MICHAEL ANTHONY: 'I Never Quit VAN HALEN'
- June 3, 2009
Former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony has disputed guitarist Eddie Van Halen's assertion that Anthony quit the band before being replaced by Eddie's son Wolfgang.
In a recent interview with RollingStone.com, Eddie Van Halen was asked if he had heard CHICKENFOOT, which in addition to Anthony, includes former VAN HALEN singer Sammy Hagar.
"I'm too busy doing my own thing," Van Halen said, who then added, "The funny thing is that everyone who quits the band always claims they got fired by me. Hey, I'm not the bad guy here.
"When Hagar left the band, Mike went with him," Van Halen continued. "Then when we get back together with Dave [Lee Roth], and all of a sudden, he wants back in. It's like, 'No, dude, you quit the band.' So my son became the bass player. But we didn't give Mike the boot to have my son play."
Michael Anthony, speaking to MusicRadar.com, challenged Van Halen's version of events. "Why would I have quit VAN HALEN? It never happened," he said. "And what's weird is, he was being asked about CHICKENFOOT, whether he had heard us or not, and suddenly he launches into this thing about me quitting the group. What does one thing even have to do with the other?"
"I never 'quit.' I never once said, 'I'm out of here.' It never happened. That's the weird thing right now, for Eddie to be trying to paint himself as 'not the bad guy.'"
"Ultimately, all's well that ends well," he said. "I just find it odd that I'm put into a situation where I'm forced to defend myself. Everything is great in my world and I couldn't be happier with the group I'm in. But I don't want people to think I quit VAN HALEN, because I didn't. It never happened."
Read more of Michael Anthony's comments at MusicRadar.com.
Eddie Van Halen told RollingStone.com that he and David Lee Roth are hard at work on their first joint VAN HALEN album in 25 years. Van Halen, who was honored at Spike's Guys Choice Awards with the prestigious "Guitar God Award," said, "We're a true band now. It wasn't just a reunion one-off thing. I've already gone to Dave's house four or five times over the last month. I've got so much music. It's just trying to figure out what Dave's into because we haven't written together in a long time. But it's great. It feels like we've always felt in the beginning. But I'm sober, so it's different. He's sober, so it's different. It's a wonderful feeling."
Van Halen said that he and fiancée Janie Liszewski are planning to marry on June 27, " ... then Dave, Wolfie (Van Halen), Alex (Van Halen) and I are going into the studio and record some new music and go on tour about a year from now."
Van Halen was asked how it felt hiring his high school-age son as his new bandmate: "He was only 15 years old. (I said) 'You want to play bass?' 'Sure.' We did not have a bass player. That's the only thing really that bothers me about people acting like I'm the bad guy. I just sit in the studio and write music. I'm not some tyrant. I've got no beef with anybody. I wish (Hagar and Anthony) well. I hope they are... I don't know what a 'supergroup' means, but I hope they accomplish what they're setting out to do."
During the press conference announcing their 2007 reunion dates Roth said Van Halen is now a new band: "This is not a reunion, this is a new band. This is a revision with hits that you're so familiar with; it's as familiar as the roof of your own mouth is to you. But the ambition has nothing to do with old history. Usually when a band comes back like us it's rockers with walkers and this is everything but. Meet us in the future, not the pasture."
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COMMENT | Blabbermouth, you nr. 1 source for.... posted by : DutchSlayer 6/3/2009 5:43:26 AM
hard-rock & metal name-calling and other beefs....but wait an article about Michael Anthony with 1% Anthony content and 99% Van Halen????????
COMMENT | zakkwyldeturnedmylde posted by : Blackthorned 6/3/2009 5:57:05 AM
Your Mojo 'joke' is getting a bit old now - I actually thought it was funny the first time around.
Anyway, Michael Anthony speaks the truth but he was naive fool to sign away his rights to the Van Halen name. A nice guy dealing with a snake.
COMMENT | Mike Martin? posted by : Blackthorned 6/3/2009 6:07:48 AM
Well he is better than Rich Ward on a technical level - Rich Ward would probably say that himself so who are you to argue. Hmmm? Yeah yeah, Rich Ward has a better melodic sensibility blah blah but it's not really a pressing issue for the great minds of our time – Stuck Mojo have had their time in the sun haven't they?
It's not like they ever made a Holy Diver now is it. Or even a Diver Down for that matter…
COMMENT | Michael Anthony = CLASS ACT posted by : Anubis8 6/3/2009 6:12:14 AM
F*** EVH. What a true D-Bag that guy has become. Crack truly ruins your brain.
COMMENT | posted by : Angrysun 6/3/2009 6:45:14 AM
Well, there you have it... i think mike is the one speaking the truth.
COMMENT | posted by : DragonMaster 6/3/2009 7:16:07 AM
Yea....Its ALL about GREED
COMMENT | Mike's the MAN! posted by : mtlfan 6/3/2009 7:26:47 AM
Don't worry, Mike, I think everyone read into it what Eddie was saying. Ed's trying to say that since Mike played/hung with Sammy that he chose to leave the band. That's one selfish prick right there.
In high school, man, Van Halen was iit for me. Best band in the world, and at that time, it was true. Nowadays, Ed has just made it a big joke. Very sad to me.....
Mike, you and the 'foot are the greatest and, unlike the latest "VH" tour, I'll be seeing your shows!
COMMENT | Eddie Van Meth Head posted by : Get up and make it work 6/3/2009 7:29:29 AM
Ed is a pathological liar. You know those types, who lie so much that they actually believe their own lies.
By Ed's account, Mike quit the band when he went out on tour as "The other half". So, in Ed's mind, he quit the band when he recorded the solo for Beat It, and then quit again when he made his porno soundtrack.
1. As I posted a few days ago, In a 1980's interview, Ed stated he was pissed at having to split everything 25% even though Mike never wrote any of the songs.
2. Billy Sheehan has stated that Ed tried several times to get him in the band.
3. Ed took Mike's name of the Panama sound credits a few years back.
4. Ed played bass on the 3 songs from the BOBW Greatest Hits.
5. Ed forced Mike to play for a lesser salary on the reunion tour. Seriously, anyone out there who actually knows Sammy ever ask Sam if he had to take less money on that tour? If not, why did Mike have to?
Musicians have a passion to play music and play it for the fans. That's what Mike is. Crack addicts have a passion to become recluses and blame everyone else.
Ed is obsessed that Chickenfoot is the hottest thing in rock right now, and he's totally consumed by jealousy.
COMMENT | Mike is all class posted by : blabbermeth 6/3/2009 8:18:01 AM
Mike is one of the classiest guys in rock. All's well that end's well Mike is a fucking genius thing to say.
Van Halen stuck in 1984.
Chickenfoot is the future.
COMMENT | ^^^^^ posted by : downontheupside 6/3/2009 8:21:10 AM
Way to build a case against our beloved meth head, professional liar/guitar god. Dead on.
COMMENT | idiotic logic posted by : mfiasco 6/3/2009 8:23:55 AM
It's like saying Eddie "left" Van Halen when he was doing the music for porn flicks.
COMMENT | Michael Anthony... posted by : Wallbanger 6/3/2009 8:41:03 AM
...CLASS ACT. 'Nuff said!
COMMENT | our beloved meth head posted by : Van5150 6/3/2009 9:01:17 AM
lol, downontheupside - that just made my day.
COMMENT | CAN'T WE JUST GET BACK TO BASHING KISS AND METALLICA?? posted by : Angry Johnny 6/3/2009 9:05:30 AM
That's what this site is for, isn't it?
Oh wait, we also have to debate if Slayer sucks and go into a debate over whether or not Chris Cornell's album is trash or not.
See? What does Van Halen have to do with this stuff?
COMMENT | WE BELIEVE YOU posted by : 3 Hole Punch 6/3/2009 9:18:03 AM
Michael,
We have watched Van Halen grow old together. We know you have been about the only "sane" person in Van Halen since day one! We do believe you and knew it from reading EVH article. Good luck in your new group - it is a shame the fans have to be the one punished not seeing you in Van Halen but one day EVH will wake up and realize he screwed up and needs to do the right thing! Good luck!
COMMENT | good for Mike posted by : BSlash24 6/3/2009 9:35:33 AM
glad he responded in this case, don't let that creep make you look like the bad guy. Of course Mike didn't quit VH...Eddie didn't say that 2-3 years ago, he decided to change his tune. He's an insecure Ahole. VH even took MA's picture off Women & CHildern 1st album, on the VH website, just real childish sh*t....I for one like the DLR VH much better, don't care much for Sammy's music, but would much rather have a beer with Mike & Sammy. Seem like regular down to earth guys....VH's day is done anyhow, its an old guy greatest hits live touring band now.
COMMENT | posted by : luffy0927 6/3/2009 9:36:09 AM
evh is a douche but no one gives a shit about chickenfoot
COMMENT | Michael Anthony is a class act... posted by : maidenhouston 6/3/2009 10:01:55 AM
I wish Michael well, I just wish they picked a better name than "Chickenfoot." God that's a fuckin' stupid name for a band. Even if they were really good (and I hope they are-haven't listened to them yet) I would NEVER wear a shirt that said "Chickenfoot" on it. It just sounds stupid! Why not call yourselves "The South Park Cows" for God's sake?
Am I the only one that thinks "Chickenfoot" is a stupid name for a band?
COMMENT | no problem posted by : mdc 6/3/2009 10:23:36 AM
we get two great bands out of this deal.
COMMENT | get over it posted by : laggerlugger 6/3/2009 10:25:17 AM
while it may not be the coolest name around it is at least original unlike alot of new bands that add or drop a letter of an already known name. as for stupid names what is so cool about calling yourself chili peppers?that is a stupid name for a band if there ever was one. my point being get over the name and listen to the music which rocks!!!!!if you don't like straight up melodic hard rock then you won't like it so quit talking about how they suck! wa I can understand what he is saying and the music is melodic and they have songs you can understand and sing along with as if that is a bad thing. as for eddie sorry but you are a complete douche,the reason people think that you are the bad guy is because you are!funny how you never said anything bad about mike and Sammy when you were on top of the charts with them,but when you are despearate enough for the cash that you get roth back in Mike is suddenly not good enough for you?enjoy your remember the good old days tours while the foot is blasting out new music. yea I can't wait for new vh tunes that sound like the crap songs on the first greatest hits you did with roth. while ok musicly you can't do worse for lyrics and voice than what roth did on those. and people want slam Sammy for his cheesy lyrics?
COMMENT | posted by : musicman14 6/3/2009 10:34:24 AM
michael i don't think anyone thinks you quit van halen bexcept eddie and alex because he was told by eddie you did
COMMENT | Nice knowin' ya, Eddie posted by : rando 6/3/2009 10:48:27 AM
Not that it matters to anyone, but I quit Van Halen when Eddie fired Anthony for the "reunion". Fuck that primadonna, has-been. But hey, your BAND made six great albums that I will always love, so thanks for that.
COMMENT | laggerlugger posted by : BSlash24 6/3/2009 11:00:18 AM
why must you tell people what to think or say? If people don't like CHickenfoot, they have just as much right to say that as you do saying you like it. I love straight up melodic hard rock, name any of the great straight up melodic hard rock bands in rock history...the songs I've heard so far from Chickenfoot don't quite measure up, in my opinion...but that is just my opinion. So its more than just being a fan of melodic hard rock.
you can't be serious about your lyrical comment? While Roth's topics are non serious, cars, women, partying, they are a bit clever & don't go into sappy "that's what dreams are made of" or "Red, its in my head, take it to bed, that's what I said". Sammy really stands out as one of rock's alltime worst lyricist...I can't drive 55!!!??? That lyric is one of the goofiest, novelty lyrics ever...I'm not out to knock Sammy, but that isn't a debate you can take Sammy into, lyrics. he'd lose out to Paul Stanley & his "she's a dancer, a romancer, I'm a capricorn & she's a cancer". 1st grade sh*t.
COMMENT | It should be obvious to us all that.... posted by : ROCKMORE64 6/3/2009 11:01:04 AM
...the problem all these years is Eddie and Alex....yeah, Dave's got an ego and is probably a little difficult, but Sammy and Mike- nice guys.....Eddie is a dick and Alex has to follow him......Sit-down Wolfgang!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COMMENT | HellfuckingOOO posted by : NYD 6/3/2009 11:15:24 AM
Is everyone missing the best point made here. We are getting a new Dave/Van Halen Album. Ed was on fire on many stops of the last tour. Roth was in fine form. There could be some great new music to listen to.
COMMENT | meh posted by : ilikebush 6/3/2009 11:17:48 AM
I would believe Michael Anthony if he came out and said he was an alien in disguise, rather than hear Eddie Van Halen's fabricated truths. Anthony's answer seems more valid, and given Eddie's tyrant-like grip over Van Halen, it would make sense. Whatever, Chickenfoot is a lot better than anything Van Halen has put out in the past twenty years, so I'll live with that.
COMMENT | No one really to blame here-- posted by : Baldur 6/3/2009 11:27:19 AM
Let's face it, Eddie and Roth were always temperamental, Anthony and I guess Alex more steady. What can you do--it's pretty impressive that Roth and Eddie are working together, so I think that's as much as anyone has a right to expect.
For my money, these two are the band. For my money, something like Me Wise Magic is a sound that only those two can come up--it's like the original Sabbath.
COMMENT | Sweet! posted by : Budkoch 6/3/2009 11:32:41 AM
EVH: "Michael Anthony quit the band." Michael Anthony: "I never quit the band."
So what's the problem, then? If he wasn't fired (according to EVH) and he never quit (according to Mike), then he's still the bass player for Van Halen! Sit down, Wolfie. Thanks for keeping the seat warm while daddy had his pissing match with Uncle Mike. Time for a new album and tour with the original lineup!
Oh, wait. I forget that EVH is a liar that's never told fans the truth. Why would he start now? Never mind.
COMMENT | NYD posted by : BSlash24 6/3/2009 11:35:21 AM
naw, the real point of this article was EVH tried to pull a quick one on a loyal servant, a sneaky lame a$$, insecure move and Mike Anthony called him on it, which is great. I've never heard a bad word about MA. He seemed to worship Ed, do as told. His offense, staying friends & jamming with Sammy...MA found out he was out of the band via the press about Wolfie being in the band. Its just a completely sh*tty thing Ed did, and to Sammy.
While I much prefer old DLR VH to Sammy VH, I do think in 2009, Sammy brings more to the table live. I must completely disagree with NYD, I found Roth on the last tour to be totally watered down, he couldn't even attempt the trademark whistle scream, the energy was minimal. Yes, he's 55+, but that's what VH is now, a legacy act. What band at that age has wowed you with a new release. Its over...my guess is CF would give more energy live, though the songs wouldn't hold up vs. the old VH.
COMMENT | BSlash24 posted by : Neil Young's Cocaine Booger 6/3/2009 12:17:58 PM
Oh yeah.....like Me Wise Magic, Wa Wa Zat, Right Tool for the Job, etc.... are soooooo fucking brilliant!!!!!
COMMENT | posted by : luffy0927 6/3/2009 12:19:19 PM
van hagar was the neutered version of van halen......love ...love...love ...fuck you sammy and eddie for screwing up van halen after 1984
COMMENT | booger posted by : BSlash24 6/3/2009 12:24:52 PM
never said billiant. nothing special for sure. Forget Dave, Sammy simply has some of the worst ever. every song. You can't even listen without noticing. He's cringe worthy. Dave writes lyrics & you don't notice, good or bad. But its not the second grade rhyme scheme. or "I can't drive 55." never heard of right tool & wa wa zat either...Budkoch, great point, Mike should just take back his place in VH...Wolfie is so over his head on stage, performing with a world class band. Terrible performer.
Neil's Booger, remember there's only ONE way to rock! yeah!
COMMENT | responding to some posts...bc3ironmaiden...laggerlugger posted by : maidenhouston 6/3/2009 12:35:44 PM
"I think Chickenfoot is a Great name for a band, it's old school,and lets face it people are gonna remember it. and if you see them you are not going to care about the name, they kicked ass in concert."
Well you're right about that point. I sure won't forget it :) and it's good to hear they put on a helluva show. I'll pick up the cd soon. I wish the name was different but I'm over it now LOL I'll give them a listen and go from there.
"while it may not be the coolest name around it is at least original unlike alot of new bands that add or drop a letter of an already known name. as for stupid names what is so cool about calling yourself chili peppers?that is a stupid name for a band if there ever was one. my point being get over the name and listen to the music which rocks!!!!!"
Point well taken. I agree there are some dumb ass names out there...Chilli Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Amboy Dukes (sounds like a blue-grass band). I will give them a listen and go from there. Not hot on the name but I'm sure if the music is good, I'll forget about it AFTER A WHILE LOL
From what I'm reading, it seems they've got the goods.
COMMENT | bslash posted by : laggerlugger 6/3/2009 12:40:15 PM
I am not telling anybody what to listen to,just telling them and you if you don't like a certain style like Sammy then then quit coming onto here and telling me how bad they suck. the fact you slam Sammy and his lyrics while worshipping the silly nonsense roth throws out shows you have no taste and just don't like the better songwriter and talent of the 2.as for I can't drive 55 that song was not only great song it got the speed limit reduced!and there is only 1 way to rock and that is to Sammy!
COMMENT | Will everyone please get this shit right? posted by : mcman71 6/3/2009 12:49:30 PM
Michael Anthony did not get fired from Van Halen. Nor did he quit. The truth of the matter is that Sammy and Michael replaced Eddie and Alex with better performers. Afterward, they decided to change the band name to something better. But make no mistake about it, the TRUE Van Halen goes by the name Chickenfoot!!!!
COMMENT | Laggerluger posted by : BSlash24 6/3/2009 1:11:16 PM
eech. we'll agree to disagree. and I never worshipped DLR. I just like the version, the real version, of VH with him...I mean, how could you not. EVH was throwing down the music & guitar work that made him a legend, it certainly wasn't DREAMS that got him guitar hero status. By 5150 he was regurgitating. So forget DLR or Sammy, EVH on his own was better 78-84. That was the band that put the world on its ear. Not "how do i know when its love"...that's unlistenable, Journey style rock. You're also a Kevin Cronin fan I'll guess...ok, low blow.
Roth 1978-81 was one of rock's alltime performers...I don't want to knock Sammy, he's a good guy. but you got to be serious? Sammy was of the ilk of NightRanger, Billy Squier, Loverboy, Rick Springfield. And you're talking to me about taste?...he seems like a cool guy, has a great attitude, but talking music taste than backing it up with "ive done everything for you", "your love is driving me crazy"...I mean come on. 55 is a great tune...well, its all opinion I guess. I'd rate that with .38 special, rockin' into the night style rock...I don't want the speed liimt reduced, I think you want it increased, and I STILL Don't want to listen to that drivel...I do love his Ronald McDonald outfit in the video though.
I long for the days when EVH was happy and VH was relevant. Though it seems he is happier now, I wonder if he laments wasting the last 11 years.
Mike is the man, and deserves a medal for the crap he went through. I look forward to Chickenfoot!
COMMENT | ............... posted by : VerbalKint 6/3/2009 1:17:46 PM
See ya faty. Go drink some beers and watch football. IS this shit even news?
Eddie Van Halen is Van Halen..CLOSE THREAD!
COMMENT | Right on Mikey! posted by : sgt.hartman 6/3/2009 1:51:59 PM
The best part of Mikey responding to Ed's comments in this instance is that he's doing it from a position of power. It's gotta feel good for Mike to be in a whole new band, creating all new music, and getting a huge response to it when he's calling Ed out for being a liar. It just adds that certain, "fuck you and your lies, Ed... I've moved on to something better."
COMMENT | Mike posted by : RiotAct666 6/3/2009 2:14:10 PM
He had a fallout with EVH & AVH and that lead to him getting the boot from VH.
i like how they communicate through interveiws posted here on blabbermouth. yesterday wasn't it EDDIE VAN HALEN "michael anthony quit" and today its MICHAEL ANTHONY "i never quit". Tomorrow its gonna be EDDIE VAN HALEN "yes you did!"
KISS and METALLICA >>>>>>>>>>>>>slayer and chris c
\m/
COMMENT | Let me chime in on all of the arguments! posted by : thunderbirdbassman 6/3/2009 10:11:40 PM
I like Sammy better than Dave on all counts: vocal ability, personality, etc. But VH was better with Dave. Why? Because in most cases, the original is the best. I liked VH with Sammy. I saw them numerous times. However, nothing beats my bootleg 1982 VH concert DVD from Maryland. But VH is past tense. Regarding Mike: What sepetates Mike from the brothers and Dave is that Mike grew into a man with values, ethics, etc. Dave and the brothers still act like the 20 year old assholes they were when VH started. Like I said, they are past tense. Chickenfoot? The stupidest name I have ever heard for a band. That's why it's perfect. You will always remember it. I love it. I will proudly wear a Chickenfoot T-shirt as soon as I can get my hands on one. I hope Ed and Co. record a new album for the fans that still care. I'm just not one of them. I'm a fan of honest, classy, team players so I'm a fan of Mike. Ed kicked him out of the band and me out of the fanclub as well! And last, can you do a bigger disservice to your teenage son than to drag him into all of this BS? Think about that, Ed.
COMMENT | When Eddie gets smart and stops lying. posted by : joshtorock 6/3/2009 10:12:02 PM
he'll get back Sammy and Michael and start making hit music together again.
Until then.
Long Live The Foot !!!
/|\ \|/ /|\
COMMENT | josh to rock posted by : BSlash24 6/4/2009 1:31:09 AM
no hits from anyone....what 55+ year old band has hits, other than silly Aerosmith. ITS OVER! for all of them. Thunderbird has it right...sort of, "i like sammy better, personality, penis size, vocally, in bed"...what about where it matters...songs, song writing. Steve Perry has a good voice too, and some of the lameest music ever....remember Laggerluger..."I can't drive.....FIFTY FIVE"!!!! woooo, yeah. I just fist f*cked the air that song fires me so up...and everybodies working for the weekend...WEEEE!!! Completely gay/ there, I said it.,,,wow, that was a bitter mean post.
COMMENT | Fuck E. Van Halen posted by : Dime II 6/4/2009 6:00:16 AM
He's just a stupid alcoholic. Will never listen to his band again. Michael Antony is a good person and outstanding musician.
COMMENT | Don't... posted by : Devy 6/4/2009 6:20:27 AM
...bother defending yourself Mikey. There's no point to this gripping 'News' story anyway...
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