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Michael Anthony and Van Halen

Medford Bassman

Medford Bassman

Aug 8, 2007
2,153
1,066
Medford, Wisconsin
#1
So, while I was killing time at a Barnes and Noble, I read a Rolling Stone article about Sammy Hagar's time with Edward Van Halen.

Sammy talked about how the Van Halen brothers really screwed over Michael Anthony on the 2004 tour. Sammy said Anthony was the heart of the band.

WTH is wrong with Ed Van Halen?? I hate reading how an individual can completely destroy a great band with their behavior.

Anyway an interesting read no doubt.
 
#2
Medford Bassman said:
So, while I was killing time at a Barnes and Noble, I read a Rolling Stone article about Sammy Hagar's time with Edward Van Halen.

Sammy talked about how the Van Halen brothers really screwed over Michael Anthony on the 2004 tour. Sammy said Anthony was the heart of the band.

WTH is wrong with Ed Van Halen?? I hate reading how an individual can completely destroy a great band with their behavior.

Anyway an interesting read no doubt.
Click to expand...


Do tell......

I've been listning to chicken foot lately and I'm interested in Mr. Anthony.
 
#6
It's well known that Eddie is an ego maniac, controlling fool. He's let his own sense of self-greatness get in the way of the band for a long, long time. That being said..........

I have alway thought Michael Anthony is one of the luckiest, least-talented musicians I have ever heard.
 
#7
they should've made sure ol' jack-bottle-bass got himself cleaned up, was able to keep it together for the long haul, and then hit the road & studio. VH would've retained a place near the top for years, with the original lineup. i agree- mike is definitely not victor wooten, but his "loveable big lug" schtick worked extremely well for the band, and he did hold down the groove effectively enough. very weird, these mega-bands who implode before their time... who wouldn't give an opportunity to be in their shoes, but to wisely NOT fall prey to ego and the circus bull****, but just deliver the goods and get compensated well for it?
 
#8
prd004 said:
It's well known that Eddie is an ego maniac, controlling fool. He's let his own sense of self-greatness get in the way of the band for a long, long time. That being said..........

I have alway thought Michael Anthony is one of the luckiest, least-talented musicians I have ever heard.
Click to expand...
Really? Have you really heard Michael play? Sing? There are 1000's of cats out there who can't hold a candle to Michael. He can play! Admittedly, he can't solo to save his life but that's not what he does!
 
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#9
DWBass said:
Really? Have you really heard Michael play? Sing? There are 1000's of cats out there who can't hold a candle to Michael. He can play! Admittedly, he can't solo to save his life but that's not what he does!
Click to expand...

I've heard him play and sing, thus my post. For years and years I thought the only reason he was in the band was because he could sing the high harmonies, and then I heard him live. No talent.
 
#10
prd004 said:
It's well known that Eddie is an ego maniac, controlling fool. He's let his own sense of self-greatness get in the way of the band for a long, long time. That being said..........

I have alway thought Michael Anthony is one of the luckiest, least-talented musicians I have ever heard.
Click to expand...

Wow no talent!
He is a musician in every sense of the word. Unlike most rock bassists, he can read music and did take music study classes in his younger years. He Grew up listening and learning Jazz from his father who was a jazz horn player.

I like how his bass-lines progressed over the years. He could hold his own in a 3 piece band ( singers don't count in my book) with one of the best drummers and guitarists in the rock world.

Of course you are entitled to your opinion about not liking the man's playing, but what makes you better and more talented?
 
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#18
OK, I can't resist...

I see two camps on this subject.

I agree that Michael Anthony is the luckiest bass player out there. In my opinion, Eddie chose him to hold the bottom without flashiness because Eddie was the alpha dog. Eddie couldn't have a Geddy or Steve Harris who rivaled him on stage. Yes, he can sing.

My other opinion, is that Michael Anthony (from an objective point of view. He will never be a fav of mine) is the definition of a "rock bassist". He holds the bottom. Period. No flash. I always thought he was horrible and a disgrace to bass (yes, I was also jealous that a hack could make tens of millions) but then I saw VAN HALEN - LIVE WITHOUT A NET and my opinion was changed. He can PLAY ! He plays 32nd notes like Jaco did with precision. To me, his ability to play 32nd notes is his thing.

As far as Chicken Foot goes, I find them to be pretty boring, but lots of people seem to like them, so to each his own.

In the end - Michael Anthony doesn't even come close to my list of "favorite bass players".
 

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