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Michael Anthony and Van Halen

#21
OK, you're talking about the bass player for Van Halen. Van Halen?! The guitarist is arguably one of the best ever, drummer is incredible, the chicks used to dig Dave. Ask yourself, how long you would have lasted in that situation?

Mike is OK, he hung in there longer than all of the singers, no?

Wolfgang is a talented, good musician; but it's like being the boss' son, of course you don't have to work hard to get the job.

Just my thoughts.
 
#23
Just did a google search on "rolling stone sammy hagar van halen". Pretty funny to see these recent stories together:


Sammy Hagar Wants To Reunite With Van Halen (A Top Story)
10 hours ago
..


Sammy Hagar on Eddie Van Halen in New Memoir: 'What a Fruitcake'


-- Joe
 
#27
He did what was enough for VH. If he would have went off playing funky bass lines, which is seems a lot of people are about, then half of those songs would have never came together like they did. Take Running With The Devil, did you want him to go crazy on that song just to prove to the world he can play? No. He did what he had to. Plus, you know Eddy didn't want him to do anything out of the ordinary because they would take away from him. Bottom line is he was perfect for VH. If he was in another band instead at the time, who knows.
 
#36
I've always thought Michael Anthony was the perfect bassist for Van Halen. He might have less cash now, but I bet he's happier playing with grownups in Chickenfoot.;)
 
#37
I'm not believing this thread.

Anthony- in the early days- was picked because he could keep up with EVH.... he was wise enough to hold the bottom when he was supposed to (which, btw, is the bass player's job) but could play all the runs needed to make himself EVH's equal on the other side of the stage.

Over the years, as the band evolved, his role changed to being that of strict root holder. Dunno who's responsible for that... MA, tired of ( and uninspired by) EVH's drunken egomania?... SH trying to bridge to band towards pop stardom?... EVH, insisting upon being the highlight when he realised that SA was too much competition?

Doesn't matter why... what EVH did to Micheal was reprehensible. The termination contract doesn't just state that he is no longer the bassist for Van Halen; it states that he was NEVER the bassist for Van Halen, which would also assume that Micheal Anthony is NOT the bassist pictured on the album covers. EVH, once my guitar hero, is a friggin psychotic nutball.
 
#38
Not that it will change anyone's view but he did drop out of
Pasadena City College Music program just a few credits short of his degree to start touring with Van Halen.

I have a video somewhere of a sound check at an outdoor festival Van Halen played at .. and Mike was playing some intense Jaco/Rocco type stuff warming up.. THAT changed my opinion of him. I guess he is happy becoming a millionaire by playing 8th notes and singing and not trying to outshine a guitar god. And all the while being able to drink and party and be in one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

If I would have never seen that soundcheck I would have a different opinion of him as well...

Kinda like saying "hey my girlfriend has a super hot body" and never showing your friends any nude pics of her.. no one will ever believe you.. AHHA
 

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