⚡The Brutal Truth: Van Halen’s Mistreatment of Michael Anthony, The Ugly Truth🎸

[@Eddie-In-Las-Vegas]

.... and in the end ......Ed passed away (R.I.P.), Alex retired from playing music and Roth is doing nothing currently in the music business. Where's Michael? Currently playing bass and singing backup vocals live on stage every week in some town in front of thousands of people and still kicking ass and being Michael Anthony! Side note: my comment in no way is meant to disrespect or desensitize the passing of Eddie Van Halen or the great talent of Ed, Al and Dave. Period!

[@michaelbrown1627]

I worked with two egotistical asshole bosses. They eventually got removed and I’m still at the same place I love.

[@tommyboy6267]

Totally agree. Sammy and Michael are still ROCKIN HARD. Roth...what a waste of oxygen. Alex...can't pick up a stick. And let's not forget the late "great" Eddie Van "Asshole". What a bitter, envious and mean spirited piece of work he was.

[@georgebrice8329]

​@tommyboy6267+ man please Sammy himself is a waste of oxygen sick of u hagar fans when DLR was when VH made that group was the more superior front man DLR still rules Sammy Hagar is generic rock

[@lonewolf1053]

Heck yeah...I saw them on the recent VH Best Of All Worlds Tour in Dallas... Michael still killing it with those harmonies and laying it down!..

[@davidfasano7210]

❤.....

[@Flare4roach]

The Van Halen brothers were immensely talented but they both were assholes. Good book.

[@jameseverly8501]

no disrespect but yes van halen made good music but eddie and alex were both junkie sad part was that eddie aand alex allways complained about what sammy and roth did on stage and off stage but yet eddie and alex did the same crap go figure

[@AD-ui2pz]

@@Flare4roach they treated their band mates way better than others who were mega successful including giving equal royalties to each of the band for decades - Ozzy and Sharon didn’t even give someone like Jake E Lee a cent for writing mostly all the hits on the albums he played on, that’s being a true a hole!!

[@pierretrax4004]

I wouldnt say Alex was immensely talented. Slightly better than Saturday night bar band standard... he was lucky his brother didnt cut him too.

[@fusionfan6883]

@@AD-ui2pzHmmm don’t know about that, yes Sharon and Ozzy are hateful people, but that is just one example and it doesn’t mean all other bands were like them. I’m glad Michael is still having fun and gigging with Sammy, maybe he will end up having the last laugh🤘🏻

[@dezertfox3681]

@@fusionfan6883 No, this is exactly true. They robbed Jake E Lee blind. Ozzy had no talent whatsoever and contributed pretty much nothing to his own career, constantly riding on the coattails of talented musicians. Ozzy and Sharon are the worst I have heard of, aside from Michael Jackson's father! Eddie and Alex, though, are total scumbags. I don't even think they have that many good songs. Totally overrated.

[@claytoncarey2730]

Van Halen would not be Van Halen without Michael Anthony period.

[@ronnie_5150]

Totally disagree. Anthony didn't write any of the music or lyrics. Would the backing vocals be different? Yes. Would the bass be any different? No. There are some VH records where the bass is barely noticeable.

[@truthhurts79]

Oh stop it poser... Where is Van Halen now WITHOUT Eddie??? No where

[@claytoncarey2730]

@@ronnie_5150 the bass is always there, it’s just a lot of times drowned out by Eddie’s blistering guitar licks, if the bass was not there it would sound like an empty song, the bass keeps the flow and rhythm, Michael Anthony’s backing vocals were part of the Van Halen sound

[@jb-yi4di]

​@@truthhurts79 They were talking about "then". Reading comprehension is key.

[@RyanMaziarz]

@@ronnie_5150 The backing vocals are a critical part of the sound though. You instantly know it's Van Halen when you hear those high harmonies Mike sang. I think it's the most distinctive thing about the VH sound aside from Eddie's guitar parts. No other heavy band had backing vocals like that when they came out, especially coupled with being able to pull it off live.

[@diamondd2778]

Eddie van halen wasn't a nice person. Most alcoholics arent

[@billymac6233]

Pains me to admit it, but you're right. Brilliant guitarist and had a very sweet unassuming side for sure. But due to the substances or not, you have to take accountability for your action. And Eddie did some shitty things. Part of it was his brother Alex's influence. But in the end, Eddie could be heartless.

[@DarioDNA1]

I´m a very kind, nice, humble and cute alcoholic! :P

[@joeypuckett1553]

They were all exceptionally good at what they did but Mikey definitely had the best attitude and his vocal harmonies made him an integral part of the band, as unique as Eddie’s playing, and everything he played was just what the song needed. It’s a shame that he was severely under appreciated by Eddie.

[@rickcastillo3573]

Yeah I’m always bummed to hear these stories. Ed was dealing with alcohol a d drug addiction. Must’ve been way out of control.

[@toddfrank3344]

Drunks also tend to be pathological liars.

[@Blues.Fusion]

Thumbs up for Michael. Thumbs down for the other aholes in vh.

[@raymondgraisson2048]

@@Blues.Fusion Hell yeah! Eddie was a punk! I bet Mike wishes he would've left earlier. Sammy did!

[@deansmith6593]

Michael Anthony always seemed to love what he does. The man has thick skin. In my opinion Van Halen would not be as good without his backing vocals, he deserved an equal cut.

[@southie3177]

Equal cut 🤷‍♂️

[@michaelwalton9685]

What I’ll never understand, never, is when a rock band is formed (except from former bands that’ve made it) they all have nothing. They are a group of equals. If not, the writer, lead singer, whatever should voice an opinion then, not later. Chances are, there’d be no band. With any amount of fame comes ego. The writers always think they deserve more. The lead singer, the front man wants more. Then they are no longer a group and it’s the beginning of the end. Great bands that no matter what stay equals stay bands. It’s greed. Most times there’ll already rich. Then why? Ego and greed. Did Ringo contribute nothing? Charlie Watts? I can go on and on. Does Bono get more $? Does Jagger and Richards? No. That’s why they continue. Perhaps none are friends after years, but they are band mates. Michael Anthony’s back up vocals added to ‘every’ VH song. If drugs and alcohol wasn’t your downfall, then what was? Maybe I’m wrong, but I think every Beatle made the same money, but Lennon and McCartney had the songwriting shares from the start. All agreed and $ didn’t break them up. Make the rules in the garage and live with them.

[@BillDollar777]

He never wrote or even cowrote 1 Van Halen song.

[@JCDwyer]

Yeh, since it’s REALLY the bass and backing vocals that sell records. Hilarious!!!!

[@BillDollar777]

@@SpillCheckerIsOverated lol, oh that settles it. Accidentally, Michael was a tremendous songwriter for a couple minutes.

[@TubeRJF]

Billy Sheehan said in an interview that Eddie twice offered him to be the bassist for Van Halen. Billy turned him down. He said he respected Michael Anthony too much and admitted he could never replace him because of the unique harmony vocals that Michael provides. Billy said Michael was the absolute perfect bass player for Van Halen and felt him taking his spot would be wrong. It would change the sound of one of the most iconic bands ever. Billy said Michael's selfless style to the bass as well as thundering low end was what enabled Van Halen to be who they are. Billy gave Michael high praise. Sammy Hagar loves Mike as well.

[@rogerdodger6025]

Sammy said that Michael is a great bass player. He said when you hear him playing one note on one string, it's because Eddie told him to play it that way. Eddie was just an unhappy person who needed someone to vent his anger out on and it was Michael. It's like that in bands, especially when alcohol, drugs, egos and big money are involved.

[@GuitarAnthony]

@@rogerdodger6025 Mikey is a badass on bass. If you listen to 'So This Is Love' at the start it's awesome then they TURNED HIM THE FUCK DOWN.

[@bluelivesmatter719]

I LOVE Billy Sheehan, one of the best bassists ever. But he wouldn't have been a great fit for Van Halen. MA's backing harmonies were a definitive part of the VH sound

[@bbb462cid]

Sheehan knows wtf he talks about with music

[@RMInt-qp8mq]

@@GuitarAnthony I always wondered how that error made it to the final pressing. It sticks out like a sore thumb. But if you listen close, its sounds like the snare drops as well.

[@BillBias-f6o]

This explains so much. Sammy probably gravitated towards Mike because he couldn’t stand how they treated him.

[@couchwarrior2449]

There's an interview with Sammy where he talks about how shitty the VH brothers were to Michael. He got a little heated about it. Great interview.

[@BillBias-f6o]

@@couchwarrior2449 thanks I’ll have to check it out

[@lylecampbell9036]

A testament to Sammy's character

[@ProjectFairmont]

And knows how much he contributes to their signature vocal and rhythm. Still together in Chickenfoot.

[@jeffreygraves7913]

Alex didn't write lyrics or music he was just ed's brother!

[@gkniffen]

You can't dismiss Alex's contribution to the band. Ed and Al were literally a musical mind meld. Edward never sounded as good as he did playing with Alex. Every lick of fill Ed played, Al was right there with him, note for note. They were incredible together.

[@PatriotDave87]

@@gkniffen Bullshit. Alex's contributions were no more than Michael's. So he and Ed were tight when playing together? That does not equate to songwriting. And songwriting credit is what they're talking about. Michael's contribution both to bass and background vocals is signature Van Halen sound. Alex was drunk most of the time back then anyway.

[@RyanMaziarz]

Really doubt this is true. That's Alex playing harpsichord/keys on Respect the Wind for one direct instance - he wasn't just a drummer, he understood music like his brother did.

[@scottthurman6135]

I agree. Alex certainly didn't provide more to the band than Mike..Just BS..Just brothers...

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Alex was a middling drummer who could not tune his kit for shit. I was a gigging musician for years and I never met a single drummer who listed Alex as an influence. Further, VH was NOT EVH's band, it was Alex band. Alex was the one controlling everything behind the scenes and used EVH as his mouthpiece. Alex used his brother for his own ends. Between Eddie and Alex, Alex was the problem, the instigator, the Iago. Eddie's problem besides his substance abuse issues was that he looked up to his older brother like he was a god and did anything and everything he told him to do. DLR was just a dick who figured, a three-way split is sure better than a four-way split.

[@toddmurphy390]

The way Sammy Hagar respects MA makes me tend to believe Hagar’s perception of everything that was wrong with the band.

[@MrYatesj1]

Anthony's iron will kept him in the shat storm long enough to connect with Sammy who he still plays with today. Anthony's back up harmonies made the early VH sound and F Eddie for being such a douche

[@robert.m4676]

They really did do him dirty. He was consistent, durable, stayed out of any fights, played a killer bass, and sang back up better than most lead singers. It’s like any great band that has big egos. Fame and money goes to their heads. When you do your part well and cause no friction it’s definitely the other guys on this one. It’s kinda surprising on Eddie’s part to not see it’s definitely him. Anthony was solid on every album. He always held his own and made the sound that much better. Reminds me of what a jerk Roger Waters became to his fellow band mates.

[@Mike-jv4rz]

Yep - all I know is MA seemed like a great guy, and he still jams will Sammy so good for him...

[@AD-ui2pz]

@@robert.m4676 Mike made mucho millions from the VH royalties when he was a 1/4 member for royalties for several decades, every album was multi platinum and VH1 sold 20 million alone, at least he got rich many times over whereas Sting owns the royalties for Every Breath You Take even though it was a 3 member band just because he wrote the lyrics - Mike is doing fine $$$$

[@richprokop5155]

​@AD-ui2pz ITS NOT ABOUT THE MONEY...THEY ALL GOT MILLIONS.. ITS ABOUT 2 ASS BROTHERS N HOW THEY TREATED M. A....DUH...

[@BillDollar777]

@richprokop5155 Did they physically beat him up or something? Could he not just get up and physically walk out the door at any time?

[@richprokop5155]

@@BillDollar777 WHY SHOULD M.A. LEAVE?? DUH...

[@kenmcnutt2]

I remember during one of the times I saw Van Halen in concert, Alex messed up the drums to "Love Walks In" and Michael spun around, faced Alex, and got him back on track. Michael was and is a team player.

[@aeugmk2]

Michael was shafted repeatedly by the Van Halen boys. Inflated egos and the love of money are hard to overcome. Mike is very talented and is showing them all up by still rockin' his ass off and playing music with Sammy. You are a legend good Sir and you are the last man standing. God love you brother, your voice is still the best and it was the harmony of Van Halen. No one can change that.

[@DavidMohr-d7z]

Amen to that 🙂

[@Lia2222]

Had I known that back in the day, I wouldn't have bought one more thing from them. The only "cool" story we tell of any of the band members has to do with Michael...now we know why! We stand with Michael🤘

[@WesleyGravolet]

Ya know,this is one of my biggest issues w social media. We don't know what really went on, I'm sure it was bad for lots of people in show business but the less we know the better. This was business for them,it sucks buy all we should worry about is does ot entertain us?

[@Lia2222]

@WesleyGravolet right, kind of ruins part of good memories/times (where have all the good times gone lyrics come to mind)

[@WesleyGravolet]

@@Lia2222 yea..every bit of the mystery of rock n roll has been torn to shreds with the invention of the internet, what a shame!

[@mikehunt3559]

I totally think Mike deserved 1/4 of the royalties. His background vocals made VH. What I don’t understand is why Ed and Alex, both multi millionaires already would do that ? It’s not like they needed the extra revenue. Very much a dick move.

[@xp50player]

Writing credit and publishing royalties are something else entirely different from album sales and concert proceeds. They never should have agreed to an even split in the first place. Bands that do that do in fact write as a group or each contribute songs. Queen, Genesis, Rush.

[@GUITARSTYLINGSSAMUELLETIZIA]

Welcome to the pool of rock musicians

[@GUITARSTYLINGSSAMUELLETIZIA]

@mikehunt3559 Dude....this is the same shit that goes on with local musicians and high school bands. Its fucking juvenile and stupid. That's why I play to backing tracks and made this a very "sacred" hobby uploading videos on KZbin.

[@BBaldwin]

The source of this is the most flawed characteristics of humans: PRIDE. We are fallen beings.

[@rg-yp3bj]

@@xp50player Agree. And Michael didn't lose his credits until after the Best Of album. He was credited all throughout the Hagar years. I think he made more than his fair share for playing bass and singing background vocals. As much as I like Mike, his bass solos were always crap. Never heard anything he played that was particularly interesting.

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

Michael is thriving today. Playing in a kick ass band and I’ve never heard him say a bad word about anyone.

[@TruthSurge]

Ironic that Ed (and probably Alex too) was considering Billy Sheehan to replace Michael and when David got done with the VH brothers, he hired Sheehan for HIS solo album and Vai, one of the best rock guitarists at the time. David put together his super rock group and flipped both birds, one for each brother. That was a great solo album.

[@DPhasely]

That was a great album. I thought that was Vai's best guitar work.

[@TruthSurge]

@@DPhasely I think it was a perfect compromise of sounding amazing but not just taking over the songs. I think the stuff he did on Passion and Warfare is more like what Vai normally would play. Instrumental with tons of guitar wildness. But he sounded amazing on Roth's album. Tapping with Sheehan on Shyboy. Yeah, there were other people doing amazing things. Jason Becker, for one. For all their flaws, the VH brothers were great, though. Alex is underrated mostly (I think) because he didn't do clinics and tons of public elbow rubbing etc. Ed is not overrated. He was a real pioneer and super creative. Dave was a narcissist but I won't say more about that. Michael seemed like a nice guy. I just liked the music. I didn't care about their private lives.

[@DPhasely]

@TruthSurge Becker was incredible. If not for his medical condition, he would have been a major powerhouse as far as rock guitarists go. I really didn't care for the Passion album. It seemed overworked and too much fluff. The only other album I really liked was the Whitesnake album Vai played on. Side note: I saw that Whitesnake tour with Vai at that time, and Neil Schon's band was the opening act for them, and Neil's guitar solo blew Vai away. I was shocked!

[@TruthSurge]

@@DPhasely Yeah, Neil can really shred when he wants to. Alien Love Secrets is pretty good. I don't know about fluff but when Passion and Warfare came out, it was very well received, I think. Answers has some badass playing. For The Love Of God is pretty nice. Blue Powder. Those are ones I like from P&W. He's kind of quirky and not much "soul" but he's always been considered as one of the best rock/progressive players. Neil Schon has a great feel, vibrato and can just kick it into hyperspace when he wants to. The solo to Dixie Highway is just kickass.

[@MrDazzleLove]

@@TruthSurge I think his "quirks" are what puts soul into his playing. The wild sounds he is able to get out of a guitar and make it look easy at the same time. It was a great time in music when artists strived to be great at their craft. I was lucky enough to see DLR on his first solo tour and Whitesnake with Vai and Vandenburg. Neil Schon is a beast too and someone that might get overlooked in the super guitar player age of the 80's. There were so many great bands touring back then and a thriving local music scene. Yeah I'm that old lol and I still miss it!

[@stigflambard9799]

He had the best voice in Van Halen !!!!

[@jaywagner7894]

lol. Immediate candidate for most absurd statement internet history

[@claytoncarey2730]

David Lee Roth had the best voice in Van Halen, if not, Michael Anthony would’ve been the lead vocalist.

[@MarkMay-cr6bv]

@@claytoncarey2730 David Lee Roth didn't HAVE a voice. Go read some of the books from people that produced him, where they talk about patching and piecing together bits of vocal takes here and there to come up with each song. Anyone that knows Van Halen at all knows how awful he was live. He was la ead vocalist because he was a good and clever lyric writer, and one of the all-time great front men, not because he could sing. Take away Michael Anthony's vocals and you lose not only a key part of the original Van Halen sound, but you will also find out in a hurry how much his higher and pitch-perfect range covered up Dave's faults.

[@claytoncarey2730]

@@MarkMay-cr6bv I know a hell of a lot more about Van Halen than most anybody on the planet, let alone somebody like you, I’ve seen Van Halen live and I’ve seen David Lee Roth live, he was awesome, not only til he got older was his voice not up to par, and if he can’t sing, Van Halen songs with him on vocals are the classics and what radio stations play, cause that’s what people want to hear, cause yes they are very good lyrics, but they are lyrics that sound good when they are sung, Bob Dylan was an excellent lyricists, but sang horribly, you can’t say that about David Lee Roth

[@HyperHorse]

@@claytoncarey2730 DLR couldn't hold a candle next to Sammy Hagar who has more vocal range and is a way better singer live.

[@marklee_702]

A great band is always bigger than the sum of its parts. Van Halen would not have been the same without Mikey. 🎉

[@frodobaggins7252]

And they weren't. Listen to their last album. It had Wolfgang playing bass and DLR back on vocals. Decent, but not great.

[@Jeffsafe]

I’m not one that believes in karma but if there is such a thing Van Halen is the embodiment of Mike lives with the love of his life in NPB, plays with his hot rods, sells his hot sauce and still jams when he’s in the mood. Alex is a recluse, Dave is dying for attention that few will pay and Eddie left the world way too soon

[@iknowright6090]

The love of his life? He's on film admitting to enjoying the life on the road - the partying, the girls...then says he shouldn't say that cos his wife will see..

[@Jeffsafe]

@@iknowright6090 yeah I’ve seen that interview, that snippet was taken during a sound check and seems to me he was putting on airs to appear as rockstar as possible. Yes love of his life Sue and Mike have been a couple for well over 50 years.

[@dosgos]

Terrible people. Michael Anthony was the better man.

[@toddfrank3344]

Based on everything I've heard and read about this band's decades-long drama, I believe Mike Anthony is by far the most decent guy in the original four.

[@Son-ke9fp]

Did the band cut Alex's salary as well commensurate to his total contribution (0) to the songwriting?

[@daviderickson8699]

Not defending it, but I would anticipate that as tight as the brothers were, Eddie would say he writes with Alex as they jammed together every day. I don't think the rest of the world would buy it, but those two had each other's backs even when they were fighting with each other. For voting purposes, I think you counted them as an unbreakable bloc.

[@bluelivesmatter719]

@@daviderickson8699 Totally agree with you but that's still shitty.

[@bbb462cid]

No. Alex's last name is Van Halen.

[@bobmartino8073]

Alex wrote the percussion parts for every song. Ed wrote the guitar and bass parts for every song. Mike wrote nothing. I remember reading an interview with Ed and he said He and Alex had a private bet with each other. The bet was how much time would pass before Mike showed up to practice with an idea for a new song. A riff or a melody or anything. After 3 years they gave up. Not once did Mike say "Hey I was playing my bass the other day and came up with this, wudaya think?". Never. He waited until the actual musicians in the band wrote a new song and he waited for Ed to tell him or show him what to play and he played it the best he could. I don't think that deserves 25% of the money.

[@bbb462cid]

@@bobmartino8073 You're confusing "actual musician" with "songewriter" here. Questions: Did Mike know the VH brothers better than you? Would the VH brothers change any part of any song (or go along with that change) to suit their own tastes, without asking? Answer honestly.

[@carlwalker1623]

The funny thing is, without Michael Anthony, there’s something very noticeably missing, bass style and background vocals, he was an irreplaceable part of their sound and they knew they didn’t come up with his parts and didn’t want to give him credit for his work. I blame the industry that tells the person who wrote the song that anyone could play the other parts, there for anyone playing the parts don’t deserve credit for laying down their style. If someone said they witnessed Eddie showing Mike exactly what to play then I would have to agree Mike was just playing what he was shown exactly how to play it.

[@billymac6233]

We all know that even if Michael brought them dozens of lyrics and music, no matter how good they were, they would never have met Eddie's impossible standards and would have been rejected outright. So the fact that Michael "didn't contribute lyrics or music" rings hollow. Especially since Alex VH didn't either! The double standard makes this even more of a slap in the face to one of rock's greatest people - Michael Anthony!!

[@automatoncollectives7237]

Really? Where are these so called songs?

[@billymac6233]

@@automatoncollectives7237 You need to re-read my post.

[@valdivia1234567]

@@automatoncollectives7237 Your reading comprehension skills aren't good.

[@guitarrocks7776]

Van Halen needed those 4 guys. Eddie did write the music and he’s a genius in what he made but with Alex’s groove on drums, Michael Anthony’s iconic backing vocals and the bass backing Eddie, and David Lee Roth the frontman everyone wanted to be, Van Halen would not be the same.

[@sneadmc]

DLR wrote all the lyrics

[@1000poundsguitar]

Michael Anthony is the best backup vocalist everrrrrrr!!! Period!

[@richardjcranium]

It wasn’t that Michael didn’t write, maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. But he wasn’t allowed to. One thing a lot of people don’t realize about bands is most bands are made up of one or two people. They are the “creative forces“ and the rest of the people are just along for the ride. One of my musician friends was in a band that had a legitimate Billboard number one hit song. He did not help write it, and he did not play on it so he did not make a nickel. Plus, he was fired from the band immediately after the album was recorded and they did a couple of videos. It didn’t matter though he was “just the bass player“ 😢

[@davidnelson5474]

His Love of playing music overshadowed the VH Band turmoil.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Ironic that the drummer would blame someone for not writing songs!

[@8981USMC]

He did his job as a bass player. He also contributed some amazing vocals. Anthony is a stand up guy for handling things the way he did.

[@TubeRJF]

The happy truth is the fans LOVE Michael Anthony. I enjoy reading all the comments of fans coming to his defense. One of the nicest guys in Rock should never have to put up with the crap he did.

[@holysmoke8439]

Eddie couldn't sing ...so in all the choruses it was 99% Mike..(.u could tell live) then by the third album.. Dave would join Michael in the chorus vocals

[@deltawhiskey1398]

Yeah that's totally wrong....

[@holysmoke8439]

@@deltawhiskey1398 uh yea it's 👍

[@seemedoit]

There is a reason that Sammy and Michael are still great friends and musical partners: Those guys are fucking awesome and both love music more than fame and money.😊

[@stepheneldridge3637]

Michael Anthony is a class act. The few times he's opened up about the brothers have really been eye opening. I remember one interview he said Ed stayed so high at one point that it limited his playing because he just had to pump 8th notes because Eddie was too high to play. Funny enough I grew up playing bass and that was a major criticism I had of his playing. Turns out, it wasn't his fault.

[@TonyAyala14]

I'm glad Michael found a great friendship with Sammy Hagar, with the Van Halen music machine gone and nonexistent, it's good that 2 former band mates joined forces and are still very much active in their own band.

[@smashmachine1144]

Eddie’s ego would have clashed with Sheehan quickly. Can’t have two flashy players like that. Eddie needed it to be HIS band.

[@GuitarAnthony]

Alex also didn't want to be outshined by a bass player. Mikey played for the song not for the ego.

[@bbb462cid]

@@GuitarAnthony And he still does!

[@toddfrank3344]

Not only that, but Sheehan's style wouldn't have worked in VH..not with Eddie's and Alex's frenetic playing styles..the whole thing would have fallen apart. Michael kept it simple and held down the bottom end because he had to..similar to Greg Lake's role as bass player in Emerson, Lake and Palmer. A bass player like, say, Chris Squire would never have worked in that group.

[@TheCountofToulouse]

When Sammy came in, he fixed a lot of the issues that Roth had stoked. Sammy argued that Michael's contribution in vocal harmonies were pure gold and made sure to raise his cut during the tours. After the big split, no one was left out in the cold more than Michael, no more allies and the brothers tore into him again, slashing his pay. It was only a matter of time before Sammy just took Michael out of that mess and made him his permanent bass player.

[@bobbymauro3721]

For someone who always had a target on his back I salute Michael Anthony! Clearly when Mike decided to move on and stick with Sammy so that Ed could eventually have Wolfie join it set off an ironic firestorm of shade to be thrown at him from the brothers! Made no sense imo. They wanted him out, so when he finally decided to leave he became the enemy?!? Cmon! Continuously stripping him of royalty compensation let alone relegating him to a hired hand wasn’t enough?!? What more could they possibly want or expect from the guy?!? That’s why Sammy will always be the best thing that happened to that band! He literally saved them from extinction!

[@mkgearhead5151]

And through all of it, Miike never said a bad word about them.

[@raymondgraisson2048]

Eddie was a punk. I read Sammy Hagar's book. Sammy's a lot more forgiving than I am. Michael 's living the life he deserves playing with Sammy. Eddie was a Sellout and a drunk!

[@talcoge67]

I like the good ole days when you didn’t know much about your idols.

[@miketuttle9319]

Ain’t that the truth

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

If you can't separate an artist's work from his or her personality, business ethics or just the way they live , you'll probably have a very small playlist. I worked at a venue which gave me the opportunity to interact with lots of musicians and comedians. I generally avoided doing so if I could help it. Some of the performers were assholes but I still enjoyed the shows just the same. The only ones I ended up being forced to interact with, who I'd call personable and down to earth were Tom Jones, Willie Nelson, George Thorogood , Rodney Carrington, Peter Noone, Mickey Dolenz and Dennis Locorriere . They were all very nice people. I won't mention the ones who were not but some of them were very talented and I enjoyed the show just the same as I would have if they'd been cool to be around personally

[@marshawatson2634]

Michael was the loyal soldier of the band.

[@richardjcranium]

Welcome to the life of a bass player.

[@robycip9715]

Micheal the last man standing Mr Harmony .....enough said!

[@Sinistar8u]

To this day I still feel that he is one of the greatest bass players and backup singers in Rock!

[@bhk5150]

I’m a diehard, Van Halen fan and love each and every one of their incarnations. I also love each one of the individuals, talents and contributions. And when it comes to contributions there, no doubt that Michael Anthony contributed wholeheartedly to Van Halen and their sound. I know Eddie loves his son Wolfgang and rifle so and wanted him in the band. But to do what he did to Michael was wrong. It makes you ask the question what’s the value of friendship?

[@Wargasm54]

The Van Halen brothers are undeniably epic. But they’re also undeniably epic pricks. The way they treated Michael was sad and pathetic. He’s a huge part of their sound. Especially his vocal harmonies. Ok, maybe he didn’t contribute to writing. But he did contribute greatly to the sound. Maybe a cut in royalties would’ve been acceptable. But to cut him out altogether was just pure malice and greed. Ridiculous. EVH will always be King Edward. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have an ugly side. A real shame.

[@colderbeer]

He had the nerve to stay friends with Sammy Hagar after Sammy was fired from the group....Michael Anthony seems like a really cool guy.

[@ffdave117]

And now, after all these years, he's still kickin ass

[@Clarence2Worley]

Very important part of that band IMHO. I hate that they treated him so badly because he strikes me as the most genuine member

[@JoeR203]

Considering his ego, do you think Eddie would have even used anyone else's ideas/suggestions? Right after Eddie died, Sammy and Mike posted a video. Mike said next to nothing and didn't look one bit sad about the loss. Who can blame him? I read an article that said when Mike's infant grandson died, Eddie never offered any condolences. Eddie, as a musician? Phenomenal. Eddie, as a human? Not the best.

[@68fmj51]

I saw an interview with Michael sometime after Eddie died, and he said that they hadn't made amends before EVH died. That is really sad to me.

[@mark_beastpriest5539]

Michael's crime was he didn't "look" like a rock star,

[@drgnslyr1962]

Neither did Alex.

[@cornstar1253]

No it was because he didn't contribute to the writing. He just got lucky by knowing Alex and eddy. Could have been anyone really. His back ups were great though.

[@daveobrien5189]

Some bands share credit equally like The doors or As VH did at beginning. Most don't. But if Mike got cut out Alex should have too. The brothers stuck together . Hard to fault them. Roth was and is a 4 star asshole.

[@dlynn6180]

@@daveobrien5189 Michael Anthony looked as much like a rock star as Duane Allman, Don Felder, John Fogerty or Randy Bachman. All incredibly talented people.

[@juicyfruit6311]

​@@cornstar1253Nope. Noel said Alex's most valuable asset to the band was being Ed's brother. Mike was an average bassist but his backup vocals were his biggest contribution. Al was described as a mean drunk. People were pointing fingers at DLR for preventing a VH tribute show from happening. But, the power lies with Al.

[@dlynn6180]

Saw Van Halen during their final tour; before Eddie died and Wolfie had replaced Michael. The harmonies were shit without Michael. I've heard neighborhood bands that sound better. What a stunner to witness how MA vocally made that band as great as it once had been. We left during the 3rd song. Michael deserved better.

[@CommercialForest]

I’ve seen this dynamic in sports teams, businesses & organisations in general. Rather than calling out major problems/big egos, one person (who’s unlikely to retaliate) becomes the surrogate for everyone’s frustrations. It’s never a good look.

[@billbbobby2889]

There was No Van Halen without Michael Anthony's background vocals. Everyone knew when they went Live.

[@Marc-o6h]

I cant imagine VH without Micheal.

[@PulverizerA]

The fact that Ed went to his grave without ever speaking to Mike speaks volumes about his deep hatred of the man and nobody can really say why the hatred ran so deep, or really, any reason for him to be hated at all.

[@MarkASmith-v8m]

Mike's background vocals alone were part of the iconic Van Halen amalgam. Wonder what Ed would've done after a couple of successful albums, trading off/firing Mike, and not "sounding right" live? Hire an additional background vocalist to "sound right?" Then what? Complain about needing a background vocalist to pay to make them "sound right?" And what would Ed have done if he hired Billy Sheehan? Given that Ed was the musical focal piece of the band, what would he have done with a "competitor" aside from writing musical pieces that would've (at times) steered him away from "money and popularity making" hits? Sure, impressing your fellow musicians is nice, but in reality, there's not THAT many of us. At least not enough to support the musician community like the MUSIC LISTENING community does. Get a grip: Money/popularity is easy to talk about when ya got it; but when ya don't??? I think Ed took for granted what he had with Mike--even to the point Mike gave up money for him (them). Thank you Sammy for "getting it."

[@Ontonaut]

I understand the POV of songwriters having to share songwriting royalties with a non-songwriter. I wouldn’t want to either. Still Anthony should have been treated with more respect. His simple bass lines held the rhythm tight while drunk Eddie would play the songs differently every night and his backing vocals helped create their signature VH sound

[@macadoo2530]

If you have ever heard the early VH demos you cannot miss his contribution to their sound. Without M.A they would not have had that distinctive vocal blend. Deserved his 25% every album he played on.

[@kevinwilliams877]

Michael Anthony is a great guy!! He was happy to be doing what he loved to do!! Never once did he ever complain or talk bad about the other band members. Michael enjoy’s his life. He has had some tragic experiences, one of his grandchildren lost their life. Dave even pitched in to help!! To me he will always be a founding member of Van Halen!! What a great time to grow up watching these guys perform live!!

[@firemanmick]

Eddie blamed everyone else for his problems, 3 different lead singers and he still couldn't face the fact that he was the common denominator. Eddie's contributions to rock music and the guitar are undisputable but he was cruel and incredibly unfair in his treatment of Mike. After reading Noel Monke's book, it also seems that Alex was just as bad - Eddie went along with everything that Alex wanted. Two raging alcoholics with massive ego's and insecurities - amazing talents and disgusting behavior.

[@frodobaggins7252]

The rest of the bands treatment of Michael was unjustifiable. Michael is a truly good dude. He had a condo on lake Havasu. As it happens my friends dad owned the condo right next to it. One day my friend was out on his balcony smoking a cigarette, 14 years old at the time, he looked to the next balcony and there was Michael also smoking a cigarette. My friend recognized Michael and said hello. They carried on a conversation till my friends dad got back and my friend introduced his dad to Michael. They became good friends and hung out whenever they were all in Havasu. From everything my friend told me Michael is just a normal, straight up dude. Not the rockstar type at all. Just funny and friendly and super easy to hang out with. There is a video I believe from the 5150 album and Michael is skiing in the video. The boat pulling him is my friends dads boat who also is driving the boat in the video. When VH came to Phoenix on the 5150 tour Michael gave my friend, his dad and his dads girlfriend tickets and backstage passes. He gave me and my girlfriend tickets in the seating section 8th row center. I had to pick up the tickets at the will call booth at Compton Terrace. My initials are also MA. In each of the top 2 corners of the plain white envelope were the initials MA with my name printed in the middle. I'd like to think that Michael realized that our initials were the same and wrote them in each corner of the envelope, but I have no way to verify that...

[@joerichards9691]

And what, exactly, did Alex contribute? A hell of a lot less than Mike. Its unfortunate that the truth is so ugly.

[@trevormarcray]

Michael Anthony had the longest and most successful musical run of all Van Halen members bar Sammy. So in the end he won and everyone knows that the Van Halen sound includes his amazing vocal contributions. Their 2012 album proved his voice and harmonies were sorely lacking. Also, what song writing did Alex do???

[@David-vu7zy]

Enough. Michael is still rocking and audiences are enjoying him.

[@Trobtwillis]

A real shame how they underappreciated Mike. I've never met any of these people, but Mike is a good musician. In interviews, Mike seems like a very nice guy -- like a good next door neighbor.

[@TxGnomeAF]

Michael is and will always be THE reason I loved VH. Just a nice guy and well liked. The egos of the other band members wouldn't let them accept what he brought to the group.

[@WillWilsonII]

Steve Lynch of Autograph told me Michael is the nicest guy. He didn't say the same about the VH brothers. Alex was worse.

[@ronaldtravis970]

Mike is the MAN 🤘🔥Class Act 👍

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I can't imagine Van Halen without Mike. His vocals were key to their success.

[@brianraftery7675]

MA is a man of high character and a very decent fellow. Damn good bass player, as well. Good guy.

[@user-nj7bs7xv5m]

what the fuck did Alex write

[@cobaltbovine]

Not shit

[@marshawatson2634]

??????????? GOOD Question?

[@kirkbullard4302]

Sammy doesn't like bullies. This led to a long term friendship between Sammy and Michael.

[@GuitarAnthony]

Mikey got cut out of stuff for 1984 but Ed took Mikey's bass solo and played it on synth for the 1984 intro and didn't give Mikey credit. They also tried to screw over Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers who helped Dave with the lyrics on I'll Wait but Michael called producer Ted Templeman who was greeted with shrugs when asked they they did that.

[@Grodd70]

Michael Anthony is a good bassist and the secret weapon of Van Halen. Sure Eddie was an awesome guitar player, David Lee Roth known as a great front man ..but early VH would not sound like VH without Michael in the background singing high harmony.

[@Swanlord05]

He also played keyboards live earlier on in the band

[@GTX1123]

Alex was behind cutting Michael out of royalties. I think Dave jumped right in and then they got Eddie to go along with it. While Dave could be a real dirtbag, Alex was even worse. Both him and Eddie were MEAN drunks, especially Alex. When those two got hammered Alex would taunt Eddie until it exploded into a brawl. 5 min later they'd be crying hugging each other. But Michael NEVER caused trouble. The only fault he had was that he should have pushed back on them at times. He's one solid dude.

[@klipkultur3680]

Michael Anthony's back-vocals are such an important part of Van Halen sound. Boo!!! to the other assholes...

[@jrsolis09]

No!! Michael Anthony is an amazing musician. And yes, he's still rocking the world.. Much love and respect goes out to him. For tolerating the band makes just to bring happiness to many.

[@frv1995]

Probably the only happy guy in that band back in those years.

[@Chris54321]

Van Halen would have been crap if they had a virtuoso on bass, and I say that as a person who loves bass. Michael Anthony played his role perfectly. Not only did he unselfishly lay a foundation for Eddie to do his thing, his backup vocals really made their sound. Van Halen would have sounded like Eat em and Smile which didn't stand the test of time.

[@Beavis9947]

Mike Anthony is one of rocks, most underrated bass players of all time not to dimension his back up vocals were astounding!🤘🏻

[@meirowsky]

I'm so glad that Sammy Hagar quickly brought Michael Anthony into his group. He values Mikey's contribution and even lets him sing lead vocals during his Best of All Worlds tour. Money and song credit is what tears so many bands apart. Van Halen is another example of this.

[@saigawesnovember]

Michael Anthony was always my favorite in Van Halen. Been a fan since 1979.

[@0U812FU]

The fact is what ruined Van Halen was Ray Daniels... The Brothers Van Halen and David Lee Roth... Alcohol, ego and horrible management.... When Sammy Was out of the group in 96. Look at the output from that time record wise.. tour wise... Aside from the self-afflicted health issues eddie had.... They did tarnish their legacy to a point...

[@jimroadhouse4872]

I think ED had more enemies than friends maybe that is why there was no tribute concert

[@bbb462cid]

There kinda was. And I saw it in July. Great show.

[@jimroadhouse4872]

@@bbb462cid was that the Taylor Hawkins tribute?

[@marshawatson2634]

I wondered that too! 🤔

[@scotttower5115]

As a guitar player I can appreciate a well-rounded bass player that holds the bottom end when you only have one guitar, especially when it's your time to solo and there is no rhythm guitar. I've loved Michael Anthony ever since Van Halen 1. Classic running with the devil opening riff come on now, classic. 💪💪💪

[@ravenkahne8484]

The Van Halen brothers didn't alcohol to be assholes, they already were, the alcohol was there to justify it. They always acted like they were better than everybody else.

[@NATIVESUNSETS65]

one of the most despicable and underhanded things van halen did was remove michael anthony from the album covers , that's childish resentment Anthony deserved better .

[@Chiefonenut]

Michaels contribution to the band was far greater than Alex's. But they didn't cut Alex out of the royalties

[@sharonpetty6673]

Alex never wrote music or lyrics either! His biggest contribution was being Eddie's older brother.

[@dgcarlson1]

Michael most certainly deserves his place in Van Halen. He is a consummate professional.

[@tedwojtasik8781]

The justice here is EVH is dead and moldering in his toxic grave, DLR is completely irrelevant and looked upon as a joke, and no one will ever remember AVH. Meanwhile, Mike is enjoying a successful career with actual respectful and supportive musicians like Sammy and Jason Bonham.

[@frankfrascati7820]

Eddie was a great guitarest but became a real scumbag

[@longgrayline8055]

His down to earth and energetic personality really made Van Halen a better group. Without his vocals they wouldn’t have made it through the touring during the DLR days. Dave’s voice couldn’t last.

[@bradgreen987]

Is it coincidence that there has been no tribute shows by any artists for Eddie Van Halen?! He was not liked by most other bands of the time. Foo fighters Taylor Hawkins was an addict and they did spectacular shows for him!! It took Sammy Hagar and his own money to a tribute tour. Alcohol and coke creates nasty people😢 nobody likes

[@gimmetaco2037]

EVERY Van Halen album from the get-go, has the distinct mark of Michael. His backing vocals make those albums (and Dave) distinct. It’s telling how the other guys let greed get in the way of their success. Each one of those members made Van Halen the unique band that it was, Van Hagar era, included.

[@psc1117]

“ take a guitar out of Eddie Van Halen’s hands, and he’s a pretty terrible person”-David Lee Roth

[@patricklennox9572]

Anthony was a loyal and solid bass player and a great background singer. They did him wrong.