Van Halen silence makes Michael sad

Michael Anthony is saddened that he hasn't spoken to Eddie and Alex Van Halen in over 10 years.

And the Chickenfoot man says he thinks drummer Alex would like to continue their friendship – but fears it would rub brother Eddie up the wrong way.

Anthony tells the Eddie Trunk Podcast: “The last time I actually spoke to either of them was the last show of our 2004 tour – and it’s really sad, too. I know a lot of people that work with them, like the crew guys, so I always hear stuff from them.

“I know Al would like to still have some kind of relationship, but I think maybe because of the way Eddie felt, Al didn’t want to ruffle his feathers by calling me.”

Anthony believes the falling-out started when former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar invited him to guest with him and David Lee Roth in 2002. The bassist says: “I don’t think that sat too well with some people. Sammy asked me – not to do the whole tour, just a few shows. I thought, ‘God, that’ll be great. I’ll go out there are wave the VH flag high. I’ll also let people know that I’m still around.’

“Eddie didn’t see it that way and didn’t want me to be a part of that circus. He actually kind of backed me up against the wall and he gave me an ultimatum. I said, ‘I’m going to go out and play’ – and that was the end of that conversation.”

Van Halen returned with Roth and 12th album A Different Kind Of Truth in 2012. Anthony says he recognised some of the music. He explains: “A lot of the stuff I remember us recording as demos years ago. They’re just kind of bent a little, and Dave came up with some different lyrics. But a lot of what I’ve heard is really reminiscent of the songs we wrote years ago. I’ve still got some of those tapes.”

Anthony will hit the road with Sammy Hagar in October for five Mexican shows. Chickenfoot guitarist Joe Satriani recently revealed their third album had reached demo stage – but that working towards setting a release date was proving to be “chaotic.”

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.