uh-oh, wolfgang vs mike anthony

these_go211 · #1 11-08-2006, 09:59 AM

this looks like it may be official now. from yahoo.com:
***
G4TV is reporting that long-dormant classic rock band Van Halen is planning to tour in summer 2007--but without founding bassist Michael Anthony, and with a lead singer to be determined.

G4 reports that guitarist Eddie Van Halen's spokesperson, Janie Liszewski, has confirmed rumors that Anthony will be replaced in the band lineup by Eddie's 15-year-old son, Wolfgang.

"Yes, I can confirm this story in the respect of Wolfgang being the new bass player for the band and, yes, he has been in the studio with his dad and uncle rehearsing and writing for an upcoming summer 2007 tour," Liszewski told G4's entertainment news show, TheFeed. "Wolfgang most certainly has inherited the Van Halen musical-genius gene. At 15 years of age his knowledge, understanding, skill, and command of multiple instruments is impressive."

Liszewski also confirmed that Anthony is definitely no longer a member of Van Halen. However, when asked whether original singer David Lee Roth will rejoin the the group, she said, "There has been no confirmation that David Lee Roth will be touring this coming summer."
***
there was a recent thread here about mike anthony. though my own thoughts were that he was a lucky mediocre bassist at best, i still think it's real classless that eddie would do this.

Baryonyx · #2 11-08-2006, 10:14 AM

There has already been a thread on this, and as I said last time, I really don't think Wolfgang could keep up with the legacy that Michael has left.

mvw356 · #3 11-08-2006, 11:00 AM

I think that Michael cAnthony simply isn't part of van halen anymore because he decided to stay with Sammy Hagar with whom he is touring right now.

Eddies son joining van halen is a really bad idea imo, who want's to see a rock and roll band where the bass player is 15? not exactly how i picture rock and roll decadence (anyone remember hanson?)

maybe thisd kid is a relly good musician, but who cares, he's 15 and should be playing in his own band.

Jumbotron · #4 11-08-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris2112

There has already been a thread on this, and as I said last time, I really don't think Wolfgang could keep up with the legacy that Michael has left.

You mean all the drinkin'? Wolfie IS only 15.

I guess I'm unsurprised by this news. If you read David Lee Roth's book "Crazy from the Heat" (which you should, because it's awesome), you get the feeling that although EVH is a first-rate genius guitarist, he's also a crummy human being (admittedly, DLR is a bit biased). Michael Anthony, however, comes off pretty well.

musicman5string · #5 11-08-2006, 12:32 PM

Man......Van Halen should just stop. It's been a pathetic joke for awhile now, and it just keeps getting worse.
Who's gonna sing Micahel Athony's backing vocal parts?

I've said it before, I'll say it again: what a shame to see that band deteriorate into a pile of crap.

Basshole · #6 11-08-2006, 12:39 PM

I'm sure Wolf can cover dad's bass lines just as well Mike used to. At 15 he can probably even hit those high notes on the BG vocal parts. I'm glad to hear that Al and Ed are going to be out playing again. I don't know Ed very well (met him just a couple of times) but Al is a nice guy. I hope they get a good singer, and have a successful tour. Ed hasn't treated himself very well, and these guys won't be around for too much longer. Some may dismiss them as being fossils, but Ed re-invented the instrument, much like Jaco did for the bass. I have mad respect for the man.

bassist 4 life · #7 11-08-2006, 01:44 PM

Wolfgang is only a year older than me, hes also born on the same day as me, hehe.

Baryonyx · #8 11-08-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumbotron

You mean all the drinkin'? Wolfie IS only 15.

Well, we can't forget that! However, what I was refering to was the fact that Michael is as solid a groover as I have ever heard...I'm not sure this kid can keep up.

lawsonman · #9 11-08-2006, 03:42 PM

I guess I've always thought of Michael Anthony as a solid player.Nothing more or nothing less. I'm sure they can afford a backup vocalist if they want to.

davetakis · #10 11-09-2006, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicman5string

I've said it before, I'll say it again: what a shame to see that band deteriorate into a pile of crap.

this is the way i feel about the who right now.

bassist 4 life · #11 11-09-2006, 08:10 AM

Wolfgang probably spends lots of hours a day practicing, and he lives with his dad, so his dad is probably always telling him to practice and jam with him and giving him usefull tips and lessons.

EDIT:

"As of mid-2006, Van Halen remain inactive. David Lee Roth said reuniting with the band is still "inevitable," and Edward has contradicted statements made by himself and his brother that Roth would never be in the band again, by announcing he is willing to work with Roth again on a tour or new works. Van Halen stated in his Howard Stern interview that although Roth is a "loose cannon," he is willing to deal with that.

In November 2006, after weeks of speculation, it was officially announced that Van Halen is recording new music with David Lee Roth and preparing for a Summer 2007 tour with Eddie's son, Wolfgang, on bass(instead of Michael Anthony). Fans are anxiously awaiting the news on who will play bass on the tour that will follow as Wolfgang is still too young to be a full time member of a touring band"

www.wikipedia.com

davetakis · #12 11-09-2006, 08:42 AM

not a big van halen fan but why has none of this been posted on their webpage?

bassist 4 life · #13 11-09-2006, 12:28 PM

their webpage hasnt been updated since 05.

FriscoBassAce · #14 11-09-2006, 09:46 PM

Well..that did it for me. EVH has been an ass more than once before. To ask Michael Anthony to receive less royalties for the songs he helped create is utter BS. EVH needs to learn that the world doesn't revolve around him.

Long live the King!

davetakis · #15 11-10-2006, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassist 4 life

their webpage hasnt been updated since 05.

oh, well then........

Roundwound · #16 11-10-2006, 09:40 AM

I'm still interested in hearing Wofgang's abilities. Too bad there isn't any material out there with him on it.

GrooveWarrior · #17 11-10-2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris2112

Well, we can't forget that! However, what I was refering to was the fact that Michael is as solid a groover as I have ever heard...I'm not sure this kid can keep up.

Wow. You need to listen to more solid grooving bassists. When it comes to "Luckiest guy to play bass and get into a hugely successful band!", he is only trumped by Cliff Williams. Anthony is average at best. I'm guessing EVH's kid is probably pretty smokin' at just about any instrument. You couldn't grow up in that environment and not be good.

Here is the CNN story:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Musi...eut/index.html

Eric Grossman · #18 11-10-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crhoton

Wow. You need to listen to more solid grooving bassists. When it comes to "Luckiest guy to play bass and get into a hugely successful band!", he is only trumped by Cliff Williams. Anthony is average at best.

I used to think that way, too. Then I listened. Put on some phones, and listen to "Women and Children First", or "Fair Warning". Michael is well beyond an average bassist. He is an outstanding player. BTW, when you listen, remember, no pro-tools, and digital editing. This guy is a monster.

It's easy to be overshadowed by Eddie, and Dave. That was pretty much the deal. Please respond to my post, AFTER you listen again.

Jumbotron · #19 11-10-2006, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Grossman

I used to think that way, too. Then I listened. Put on some phones, and listen to "Women and Children First", or "Fair Warning". Michael is well beyond an average bassist. He is an outstanding player. BTW, when you listen, remember, no pro-tools, and digital editing. This guy is a monster.

Are we sure that isn't Eddie playing the bass?

Oh, and also I think Cliff Williams rules. Go take a listen to "Powerage."

GrooveWarrior · #20 11-10-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Grossman

I used to think that way, too. Then I listened. Put on some phones, and listen to "Women and Children First", or "Fair Warning". Michael is well beyond an average bassist. He is an outstanding player. BTW, when you listen, remember, no pro-tools, and digital editing. This guy is a monster.

It's easy to be overshadowed by Eddie, and Dave. That was pretty much the deal. Please respond to my post, AFTER you listen again.

I think Jumbotron is right. From what I've read, it is pretty widely accepted that EVH played bass on those tunes.

My position is, if you can't nail a bassline by either of the aforementioned guys after two years on the instrument, you should put it down and try a new hobby. Then again, maybe my definition of average and your definition of average are different.