE (and Mike) is just 1 DRUNK ASSHOLE and his JEALOUS BROTHER .... Should have called it Van Bartinelli ....
@@GinoPini-c5e Exactly! I don't mind them going the nepotism route as long as Wolfie had the chops. But to outright try to destroy Anthony and rip him off for it was shameful!
@@robertgilley6288 I would want to play with my son over Mike the Mullet too if he wanted to hang out, learn the songs, write some new songs, actually practice his instrument to get better and actually PRODUCE the record instead of leaving after his tracks were done the way underachievers like Michael Anthony handle things. I've been in bands with people like that and they suck. They leave before mixdown and cry if recordings don't turn out like they want them to.
Ego's and more Ego's! If you've ever played in a band you appreciate a guy like Michael Anthony. Some one who will do what's best for the band and project and not necessarily want to shine on their own. Eddie was an amazing guitar player, DLR was DLR, Alex was a great drummer, but Mikey's vocals and groove plowed the road for everyone else to shine. I'm TEAM VANHAGAR so you know how i feel about Mike.............
I'll take egos and visionaries over hack crap. Van Hagar is mall rock pop garbage not worth a mention. Their last release with Wolfgang on bass in 2012 was the best thing they did since 1981. BTW I was in a VH tribute act on bass/voice and I have even LESS of an appreciation for Anthony after that experience. Beyond overrated.
@@deathmetaldouglas69you've missed out on a lot of good music with your narrow-mindedness Eddie Van Halen was Eddie Van Halen no matter who was singing or playing the bass or drums
I don't believe for one minute Van Halen would have hesitated to fire Michael Anthony if this were even half-way true. But they didn't fire him because they knew what they had.
From Buffalo,NY, here - first saw Billy Sheehan with a lil ole band called “ Talas “ around 1976 at a bar called He and Shes. I was 18 at the time and TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY by them, including Dave Constantino, and Paul Varga on drums. We all felt that BILLY was destined for national fame. He was BEYOND over the top. Good times 😊
Mike's harmonies alone were worth the membership in Van Halen. Ed's biggest mistake was firing him. That was a very bad move. So was bringing Dave back.
When you get to the bottom line Alex and Eddy both have a lot of talent but both were assholes. Ask anybody that has played with them both. Michael Anthony is doing pretty dam good with Chickenfoot.
...Michael Anthony is one of THE best "feel" bass players in rock, end of story. I have an excellent bootleg copy of the first Van Halen demo sessions at Sunset Sound wherein Ted Templeman brought the band in to evaluate their songs/playing etc. The bass tracks are mixed a little hotter than what you hear on the final commercially-released albums. Because of this evaluation mix, you can really hear how Mike's bass playing locks down the groove w/ Alex...IMHO Mike's playing brought Alex up to another level feel-wise. Background vocals?...say no more...Mike is the man...
What about the time Eddie contemplated temporarily replacing Alex because his focus and creativity was affected due to his marriage problem and pending divorce.
Thought this was going to be an interview of Alex and hearing his perspective on the band, not a documentary about the bands history. Never mentioned that Eddy and Alex made Him sign away royalties for the songs he co-wrote with Eddy.
I've met Michael Anthony a few times, I built an acoustic bass for him back in 2014. Michael is a GEM of a Human Being. Down to earth dude! love ya Mike!
How the hell do you know how he was around them day to day? He was the weak link who made millions. Make that the LAZY weak link who made millions. Why would he complain and how would YOU know in the first place. Were you his bass tech? Do tell. Details please.
@@deathmetaldouglas69 I was not the bass tech. But here's the details that I know to be true. They kicked Anthony out of the band and made him sign on as a touring member. Even made him sign away some of his rights that would have made him a lot of money. As far as being a "weak-link", that's just insane, the guys vocals were a big part of their sound. As far as the video saying he didn't contribute to the creative process.....what creative process? They hadn't written a good song in forever and were basically an oldies act by the end. I like Wolfgang's solo work, but what great songs did he contribute to? And since when does anyone care about what Alex thinks? It was Eddie's band, Alex was lucky to be his brother. I can think of no Van Halen songs that make me say "wow, Alex really made that one work". Happy Holidays
As Einstein said; "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value" .. My opinion, Anthony added value, which helped VH become successful .. They tried fixing something that wasn't broke .. Not many famous bands replace the lead singer and continue to rule the world .. I am a Van Halen and Van Hagar fan ..
Nobody is going to ever mistake Micheal Anthony's bass playing for Victor Wooten or something, but he was perfect for V. H. A basic bass line is perfect so that Eddie's playing becomes even more prominent..... Michael Anthony 's background vocals are perfect too.... He was so important to the overall sound of the first and (imho) the best version of VH.
Poor Michael. Evidentally the problem began the first time he ever practiced with Van Halen. They were expecting a bass player and Mike showed up trying to play a fish.
I will say that Michael Anthony is one of the biggest parts of the Van Halen sound. Yes, a great bass player, BUT the most iconic 1st tenor background voice ever!!! His voice added everything to the Van Halen fan. Just an incredible voice and sound!!!!
"Steady bass lines ?!" ... Regardless of how simple or sophisticated the note choices , the guy is just an incredible player . Great feel and completely animated by the passion and energy that totally defines rock music . Most guitarists would gladly sacrifice a testicle to have a bass player anywhere near as good as him .
I don't want a bass player who trying to do leads. Hold the rhythm. That why my favorite bass player is geezer butler. Mike was solid and awesome singer. It started with Running with the Devil when they turn the bass down
Michael was always underrated and undervalued by the Van Halen brothers. The ego battles were between Dave and the brothers, while Mikey soldiered on. Mike must have felt like he was the only adult in the room.
Any musician's main duty is to serve the song. Due to Eddie's style of playing and writing, MIke's playing was classically perfect - he connected the guitar and drum parts. I was surprised that it took so long for people to recognize his phenomenal backing vox - that was fully there right from the start.
Doesn’t matter what they say about Michael Anthony, I , just like most Van Halen fans, have been to a lot of shows with David and Sammy, Michael Anthony Kicked Ass in what he did! His performances were awesome and he was into the crowd. A lot of Bass players I’ve seen just kicked back and played,which is normal and nothing wrong with that. But Anthony kept the crowd going and fans like us loved it. So what if he stayed out with the rest of the band instead of kicking it by the drummer, he made part of the show. He was Van Halen! I’m play bass also, so I was a big fan of Anthony. I still am today !
It's disappointing to know that the van halens were/are such low POS's that they can't just appreciate the success they had and share it kindly with those who helped.
I'm not even a bass player but Micheal is one of my musical heroes simply because of the way he plays and provides such a solid foundation for his bandmates. The sort of bass player every drummer dreams of playing with.
Michael Anthony was pursued by VanHalen for months before he agreed to quit his other band for VH.... He didn't come to THEM.... And face the fact that every member in that band owes their riches to one member who would have become a legend no matter what, and that was Edward for his insane innovative guitar playing... Any other member could easily have been replaced, but we know and love the original line up that the world was frontal attacked with and Eddie changed electric guitar forever.... Every top tier guitarist on earth living will tell you that... Alex VanHalen was the drummer because he was Eddie's brother, NOT because he was a great drummer.... He's in the Lars (from Metallica) category.... A mediocre drummer lucky enough to have been in an extremely successful band... THAT is Alex... He thinks he's a world class drummer because of Eddie's history changing guitar work.... Nope.... Eddie's playing would have carried him to the top no matter what... But the original band just happened to be the chosen ones.
Yeah but he really kicked it hard on that last release. EVH was somewhat of a letdown with average sounding guitar solos but it still rules as Alex went nuts on that drum kit full force! DLR's voice and lyrics full on as well even if he could not replicate it onstage.
I’m so happy to see all the comments defending and praising Mikey!!!! He is a beautiful human being that put up with more shit than anyone can imagine! Hats off to the great Michael Anthony!!! Let’s go catch some fish!!! 😂
Thats funny Alex would feel that way, because i dont think they allowed him to write anyway. They could have hired a virtuoso bassist anytime, but didnt.
Without Mike, Van Halen wouldn't have blown up so big in the beginning. He played and sang exactly what was needed for those songs. He did exactly what he was supposed to do. And it worked out brilliantly
Michael deserved to be treated better, he never caused problems, didn’t ask for much but he was too easy going as became a easy target, they took away royalties he deserved from the 1984 album and tour. No I wasn’t there, it was documented in the book Running with the Devil which was a good read .
I love VAN HALEN. Like so many players, Ed was the reason I first picked up a guitar. However, the way Mike was, and is treated, makes me truly sick! Let's acknowledge him for the tremendous job he did in VH, but even more so for the type of human being he has proven himself to be. Thank you Mikey.
Because he was lazy and he sucked. Made millions riding the backs three visionaries. Not really a hard job. I was in a VH tribute so I would know. Would have loved to replace him and I would have tried to write songs with them instead of just showing up to tour. Fuck that guy.
People talk about Anthony not song writing. Hell when DLR was in the band and when Sammy was in the band, they were the main song writers. Ed and Alex couldn't write a good song if they wanted to. Do, don't blame Michael Anthony.
Not too impressed with the van halens they're dirty laundry really stinks alex is a washed up drummer who probably cant play anymore ..ed lost his edge from too much partying and became a noodler ....ill stick with wolf... he'll only get better and seems like a genuinly nice guy...the truth is they all rode Ed's coattails and none of them would be known without Ed's innovation just another sad rocktard story of drugs and hedonism seems to destroy them all doesnt it😮😮😮😮
@@timsears951 His drumming and drum kits were iconic, unique, creative and visionary. He was the Salvador Dali of the drums. Your brain is washed up. He's old and retired. He does not owe anyone shit. His legacy is untarnished. Except for Spammy Belcher and Van Hagar. That era will disappear into the dust bins of history fortunately.
You think Alex Eddie & DLR would've welcomed another songwriter who wanted to add in bass solos and cut into solos and vocals? I think VH got the bass player they 100% needed.
Did the brothers welcome input from MA? VH- "Mike, go sit in the corner. We'll call when we need you!" VH- "Sorry dude, we're cutting your pay because you're not contributing enough!"
I met Michael years ago and we, no lie, spent about 30 min talking about everything from music to our favourite food/dishes to classic cars. Mike is a humble person and very laid back. His bass playing is very underrated, so are his harmonics which were one of the strong points of the DLR era of VH. Now I never met the VH bros, but more than one person has told me that Alex is even more of an a-hole than Ed was. EVH will always be my favourite guitarist, for me he's the GOAT, and Alex is an amazing drummer... but from what I've heard I don't think I would have ever gone out for a beer with either one of them. Heck, even if I had asked they probably would have told me to f off... whereas with Mike it's the total opposite. In fact, he bought me a couple beers when we had a chance to chat.
I really don't know what to make of these videos and how true it all is. Michael Anthony has always struck me as the kind of guy that if you can't get along with Michael you can't get along.
The way the VH brothers treated Mike Anthony is akin to the way Don Henley and Glenn Frey treated Don Felder. What happens when egos and money (and at least for a time period, drugs) are involved.
I’ve always dug the Eagles but totally lost respect for Henley and Fry when they made Walsh, Felder and Schmidt come back as essentially side men in ‘94 and then shit-canning Felder for standing up for himself. Add to that Henley hiring the internet police to take down any videos w/ his music and it just renders him a Grade A Douche.
Mikey was the perfect guy to play in a band with multiple massive ego's. The band would have possibly fallen apart much sooner if he and his laid back personality weren't the glue to hold it all together. Besides, the guy contributed plenty with his playing and backing vocals.
Anthony's backing vocals, soaring above Dave's, were the keystone foundation of the Van Halen sound in those first 5 albums. Without his signature harmonic backing, all they would've been is 2 virtuosos sharing a space. Anthony's unique vocal style, that you will not be able to find in any other band from that era, was the glue. He was the perfect bassist for that group. He didn't have an ego that would clash with Dave's or Eddie's, and it was precisely his laid back easy going approach that probably defused a lot of ego trippin' among the others. And his low key playing style not only didn't steal Eddie's spotlight but created a straight man musically for Eddie to do cartwheels over. Without Michael, there would have been no Van Halen. Without him, it would've all been one long Eruption solo...while it is interesting, it's tonally limited and not that primal magic only found in complete songs with great harmony. You can't hum Eruption, but you sure as hell can hum Dance the Night Away, one of Michael's backing masterpieces.
Mike is a team player, and smart enough not to bite the hand that feeds him. Its not like they left him broke. What happened was pretty bad and he handled it with class. In the end he has $50 million for his contributions. VH for ever #1
Wow what a hit piece! I would love for Michael Anthony to write a book and completely open up about everything. This guy has done nothing but carry the torch, that’s all he’s really guilty of. I think the Van Halen brothers are extremely devious people and of course Alex will side with Eddie because you can’t let the money maker walk away. As for Michael Anthony‘s bass playing goes what the hell was the guy supposed to do? He shared the stage with one of the greatest guitar players in the world talk about being overshadowed! In hindsight, if they were that upset with his contributions, they could’ve easily said we’re not splitting the money four ways we’re gonna do percentages and you’ll get paid for what percentage you play or contribute that could’ve been easily resolved. But no here we are years later and everybody’s still bashing Michael Anthony, and Sammy Hagar.
I can't say anything particularly positive OR negative about Anthony in terms of his technical playing skills (dug his vocals), but I can say for certain that in IMHO the two best VH albums were that killer debut album and 1984. They had an explosive, innovative lead guitar ninja from hell (northern Europe, anyways), a goofy, endlessly entertaining, charismatic front man with a keen sense of humor who kept it light, and (again, just MHO) a solid and dependable rhythm section as a foundation. No one sounded like VH when they broke, not EVH nor VH the band. And for my music deneros, that sound and that energy made them iconic despite my being a big time Yes, Genesis, ELP, Tull, UK, King Crimson, etc sort of prog-snob fan. That lineup was ideal from my perspective. ZZ Top maybe came close to achieving something similar when they transitioned over to their "techno-blues" thing, but VH polished the chrome even more and supercharged R&R from that point on. They got it right from the gitgo, and I was sadly disappointed when they changed up the formula.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Michael Anthony is the only authentic personality on the Van Halen/Hagar/Cheron line. God Bless Mikey for tolerating all of those egos for 40+ years. True music fans appreciate Mad Mike!! \m/
...only the band really knows
This isn't classical music, rock's supposed to be fun!
Michael Anthony was the Mariano Rivera of rock -n- roll
Besides perhaps Roger Taylor...there is no better backup vocals in rock, and no more vital to the band's sound. Try and imagine VH without Mikey's vocals supporting DLRs. If you can.
Alex didn't write songs either eddie did they just ganged up on mike because he was the only sane appreciative member of the band.
Michael Anthony is the perfect rock bassist. He lays down a great groove, locks in with the drummer and has the best backing vocals….what else would you want? The guy is gold!
And could sing lead if he wanted to.
As a bassist of 40+ years, I agree.
For those who need any proof of how important Mike was to the band...go look up concerts from the 70s before tech and autotune came along. Then try to even contemplate what VH would sound like without Mikey's background vocals. I dare you. Especially with DLR and EVH running all over the stage showing off.
@@ronaldstone1285 He has sung lead, but he is better at backing...they are not the same. In music background vocals are an art unto themselves, a special sound that compliments. Background vocalists are not failed lead singers, they are background for a solid, good reason.
@doctordetroit4339 maybe he'd rather it be that way.
Apparently the narrarator thinks MIchael Anthony's main instrument is a fish.
That was very bizarre 😳 😂
🤣😂🤣😂
Anthony is a good salmonist.
And the way he pronounces Hagar.
@XxSEETH3RxX yeah that was weird, I noticed that too.
The more shit I hear the more I believe the problem was with Eddie and Alex.
I’ve always believed this. Love the band, but man, I’ve never seen an interview with Alex and Eddie that made me like them.
I agree
With no Eddie or alex,there would not be a van Halen,
Every single person that has played with those two Bozo's says the same exact thing about them. They both were control freak assholes.
@@jupiter7x7 There is an interview in 2012 with DLR, Alex and Eddie. Extremely likeable those guys and all three are answering each other's sentences. Spammy Hagar the Horrible sound like an idiot in every single interview. Explain that.
Michael Anthony’s voice was the driving force for Van Halen’s vocal harmonies.
Most people don't realize that Roth did all the vocals in the studio and Anthony struggled to get those High third harmonies live.
@@chrish7I saw Van Halen a few times and have seen many live performances and I disagree with your take 100% he not only hit all those notes live he hit the really high notes on the DRL stuff they played live with Sammy Hagar.
@@Supernova_1024 I saw them twice, front row on the VH II tour and on the F. U. C. K. Tour. For Roth, they were tuned down a half step low and sounded horrible vocal wise in the early days because Roth did all of the vocals in the studio and they couldn't reproduce the vocals live. Then, when Hagar joined the band they tuned back up to 440. Hagar said vocal wise, they were a mess and he had to seriously work with the band to get their vocals dialed in before they went on tour, so Anthony started doing the background vocals in the studio on 5150 so they would sound a lot better live.
Yup. Without those harmonies VH would not be anywhere near as good as they were.
MA was great, but it was his voice and Edwards’s together that made the background vocals unique. Go back and listen to “In a Simple Rhyme” and you’ll hear what I mean.
i am a bass player. Michael Anthony is a very good bass player and a great vocalist. Eddie didn't want a flashy bass player. Eddie famously said in a Guitar Player article that he wanted Mikey to play simple bass lines and i quote "Not play bass like Jack Bruce!" Eddie wanted his guitar front and center. Mike's bass lines allowed that. Alex is talking shit.
💯
The more Alex Van Halen talks, the less I like him. I respect his musical contribution as a drummer and his talent, but I don’t really like him as a human.
He’s hiding behind this book and acting as if he’s not dissing Sammy Hagar while dissing Sammy Hagar. I’d rather he be honest and just say look I don’t like the guy. Instead, he acts like he’s above it all well while subtly ripping Michael Anthony, and not even mentioning the time or era with Sammy. It’s obvious that he still holds resentment + anger, towards Sammy and Michael.
At least Michael is capable with playing with other people, Alex was only ever able to play with his brother. Michael is out there playing music, Alex is sitting at home.
Correct. Listen to Michael play Won't Get Fooled Again (from a bad whose virtuoso was the bassist) and you can see that he was great.
You are confusing playing the bass with writing songs that the overrated Michael Anthony was not contributing to. He was the weak link in VH by a mile. I was in a VH tribute act and his vocals and bass were no challenge at all. Chris Squire (Yes) he sure as hell is not.
Joe Satriani would never play with a crappy bassist.
Sure he would $$$$$$$$$$$$
I believe the real problem in Van Halen, were the VanHalens!!!
The Van Halen boys fucked Mike out of a ton of money and he still carried on with the band . Does Alex got a problem with that too?
The claims that Michael Anthony’s bass playing is subpar are ridiculous. Just turn your stereo to the channel the bass is on and it’s easy to hear his incredible skills.
Michael Anthony has always been key to the VH sound. Alex just doesn’t want to admit it!
Michael Anthony's bass playing is subpar. He drones away on the root note of the chord over and over again and when the chord changes he does the same thing, and when he gets the chance to showcase his bass playing skills during his bass solo he drinks tea out of a Jack Daniels bottle, runs and rolls around on the ground, and beats his bass on the stage. 🥴
Amen. Anthony's "limited" participation was, as I understand it, because he was limited by Eddie making him play the most simplistic bass lines so that he, himself could shine all the brighter. Then, to add insult to injury, was forced to take a pay cut and was made, essentially, into a paid employee instead of the founding member he was. Then, to add further insult, he finds out he was fired by reading the band line up for an upcoming tour online and it didn't include himself but Wolfgang instead. He was of course fired because of his continued friendship and professional partnership with Sammy. Musical geniuses can be very complex people indeed!
Eddie and Alex were icons....but complete assholes....
No it's ridiculous! His baselines are very basic but it's understood that's exactly what the Van Halen brothers wanted.
Van Halen is the second longest running soap opera next to "Guiding Light." The speculation just never ends. Sheesh.
garbage at best!
I love Kiss but I think they are the longest rock soap opera! Constant shit talking. It gets old but we still listen to the stories!
No s*** right, do they do it on purpose to get more publicity?
When I was a kid I couldn't stand kiss it pissed me off that they wore the makeup, I thought it was a gimmick and it wasn't not necessary because the music was pretty good but the f****** wearing makeup it's like what are you guys hiding I thought it was silly and childish the makeup stuff
I think Kiss was a Close 3rd maybe second
Those Van Halen albums just wouldn't sound the same without Michael Anthony's input. When I listen to those records I always marvel at his harmonies. Unmistakable and irreplaceable in my book.
Well your "book" blows monkey balls because the last VH release in 2012 "A Different Kind of Truth" was the best thing they did since "Fair Warning". It was done with Wolfgang. FAR better bass playing. Bass is more important than the vocals. His vocals were not quite as good but he put together a monster recording to end VH.
Yeah, he was great. I remember when listening to Van Halen at first. I was admiring the female backing singers. Then I found out it was Michael doing the backing! Essential part of the band he was!
I saw Van Halen in 2008 on the reunion tour and Mikes absence was evident, no disrespect to Wolfgang.
And even in the Hagar years---remember his high parts in the chorus of "Best Of Both Worlds"? It's the highlight of the song!
@@shuroom57 He and Sammy still sound great together.
I'm a fan of Ed and Alex musically, but I think they treated people poorly.... Maybe they've criticized Mike for his laid back nature, but If he had been more assertive, they would have hated that.....Being a passive team player isn't the worst thing in the world, because Michael Anthony's contribution to the Van Halen sound is indisputable
I don't remember where I read it sometime after they cut Michael Anthony's pay the article said that the rest of the band was jealous of Michael Anthony because he had held onto his money and the rest of them had to get back out on tour to make some money, and remember I used to split everything equally Michael didn't piss his money away as fast as he made it
Consider why David Lee Roth left the group. It was over artistic differences.
Absolutely
Michael is the man. Long live Mad Anthony!!
Alex Van Halen was the biggest drunk on the face of the Earth that probably ever lived. He drank from the morning he woke up until the time he went to bed. Anything that comes out of his mouth I wipe my ass with. Michael Anthony let's not the greatest bass player but he showed up and did his job Eddie wanted to write songs and that's what they did.
Eddie had to write a lot of bass parts for that lazy inept slob.
@@clown2franklin Alex was so intoxicated one time he tried to drink Mikey's Jack Daniel's Bass guitar.
Brotheres were really mean to him and Hagar!
Yeah, after they ended up kicking everybody out of the band I started to question some of their claims even regarding Diamond Dave.
Well they did suck musically. No songs or lyrics worth listening to. The VH brothers and DLR were visionaries.
@deathmetaldouglas69 did you smoke a bag of weed today 😅?
Maybe Alex was the problem?
💯. When you've kicked out everyone from the band except your own brother then it's not hard to see the problem.
Booze was the problem....and the brothers were mean drunks
Actually work ethic was the problem. Alex and Ed lived in the studio perfecting tracks while Anthony enjoyed the money and didn't contribute to the creative aspect of composition.
@@garythomas4431 Exactly. Finally people are starting to see that. That overrated bloward gets mad royalties from LPs he contributed little to.
Alex was the Salvador Dali of drums. When you are a visionary you can afford to be somewhat of a dick.
Several times in interviews Eddy said....I don't want a busy bassist they get in the way. Mike's bass is mixed low on purpose and Eddy's guitar is filling a lot of frequencies. He was also in a band with huge egos and 2 people fighting over musical direction. That doesn't leave him with a whole lot of voice or creative freedom. The recording sessions were filled with a lot of coke. A joint and some booze is one thing, but hard drugs are quite another especially for someone who is not really wanted to compete with his own ideas but only support the others ideas on recordings. He filled his role perfectly staying out of the way of and supporting the major creators in the band. The live performances reflected this. If they wanted more? They should have increased his role instead of criticizing the very role they gave him to fill.
Van Halen IS NOT EDDIE & ALEX....
It is MICHAEL,DAVE,ALEX and EDDIE....
Any other lineups are SUB PAR!!!
the band was a contrived 80's joke.
@@jpb1231000 Wrong. The last VH "A Different Kind of Truth" was a classic with Wolfgang's BANGIN" BASS! Best thing they did since 1981. Every VH release without DLR is subpar slop. So at least you recognize Dave as the man so you get some points in.
@@deathmetaldouglas69 DAVE is IT!!!
Hey... I'm an ALLEGED BASS PLAYER so I can dig a good Bass man...
I just hate the kids name!!!
WOLFIE in place of WOLFGANG don't help either...
VH without DAVE ???
VH W/O DAVE (and Mike) is just 1 DRUNK ASSHOLE and his JEALOUS BROTHER ....
Should have called it Van Bartinelli ....
I'm sure that Eddie told Michael what he wanted played in his songs and even showed him what he wanted played
Michael was and is a very talented pro. The Van Halen's had to come up with some sort of nonsense reason to dump him for Wolfie.
Wolfie's bass kicked ass unlike Michael Mullet. I would have dumped that overrated underachiever in favor of Wolfgang.
It was a family decision and I get it but I don’t get trying to destroy Mikes legacy as a player and band member
@@GinoPini-c5e Exactly! I don't mind them going the nepotism route as long as Wolfie had the chops. But to outright try to destroy Anthony and rip him off for it was shameful!
Yes, the I really want to play with my son nonsense!
@@robertgilley6288 I would want to play with my son over Mike the Mullet too if he wanted to hang out, learn the songs, write some new songs, actually practice his instrument to get better and actually PRODUCE the record instead of leaving after his tracks were done the way underachievers like Michael Anthony handle things. I've been in bands with people like that and they suck. They leave before mixdown and cry if recordings don't turn out like they want them to.
"BASS LINES?" I didn't know Mike was a fisherman.
Something fishy here 😂
Sounds like a load of crappie.
Mike's an old salt of the sea.
Ego's and more Ego's! If you've ever played in a band you appreciate a guy like Michael Anthony. Some one who will do what's best for the band and project and not necessarily want to shine on their own. Eddie was an amazing guitar player, DLR was DLR, Alex was a great drummer, but Mikey's vocals and groove plowed the road for everyone else to shine. I'm TEAM VANHAGAR so you know how i feel about Mike.............
I'll take egos and visionaries over hack crap. Van Hagar is mall rock pop garbage not worth a mention. Their last release with Wolfgang on bass in 2012 was the best thing they did since 1981. BTW I was in a VH tribute act on bass/voice and I have even LESS of an appreciation for Anthony after that experience. Beyond overrated.
@@deathmetaldouglas69 i guess we have differences of opinion.........and that's fine...........
@@deathmetaldouglas69you've missed out on a lot of good music with your narrow-mindedness Eddie Van Halen was Eddie Van Halen no matter who was singing or playing the bass or drums
Mikey is 25% of van Halen, can't believe this, hard 2 believe
I don't believe for one minute Van Halen would have hesitated to fire Michael Anthony if this were even half-way true. But they didn't fire him because they knew what they had.
Alex didn't write anything either.....DLR and EVH did it all......this vid is trash.
Spanked
That's not true at all, Eddie and Alex worked most of the stuff out together. They talked about that for decades.
So did Hager
@@Supernova_1024 Alex didn't write anything....at least Mikey sang AND played.
I wonder what kind of lure Michael used on his bass lines? It's cool to know he was such an avid fisherman.
Awesome! 😂😂
LOL!!
Mikey is a front man, and excellent bassist 🎉
He's neither. You R delusional.
Anthony was the HEART of the band. He was the only one who had a heart.
The older the band got, the less Eddie let him play. Just listen to the first few albums you can hear great bass fills through all of the songs.
Yup, I'm thinking the intro to You're No Good for example
Eddie Van Halen was a asshold.
Eddie wanted to replace Mike in the early 80's with Billy Sheehan. Billy at least had too much respect for Mike to accept that.
From Buffalo,NY, here - first saw Billy Sheehan with a lil ole band called “ Talas “ around 1976 at a bar called He and Shes. I was 18 at the time and TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY by them, including Dave Constantino, and Paul Varga on drums. We all felt that BILLY was destined for national fame. He was BEYOND over the top. Good times 😊
Good call for Sheehan. Van Halen would have been a complete waste of his skill. He probably knew that.
Billy would have taken the spotlight away from Eddie
Mike's harmonies alone were worth the membership in Van Halen. Ed's biggest mistake was firing him. That was a very bad move. So was bringing Dave back.
HERE! HERE!
What the Van Halen brothers did to Anthony was really Low. I don't know how he could have done his job under those circumstances....
When you get to the bottom line Alex and Eddy both have a lot of talent but both were assholes. Ask anybody that has played with them both. Michael Anthony is doing pretty dam good with Chickenfoot.
Yes, I often blame other people for me not writing hit songs.
Love Michael Anthony. Why talk smack ? Really ? Love you Michael
...Michael Anthony is one of THE best "feel" bass players in rock, end of story. I have an excellent bootleg copy of the first Van Halen demo sessions at Sunset Sound wherein Ted Templeman brought the band in to evaluate their songs/playing etc. The bass tracks are mixed a little hotter than what you hear on the final commercially-released albums. Because of this evaluation mix, you can really hear how Mike's bass playing locks down the groove w/ Alex...IMHO Mike's playing brought Alex up to another level feel-wise. Background vocals?...say no more...Mike is the man...
What about the time Eddie contemplated temporarily replacing Alex because his focus and creativity was affected due to his marriage problem and pending divorce.
Thought this was going to be an interview of Alex and hearing his perspective on the band, not a documentary about the bands history. Never mentioned that Eddy and Alex made Him sign away royalties for the songs he co-wrote with Eddy.
Mike is a great bassist. Great voice too. Another dynamic of van Halen's unique powerful sound.
This is a hit piece on MA
Michael being called unserious by 2 drunks is unforgivable
Anthony's bass lines got him a gig on "Babe Winklemans Good Fishing"
I've met Michael Anthony a few times, I built an acoustic bass for him back in 2014. Michael is a GEM of a Human Being. Down to earth dude! love ya Mike!
This isn't true. No one in the band expected Mike to write anything. Ed wrote 100% of the music and Dave or Sammy did the lyrics
Those brothers treated Michael like crap, and I've never heard the guy complain.
How the hell do you know how he was around them day to day? He was the weak link who made millions. Make that the LAZY weak link who made millions. Why would he complain and how would YOU know in the first place. Were you his bass tech? Do tell. Details please.
@@deathmetaldouglas69 I was not the bass tech. But here's the details that I know to be true. They kicked Anthony out of the band and made him sign on as a touring member. Even made him sign away some of his rights that would have made him a lot of money. As far as being a "weak-link", that's just insane, the guys vocals were a big part of their sound. As far as the video saying he didn't contribute to the creative process.....what creative process? They hadn't written a good song in forever and were basically an oldies act by the end. I like Wolfgang's solo work, but what great songs did he contribute to? And since when does anyone care about what Alex thinks? It was Eddie's band, Alex was lucky to be his brother. I can think of no Van Halen songs that make me say "wow, Alex really made that one work". Happy Holidays
Answer your own questions for us please, you seem to be like the bass playing expert on here @@deathmetaldouglas69
As Einstein said; "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value" .. My opinion, Anthony added value, which helped VH become successful .. They tried fixing something that wasn't broke .. Not many famous bands replace the lead singer and continue to rule the world .. I am a Van Halen and Van Hagar fan ..
Nobody is going to ever mistake Micheal Anthony's bass playing for Victor Wooten or something, but he was perfect for V. H.
A basic bass line is perfect so that Eddie's playing becomes even more prominent.....
Michael Anthony 's background vocals are perfect too.... He was so important to the overall sound of the first and (imho) the best version of VH.
So, he played what you asked him to play, played it flawlessly and brought zero drama to the party. Oh, and he sang great. What a nightmare.
Cut this off after FIVE SECONDS - you can spot BOT GARBAGE a mile away. NEVER WATCH BOT GARBAGE
Poor Michael. Evidentally the problem began the first time he ever practiced with Van Halen. They were expecting a bass player and Mike showed up trying to play a fish.
It sounds like he played a fish...😎
So you can tune a fish?
According to REO Speedwagon, the answer would be no.😎
Not just any fish. It was a BASS!
Maybe Panama was a song about fishing in Panama?
and Eddie would be the trout player
I will say that Michael Anthony is one of the biggest parts of the Van Halen sound. Yes, a great bass player, BUT the most iconic 1st tenor background voice ever!!! His voice added everything to the Van Halen fan. Just an incredible voice and sound!!!!
"Steady bass lines ?!" ... Regardless of how simple or sophisticated the note choices , the guy is just an incredible player . Great feel and completely animated by the passion and energy that totally defines rock music . Most guitarists would gladly sacrifice a testicle to have a bass player anywhere near as good as him .
I don't want a bass player who trying to do leads. Hold the rhythm. That why my favorite bass player is geezer butler. Mike was solid and awesome singer. It started with Running with the Devil when they turn the bass down
Anthony is one great bass player and had great vocals.
You can't even say the word bass...lol
You're gonna hurt the AI's feelings.
BOT
6:18 Mikey is a good bassist and a better singer. My God…..what’s the problem? 🎶🎸 🎤🤦♂️
Michael was always underrated and undervalued by the Van Halen brothers. The ego battles were between Dave and the brothers, while Mikey soldiered on. Mike must have felt like he was the only adult in the room.
Any musician's main duty is to serve the song. Due to Eddie's style of playing and writing, MIke's playing was classically perfect - he connected the guitar and drum parts. I was surprised that it took so long for people to recognize his phenomenal backing vox - that was fully there right from the start.
Doesn’t matter what they say about Michael Anthony, I , just like most Van Halen fans, have been to a lot of shows with David and Sammy, Michael Anthony Kicked Ass in what he did! His performances were awesome and he was into the crowd. A lot of Bass players I’ve seen just kicked back and played,which is normal and nothing wrong with that. But Anthony kept the crowd going and fans like us loved it. So what if he stayed out with the rest of the band instead of kicking it by the drummer, he made part of the show. He was Van Halen! I’m play bass also, so I was a big fan of Anthony. I still am today !
It's disappointing to know that the van halens were/are such low POS's that they can't just appreciate the success they had and share it kindly with those who helped.
I'm not even a bass player but Micheal is one of my musical heroes simply because of the way he plays and provides such a solid foundation for his bandmates. The sort of bass player every drummer dreams of playing with.
The problem, was the ego of Eddie, Alex,and that p.o.s. DLR. Mike took a lot of shit,because of his friendship with Sammy.
Michael’s contribution to VH success is indisputable. His bass lines and backing vocals were what made VH the greatest band in rock music
Ace Frehley was the trout player
I'm a perchist.
Tom Snyder 😂
He was the plumber too! 😂
Michael Anthony was pursued by VanHalen for months before he agreed to quit his other band for VH.... He didn't come to THEM.... And face the fact that every member in that band owes their riches to one member who would have become a legend no matter what, and that was Edward for his insane innovative guitar playing... Any other member could easily have been replaced, but we know and love the original line up that the world was frontal attacked with and Eddie changed electric guitar forever.... Every top tier guitarist on earth living will tell you that... Alex VanHalen was the drummer because he was Eddie's brother, NOT because he was a great drummer.... He's in the Lars (from Metallica) category.... A mediocre drummer lucky enough to have been in an extremely successful band... THAT is Alex... He thinks he's a world class drummer because of Eddie's history changing guitar work.... Nope.... Eddie's playing would have carried him to the top no matter what... But the original band just happened to be the chosen ones.
Alex’ focussed approach, hahaha. There is 15 years between VH3 and Truth.
Yeah but he really kicked it hard on that last release. EVH was somewhat of a letdown with average sounding guitar solos but it still rules as Alex went nuts on that drum kit full force! DLR's voice and lyrics full on as well even if he could not replicate it onstage.
I’m so happy to see all the comments defending and praising Mikey!!!! He is a beautiful human being that put up with more shit than anyone can imagine! Hats off to the great Michael Anthony!!! Let’s go catch some fish!!! 😂
this text was clearly written and read by artificial intelligence. Nobody pronounces "bassist" like that.
Thats funny Alex would feel that way, because i dont think they allowed him to write anyway. They could have hired a virtuoso bassist anytime, but didnt.
Well they came close to sacking his lazy ass for Jeff Berlin.
Without Mike, Van Halen wouldn't have blown up so big in the beginning. He played and sang exactly what was needed for those songs. He did exactly what he was supposed to do. And it worked out brilliantly
Michael deserved to be treated better, he never caused problems, didn’t ask for much but he was too easy going as became a easy target, they took away royalties he deserved from the 1984 album and tour. No I wasn’t there, it was documented in the book Running with the Devil which was a good read .
Mike's backup vocals were second to none across the rock world.
I used to fish for bass🐠😂😂
I love VAN HALEN. Like so many players, Ed was the reason I first picked up a guitar. However, the way Mike was, and is treated, makes me truly sick! Let's acknowledge him for the tremendous job he did in VH, but even more so for the type of human being he has proven himself to be.
Thank you Mikey.
Van Halen treated Michael like shit. I would of left the band a long time ago.
Because he was lazy and he sucked. Made millions riding the backs three visionaries. Not really a hard job. I was in a VH tribute so I would know. Would have loved to replace him and I would have tried to write songs with them instead of just showing up to tour. Fuck that guy.
I always enjoyed Michael Anthony the brothers had some problems
HOW could Anthony get involved when it was the Van halen brothers band??
Michael Anthony was the glue of the group. Nothing wrong with his contribution to the sound of Van Halen.
People talk about Anthony not song writing. Hell when DLR was in the band and when Sammy was in the band, they were the main song writers. Ed and Alex couldn't write a good song if they wanted to. Do, don't blame Michael Anthony.
Eddie was the primary songwriter. Roth and Hagar wrote lyrics and melody off that .
He was a master guitar player coming up with riffs and musical notes is entirely different than writing lyrics.
Michael and Sammy where the only two guys you could come up to on a regular basis and have a good conversation with.
Not too impressed with the van halens they're dirty laundry really stinks alex is a washed up drummer who probably cant play anymore ..ed lost his edge from too much partying and became a noodler ....ill stick with wolf... he'll only get better and seems like a genuinly nice guy...the truth is they all rode Ed's coattails and none of them would be known without Ed's innovation just another sad rocktard story of drugs and hedonism seems to destroy them all doesnt it😮😮😮😮
Alex is washed up for a reason
Yeah I think it's from health problems I saw him walking with a cane ....he had a good run
Dave was pivotal as well , his work ethic his lyrics and frontmanship catupulted them with Ed's guitar , both Ed and Dave were key
@@timsears951 His drumming and drum kits were iconic, unique, creative and visionary. He was the Salvador Dali of the drums. Your brain is washed up. He's old and retired. He does not owe anyone shit. His legacy is untarnished. Except for Spammy Belcher and Van Hagar. That era will disappear into the dust bins of history fortunately.
You think Alex Eddie & DLR would've welcomed another songwriter who wanted to add in bass solos and cut into solos and vocals? I think VH got the bass player they 100% needed.
Did the brothers welcome input from MA?
VH- "Mike, go sit in the corner. We'll call when we need you!"
VH- "Sorry dude, we're cutting your pay because you're not contributing enough!"
I met Michael years ago and we, no lie, spent about 30 min talking about everything from music to our favourite food/dishes to classic cars. Mike is a humble person and very laid back. His bass playing is very underrated, so are his harmonics which were one of the strong points of the DLR era of VH. Now I never met the VH bros, but more than one person has told me that Alex is even more of an a-hole than Ed was. EVH will always be my favourite guitarist, for me he's the GOAT, and Alex is an amazing drummer... but from what I've heard I don't think I would have ever gone out for a beer with either one of them. Heck, even if I had asked they probably would have told me to f off... whereas with Mike it's the total opposite. In fact, he bought me a couple beers when we had a chance to chat.
I read the book their manager wrote. Dave, Eddie and Alex were dysfunction junction. They did Mike wrong and did their manager wrong too.
He’s a monstrous powerhouse of a bass player
His tone is incredible
The guy is just awesome
💪😎🤘
Michael Anthony was a key ingredient in the Van Halen sound
I really don't know what to make of these videos and how true it all is. Michael Anthony has always struck me as the kind of guy that if you can't get along with Michael you can't get along.
The way the VH brothers treated Mike Anthony is akin to the way Don Henley and Glenn Frey treated Don Felder. What happens when egos and money (and at least for a time period, drugs) are involved.
I’ve always dug the Eagles but totally lost respect for Henley and Fry when they made Walsh, Felder and Schmidt come back as essentially side men in ‘94 and then shit-canning Felder for standing up for himself. Add to that Henley hiring the internet police to take down any videos w/ his music and it just renders him a Grade A Douche.
Mike has nothing to prove. He's a great bass player, singer and a stand up guy. Rock on, Mike!
Mikey was the perfect guy to play in a band with multiple massive ego's. The band would have possibly fallen apart much sooner if he and his laid back personality weren't the glue to hold it all together. Besides, the guy contributed plenty with his playing and backing vocals.
Anthony's backing vocals, soaring above Dave's, were the keystone foundation of the Van Halen sound in those first 5 albums. Without his signature harmonic backing, all they would've been is 2 virtuosos sharing a space. Anthony's unique vocal style, that you will not be able to find in any other band from that era, was the glue. He was the perfect bassist for that group. He didn't have an ego that would clash with Dave's or Eddie's, and it was precisely his laid back easy going approach that probably defused a lot of ego trippin' among the others. And his low key playing style not only didn't steal Eddie's spotlight but created a straight man musically for Eddie to do cartwheels over. Without Michael, there would have been no Van Halen. Without him, it would've all been one long Eruption solo...while it is interesting, it's tonally limited and not that primal magic only found in complete songs with great harmony. You can't hum Eruption, but you sure as hell can hum Dance the Night Away, one of Michael's backing masterpieces.
I still like and support Mike. Highly underrated.
Perfect example of being disappointed if you meet your heroes. Lifelong, devoted VH fan, but really disappointed how ed and Alex treated Mike.
Anthony on bass and eddie on trout. Unbelievable.
Mike's background vocals made the band what is was as much as the contributions of others.
Mike is the only one you’d actually want to have in your life
Mike is a team player, and smart enough not to bite the hand that feeds him. Its not like they left him broke. What happened was pretty bad and he handled it with class. In the end he has $50 million for his contributions. VH for ever #1
Wow what a hit piece! I would love for Michael Anthony to write a book and completely open up about everything. This guy has done nothing but carry the torch, that’s all he’s really guilty of. I think the Van Halen brothers are extremely devious people and of course Alex will side with Eddie because you can’t let the money maker walk away. As for Michael Anthony‘s bass playing goes what the hell was the guy supposed to do? He shared the stage with one of the greatest guitar players in the world talk about being overshadowed! In hindsight, if they were that upset with his contributions, they could’ve easily said we’re not splitting the money four ways we’re gonna do percentages and you’ll get paid for what percentage you play or contribute that could’ve been easily resolved. But no here we are years later and everybody’s still bashing Michael Anthony, and Sammy Hagar.
Alex has successfully alienated himself from everyone and is going to leave this world known as a bitter old man
I can't say anything particularly positive OR negative about Anthony in terms of his technical playing skills (dug his vocals), but I can say for certain that in IMHO the two best VH albums were that killer debut album and 1984. They had an explosive, innovative lead guitar ninja from hell (northern Europe, anyways), a goofy, endlessly entertaining, charismatic front man with a keen sense of humor who kept it light, and (again, just MHO) a solid and dependable rhythm section as a foundation. No one sounded like VH when they broke, not EVH nor VH the band. And for my music deneros, that sound and that energy made them iconic despite my being a big time Yes, Genesis, ELP, Tull, UK, King Crimson, etc sort of prog-snob fan. That lineup was ideal from my perspective. ZZ Top maybe came close to achieving something similar when they transitioned over to their "techno-blues" thing, but VH polished the chrome even more and supercharged R&R from that point on. They got it right from the gitgo, and I was sadly disappointed when they changed up the formula.