WOLFGANG VAN HALEN EXPLAINS HOW HE ENDED UP REPLACING MICHAEL ANTHONY IN VAN HALEN

[@daviddougherty8411]

I’ve been a VanHalen fan since I was young. When I look at the personnel problems within Van Halen from DLR to present day I see one constant. Everyone but Eddie and Alex were the bad guys. Like Roth or not neither him nor Michael Anthony were major substance abusers. Eddie was. Obviously Eddie was the problem. He dirted Michael Anthony big time.

[@Plowguitarist]

A lil FYI , if not for Eddies addictions, he wouldn’t have been a great musician. Guitar was also 1 of those addictions and this is how one gets good at it. I love how everybody cuts Ed down. He fucking changed the world musically, changed how guitars were built, is in the Smithsonian Institute of American History in Wash DC for 3 different accomplishments as a musician. Oh but he might have not been nice to bandmates because he was high… booo hooo Einstein wasn’t nice either.. Ridiculous

[@scuba705]

I’ve read a lot books regarding the numerous VH band issues. It really seems that Eddie was very difficult and was heavily into different substances. DLR was no picnic either and his original band mates didn’t get along with his ego. So the original VH line up collaboratively got rid of DLR. Then Sammy came on board. Everything was good until Eddie got back into hardcore substance abuse and booted Sammy. Eddie’s spiral downfall continued and Michael was booted as well. The problem was Eddie’s addiction. Sammy and Michael, I believe are gray dudes. DLR is an ego maniac. That being said, VH is my favorite group all time. Both versions.

[@Me-qp8vz]

@@scuba705 You forgot to mention that eveybody who worked with Dave after VH has stated that Dave was awesome to work with and not a single bad story about him in all those years after VH. But with Eddie there is endless amount of stories about Eddie acting like a little child and making up lies. That bullshit Eddie made up having to record basslines with a vcr and teaching mike how to play them comes to mind. If Mikey was that bad then why didn't Eddie just play bass and use hired bas player? Because Eddie lied.

[@jesuslovesu5605]

Good point

[@jesuslovesu5605]

@@Plowguitarist nope , einstein wasnt nice to his wife being unfaithful

[@charlesrockit6352]

Anthony should have been included period

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Yes and he should have been paid as an equal.

[@Plowguitarist]

REALLY??? Who wrote the material?? 🤔 Eddie…what’s the band called? VAN HALEN!! Your one of those people that think all rich people should split their wealth with all the dead beats that aren’t smart enough to acquire wealth so everyone’s equal aren’t you? You think every kid on the team deserves a trophy when they don’t earn it. Anthony isn’t even an original member idiot. He done his job, no more no less .

[@jeffarnold3229]

How much he gets paid is open to debate (I don’t know what his actual contributions were) but as a fan I definitely wanted him to be on what turned out to be the last tour

[@toms4442]

@@Plowguitarist Mike is on the first VH album and all other VH albums except for the last one. There was a guy before Mike but that was when they were Mammoth.

[@thomaspartin191]

Wolfgang is wise beyond his years. He's completely grounded and realistic in a world surrounded by hateful people. I wish nothing but success for wolf.

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Yes you are correct sir

[@picassoboy52]

Hateful people? How do you figure that

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

Finally !!!!! Someone else besides me who agree. Thank you !!! 👍💯😁💎💎💎💎💎

[@corneliuscrewe677]

I lost all respect for the Van Halen brothers when they fired Mikey and tried to justify it by smearing his name. That said, Wolfgang has never deserved the vitriol and hatred directed his way. He seems like a good kid, and his father and uncle’s bad behavior is no reflection on him, and I can completely understand his desire to try to help his dad. Breaks your heart to hear him say he just wanted to keep his dad alive.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

Michael Anthony is awesome - what a great guy. He was the secret sauce that made Van Halen great, both with Dave and Sammy. It was the brothers band, the buck stops with them - the good & the bad. How much great music did we all miss out on because of the issues within the band from Sammy leaving to Eddie's ill health. RIP EVH.

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

Same !!! BTW..I LOVE YOU KZbin HANDLE. COULDN'T AGREE MORE !!!!! 👍💯

[@unclebadger597]

Agreed. Michael made them great. His fresh bass grooves and high ass backing vocals made their sound. I love EVH, but to me, lead guitar is always just noise. Bass is the heart.

[@stepladder3257]

It was a blessing in disguise for Mike, he left when Eddie was at his lowest, I can't imagine the shit Mike would go through if he stayed

[@MrOccyc]

I’m with you. After a while, how much of EVH’s issues are enough? EVH being a kook is what pushed DLR to do a solo career in ‘85. And Roth had an ego the size of the Pacific.

[@davidmerlin3344]

@@MrOccyc I don’t think EVH was a look at all. DLR had and still has an ego. Roth is clearly a kook, just listen to him in interviews.

[@Me-qp8vz]

@@davidmerlin3344 and you can't see how childish Eddie was in his interviews?

[@kevinwalker2072]

There’s plenty of “kook” to go around with both of them.

[@pfv1247]

Wolfie was carrying a heavy load. Wolfie was fighting to keep his dad alive. Father and son knew how fragile the father's life was. I hope Wolfie is getting therapy: We all need some.

[@crusheverything4449]

This kid is so grounded and cool. He deserves every success he’s gotten and everything to come. He’s really a class act and a crazy talented dude.

[@brianpinion5844]

I wish the kid the best i do , but think mike was done so wrong , but dont get me wrong i wouldn't of passed up the chance but would of felt guilty

[@crusheverything4449]

@@brianpinion5844 - Mike was definitely done wrong, but I don’t feel Wolf deserves any blame.

[@jimmyfreeman5235]

Wolf has. a real discernment of perspectives. Young man has his head in the game; good on you Wolfgang.

[@tomlewis5542]

Yeah whatever

[@rebels42wynn83]

I truly respect Wolfgang for wanting to not only play alongside his still greatly missed awesome father but to be with him as well. I still love their chemistry on and off stage together. #stillmissinuevh.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

If he didn’t really want to he should’ve said no, that would be screwing Michael Anthony right in the - you know where-but he didn’t do that did he??

[@djtommykeys]

Much respect for Wolfgang. He brings it. It's not easy stepping into a role that was previously held by a rock icon. I think we're going to see many great things ahead for this multi-instrumentalist from a royal rock family.

[@jaywright9820]

Wolf is a genuine talent in his own right, as evidenced by his new album and time in VH. I don't blame him at all for Mike's treatment. That falls to Eddie and Alex alone. According to Noel Monk's book, it seems they had been pretty cruel to him for decades.

[@Me-qp8vz]

His new album sucks. Nothing but rippoffs from Eddie. He hasn't got an original bone is his body.

[@crusheverything4449]

@@Me-qp8vz - You try being the son of a musician as talented and famous as Eddie Van Halen and see if you can escape his influence. Having said that, it’s merely influence and is plenty different enough from his father’s music to stand on its own.

[@Plymouthmusicschool]

I never really understood the replacement of Wolfgang for Michael Anthony until I considered the fact that Eddie was recovering from cancer probably knew he wasn’t gonna live long Eddie just wanted to spend quality time with his son on tour. Especially since he always regret the fact that his father was gone when he was younger on tour as a musician

[@lonnieswafford4833]

Never any hate towards you Wolf. Had it been my band and my son was as talented as you are there is no question he would be on stage with me. No question. The not knowing how it all came about was kinda bitter, Mike was the that solid hard working kinda quiet guy that was gonna rock you no matter what. Not that this old man's opinion matters, but nobody has the right to judge you or hate on you for making your fathers last years as special as possible. I've been rocking to Van Halen for 42 years , seen them in concert 1/2 dozen times or so, and your Daddy was undoubtedly the biggest influence musically in my life. Second to none in so many ways and always blowing your mind with his innovations. There were alot of great guitarists from the late '70's and '80's but EVH was a rock god. He changed music in a positive way for the whole world. I know your proud of his legacy, and I bet he was just as proud of the man his son became. Change the world Wolf. Its in your blood.

[@Tarot.Destiny]

I still miss Eddie man! The Van Halen I knew passed with him, now it’s just in my memories. I knew why Wolf played base and good for him! He got his father interested in music again and I thought it was cool seeing them play together. Ed looked so good it was easy to ignore the signs of him being unwell. We all knew that tour was the last time we’d ever see him play live but also play Van Halen music. It was beautiful! Godspeed Eddie. I hope to meet you on the flip side. 🤟🏼

[@scottmcclure4153]

@@NOBODY-fz3im it's a nice thought. But all good things come to a end some day for us all . With or without the belief of jesus. We all got to go . Sadly. For me. Whenever we go . It's not long enough. Whatever age it may be . Its simply not long enough.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

Eddie is frying in hell for his treatment of Micheal Anthony and there’s a place there too for Alex

[@TheJpep2424]

@@scottmcclure4153 Jesus is the only way to heaven.

[@jeffmcpeek2526]

Wolf is a good guy.He had nothing to do with Michael Anthony's departure.His dad did.

[@daveg4236]

Ya think

[@mac227booms]

@@daveg4236 well I guess he does since he wrote it jackass.

[@davidmiller180]

My bro and I have seen VH three times. ( Never with all original members) I was a little disappointed to find Wolf playing bass instead of Mike on the 2007 reunion tour. I am extremely grateful now. I got to see three Van Halens on stage together!

[@arspook6886]

I believe Edward's health was far worse than he let people know about. I believe he knew he didn't have a lot of time left, and wanted to perform with his son first while he still could, knowing that his health would soon decline to a point he couldn't. I believe we were all hoping for a VH show with everyone. Mike on bass, both Dave and Sam, and WVH could have played the keys. It would have been a great show and could have been done world wide,......Edward simply ran out of time. If you think about it, and someone gave you 30,000 to spend, and that 30,000 was all you were ever going to have to spend, you'd hopefully spend it very wisely, knowing it wasn't very much if that was all you were given,... 80 years (if you live that long) times 365 days=29,200 days Edward had less than 24,000 days to spend on the earth Spend and invest your time wisely,.....

[@ruthlessreid9172]

They screwed Micheal Anthony but that's working in a family business.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

that does not make it ok shows what kind of person he really was

[@MrOccyc]

No, that’s being in a partnership with bitter addicts that are jealous.

[@jimmyfreeman5235]

Yep, that's nepotism for ya...

[@briangreen550]

Eddie Van Halen did. Don’t think there was a they. Michael Anthony is seems like a straight up humble good guy and definitely deserved better.

[@hazor777]

Wise words for a young man.

[@GhostRanger5060]

I agree. I don't get the commenters on here who pretend everything would have been cushy if only Wolfgang said no to his dad. What world do these people live on? The kid did it so his dad could get some good final years in with his son. You don't judge the son for the sins of the father! VH was designed for self-destruction from the beginning. You can hardly expect less considering the egos and issues of its members. Seems to me Michael Anthony has done fine moving on with Sammy Hagar, too. God bless them.

[@detroitdiezel7856]

I understand why Ed wanted Wolfgang in the band to tour, but they still could have brought Mike back on bass and been a 5-piece band with Wolfie on rhythm guitar and keyboards, since he's a multi-instrumentalist.

[@PochoNieves]

Eddie lived the Father's dream of having his son playing music with him... Nobody can't hate on that... Ever!

[@briangreen550]

Can’t put it on Wolfgang was strictly on EVH as he wasn’t happy that Michael Anthony was playing with former frontman Sammy. Is what it is. EVH made a lot of mistakes but that’s life EVH is gone and so is Van Halen. Still enjoy Van Halen music today.

[@couchwarrior2449]

Just because he's gone doesn't change the fact that he was a DICK!!!

[@jwil4905]

@@couchwarrior2449 Relax, man. Not only was Eddie a musical genius, which comes with a certain type of personality, but he was an addict. Almost no one could be a great guy all the time with that combination, and he still did a lot for fans and people in general.

[@richmaccario8829]

Michael Anthony is a bassist bad ass. He also has some of the best backing and harmony vocals in the business. Wolfie can't hold a candle to him. Rock on !!!! M A...

[@shockcityrocker]

His Dad was so overzealous about him that he sacrificed the integrity of the band. It's not VH without Mikey.

[@MrOccyc]

It sure isn’t. ADKOT was ok, but it sounded more like a DLR solo record because MA’s harmonies weren’t there. DLR’s voice was prominent in the background vocals just like EEAS.

[@paistekid]

It’s safe to say that Van Halen operates as a band after 2004 was inevitable. Clearly Eddie was lacking interests in making/touring music and if it weren’t for Wolfie we wouldn’t have seen the return of Dave or ADKOT. It’s either wishful thinking of having Mike returning to the band or accept Wolfie and got 16 more years of Eddie in the spotlight before his untimely passed 😔

[@tonyii3818]

The hell it wasn't. Eddie was never better.

[@jeffolsen7250]

Exactly! INTEGRITY OF THE BAND. Wolf doesn't have a clue or apparently understand that concept of what a REAL BAND is -- "he sang & played every note" on his new album.

[@picassoboy52]

Yet another person that feels only the original members of a band are worth listening to. No one else. None. Not listening. Nope can't. But that's unrealistic. It's not real life. Things change dude. Always.

[@joshjacobs5313]

Wow...let's get this kids career into over drive....I really hope he reaches what he feels is personal success with this record...I cant wait to give it a listen.

[@joepipe1010]

Wolf saved his father's life for long years. Only for that i accepted a reunion with Wolf.. but it was better to hold Michael on bass and Wolf on 2nd guitar . This was the best solution for me. Rip

[@toddvanfleet8576]

Wolf gang is cool. A good player. And a good kid. It's tough. I don't think anyone would deny that without Michael Anthony's high-end vocal, his on-top of it Bass lines, energetic & fun stage presence, charisma, his look has appeal .... How do you top that? Chemistry is hard to come by. Well done Mr. Wolfgang.. And I'm sorry you lost your Dad to the evil C. Bless & RIP

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

@@toddvanfleet8576 same

[@brianpinion5844]

bingo , exactly what i wanted to say

[@Shaylok]

Agreed.

[@jamesweber3797]

When eddie took micheal anthony off the original artwork album covers of all the david lee roth albums and took his name off all the credits too, then hired wolf to replace him, i stopped listening to van halen.

[@MrOccyc]

That’s when I lost any respect for EVH and AVH. And when I looked back at old interviews, you see how they have a problem with anyone that isn’t named Van Halen. Everyone had to be all in, but they never took accountability for how their addictions created band strife.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

AMEN brothers!! could not agree more!!!

[@heyjenknee]

Wow! That's bad. Thanks for sharing

[@dmp9135]

That's exactly how Sammy Hagar put it.With Mike Anthony out and Wolfgang in Eddie had to have two other band members as his yes-men. Eddie had to have full control or nothing.

[@3buzzy]

I have heard this happened but I’ve looked for the those covers on the Internet and I haven’t been able to find them. Does anyone have a link? Is this a rumor or is it true?

[@bobravenscraft5376]

They have always been a little envious of Mike he and wife stayed together thruout. Drove Dave Nuts. He was unstable just a Gigolo

[@MrOccyc]

AVH & EVH were the ones that were jealous of MA playing music with Hagar. I hope Bertinelli had her lawyer look over WVH’s contract in ‘08. His dad and uncle had a history of chiseling band mates

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Sad to say, but I hope Wolf realizes the issue wasn't Michael Anthony, it was Ed, he had a history of eventually not like those he collaborated with like Hartley Peavey and Ernie Ball. If were treating the way that he treated MA, than he should have treated Alex the same way because like Michael, Al wasn't a talented match for the Edward either. Loved Ed's influential playing but its like he never got out of high school mode when it came to band member relationships...

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

Alex was simply along for the ride I doubt he could hold down a job flipping burgers

[@crusheverything4449]

You guys have your heads up your asses. Alex Van Halen is a great drummer with an instantly recognizable style.

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

Nepotism Eddie stabbed Micheal in the back That is how I will always remember Eddie Alex is no prize either

[@MrOccyc]

Same here. Guys like Anthony and Hagar seem pretty happy

[@henrikcarmel1]

Wolfgang is such a talented musician

[@walterevans2118]

Thanks to Wolf for clarifying the history of this.....Yes, fans can create a real fixed mindset for 'bitterness & hate for Mr. No Face' (someone they don't really know)....I can empathize with Wolf having to go through that. Hating somebody on the back of a false narrative built on either selective or distorted information can be terrible ....Some of these fans don't have reliable information anyway...They start with a conclusion & then bend all subsequent information to fit it with their own dogmatic preconceptions & stereotypes...Also sometimes people can build false assumption upon false assumption & once doing that they can go anywhere with it. Create any house of cards fanciful fiction they like & poison the social environment with it....If these people had taken the trouble to listen to interviews of Wolf they would have realized that he was NOT the kind of personality who would be part of 'edge out band politics'....Its just NOT who he is....But that's how cyberspace works. An arena where false ideas can spread like virus wildfire by people without any sense of moral, legal or civic responsibility. Another thing about the internet is possibly its vicarious nature can create the illusion of intimacy....And we have to remind ourselves that Social media ,ultimately is a business enterprise which commodifies human interaction virtually & serves it up as entertainment with all too few safeguards for people's well being....But I think it is GREAT that these people apologized to Wolf realizing their mistakes and that Wolf let it go without bitterness.

[@Kreln1221]

*Mike should have stayed in the band, and Wolf could have come in on rhythm guitar and keyboards, so Eddie could play lead guitar and keys with a rhythm guitar or keyboard part with it..., like Eddie himself multitracked in the studio... On every VH studio album, there were songs where Ed would record his leads over his rhythms, and where he would record keyboard parts along with his guitar parts... A perfect example would be their big hit, **_Jump!_** During Eddie's keyboard solo, you also hear him playing the chord changes on guitar... When I saw them on the 5150 Tour back in 88', Sammy was still playing guitar most of the gig, and it was AWESOME because I got to see Van Halen as a two guitar/guitar & keys band..., four instruments playing at once instead of only three... It was like when SRV added a keyboardist to Double Trouble, making it a quartet instrumentally instead of just a trio... It just really opened up the possibilities as far as arrangement and orchestration... Plus..., Michael should have been on the last album and tour..., and Diamond Dave himself wanted him there..., mainly because of his iconic high tenor harmonies that had always been such a core part of the Van Halen sound...*

[@jeffolsen7250]

I definitely agree with you that Mike should have stayed in the band. However, it is the 3 piece instrumental that makes Van Halen particularly unique -- and gives it a creative dynamic that isn't there when it's washed out with 2 guitars.

[@randyjohnson5426]

I went to that concert and it really bothered me to not have Mike......just not the same.

[@area51audio]

Judging by the comment section, a whole lotta people didn't internalize what Wolf said. His dad had way deeper issues than booze and drugs and that was likely the greater problem. Hard to believe someone as fucking amazing as Ed could have serious mental health issues, but there you have it. It may have been a factor in his achievements too.

[@Me-qp8vz]

Just excuses from a druggie.

[@carbonar958]

@@Me-qp8vz Who was WAY more talented and accomplished than you will ever be...

[@tcrane8630]

At 16, of course not but, the 2nd tour you'd think he would have been way more uneasy about this.. eddie and Alex VH wrecked VH... that's irony

[@davejohnson7583]

I remember that press conference wolf looked terrified at the time but I never blamed him though I don’t think it made Eddie look good then because with the way the 04’ tour ended I hope wolf has a long career that is successful

[@sirwev]

Wolfies excuse for his dad putting him in the band isnt valid. Ed was an asshole to Mike for the 2004 tour. Didnt want Mike doing that tour then, Sammy insisted. Ed and Alex made Mike sign away his rights to the first six van halen albums in order to go on the 2004 tour. And Ed was a disaster on that tour and for years made up shit like he had to teach Mike how to play some of the songs. Wolfie can use whatever excuse he wants but his father was an asshole to Mike for no legit reason.

[@GhostRanger5060]

Wolfgang is a good guy who never deserved to be hated for simply supporting a father he knew needed help. His dad, despite his gobs of talent, was not a good guy. EVH was an alcoholic, ego-maniac -- a musical genius with a monstrous personality. He wasn't the first. He won't be the last. Rock and Roll is about egos, money, hedonism, and social Darwinism. Sometimes it's about music. Get over it, people. Don't sanctify a man because he had some gifts. EVH's feet were made of clay. And don't take it out on his loyal son who had nothing to do with his father's excesses or the ego-clashes that doomed VH from the beginning. Wolfgang comes across as an aware, "got-it-together" guy who had no illusions about his father's weaknesses. VH was built to self-destruct from day one. Because EVH would have had it no other way.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Brother, you hit the nail right on the head.

[@scottedwards2618]

Van Halen was over a long time ago.

[@ajmpatriot4899]

He actually didn’t explain anything. Cool video though. 👍

[@bobravenscraft5376]

In the end Mikes Quiet ways didn't inspire. Consumate Bass player. Stay in pocket hold groove don't wake waves. He did his job well VH FOREVER

[@truescotsman4103]

I heard a story about this situation not sure if true but I'm sure a lot of other people remember it. The last time Michael Anthony played with Eddie and his brother was at 5150 Studios on a day where Eddie brought in his son and plugged him into Mikes amps and they were jamming when Mike showed up. Mike was gracious enough to sit down and watch and put up with the situation until he tried to get out his bass and prepare to play and Eddie attacked him and scolded him for approaching his own gear to plug in between songs. Eddie was pissed that he didn't fawn over Wolfie and let them continue to jam on his gear. He was thinking it was time to rehearse and Wolfie was just jamming but Eddie started yelling at Mike for disrespecting them and he just left. Mike never returned. So it was Eddie being Eddie that ruined Van Halen by treating Mike like a second class citizen in his own band. Mike was as much a part of that band as the Van Halen brothers and was as loyal as a dog to them. He didn't deserve to be disrespected and yelled at for simply doing what he thought was supposed to do. His only mistake that day if you can call it that was not waiting patiently enough for Eddie and Wolfie to finish showing off and allowing him to take his place in that rehearsal and get to work. They caused this by treating Mike badly enough that he just quit.

[@Beepbopboh]

Read Noel Monk’s book . The brothers wanted to cut Mikey off from the royalties and hire him as just a hired gun from the early 80’s ...they e fucked Mikey the entire time they were with Sammy and for the last two albums with Roth. This poor kid was put in a no win situation with the fans . I’m grateful for him keeping the band I enjoyed going...but make no mistake ...The brothers were jerky boys.

[@markm4033]

I liked Van Halen 3. The songs in that album speaks to me, especially the song Year to the Day.

[@covetprice]

❤️ walked out for many.

[@FantasticF113]

Wolfgang is class act and an incredibly gifted musician. He just wanted to see his Dad happy and playing music. Eddie couldn't ask for a better son. Unfortunately, no matter what happens; haters gonna hate 🤘🙏

[@99bkp]

And players gonna play just shake it off shake it off

[@crusheverything4449]

@@99bkp - Not only will they play, but they’ll play, play, play, play, play!

[@maryellenputnam-reinhardt3305]

❤️ this!

[@hippie564]

Wolfgang said ' My Dad was Eddie Van Halen... that's how I got the job!' I DON'T hate Wolf or take any sides or whatever...but honestly, that would and still is the truth

[@ryanpsencik6350]

I was upset for a while. Not over the fact that MA was excluded, but HOW he was excluded. VH announced the tour, and that WVH was replacing MA. MA heard about it through the grapevine. Never blamed WVH. It's been 15 years, And I've come to terms with it. And knowing a little more about what was going on...I can't stay mad. Especially having lost my own dad to cancer just a year before.

[@jamesfeldman4234]

I wish that the Van Halen group would have been about the music and not focus on the personalities. I'm one of the band's original fans when they first hit the airways and I happen to have enjoyed all of the various iterations of the band. So, when there was talk about a reunion and Wolfgang had proven his chops, I thought that all members should have been part of the tour, including Wolfgang, Michael Anthony, and all three vocalists. No Van Halen fan could have resisted that awesome lineup. (Of course, not all musicians would necessarily be on the stage at the same time.) Now that Edward is gone from this world, the music franchise shouldn't have to die. When Niccolò Paganini died, Paganini's music lived on through other great violinists. So, my idea could still fly today. And my #1 recommendation to play Edward's parts for a complete lineup tour would be Jacob Deraps. Don't know Jacob Deraps? Well, you should. He's not a Van Halen imitator. He's a first-rate guitarist who truly understands the music. Think of Jacob like Itzhak Perlman, Hilary Hahn, or Joshua Bell playing Paganini. Here's an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIa6poh7Z7N_prs&start_radio=1&rv=rUWuUE2NLpY&t=0

[@lifewithjosef]

Wasn't Michael's song rights purchased by Eddie/Alex and not just "signed away," or am I missing something?

[@williep1626]

Since Wolf can play a bunch of instruments would it have been that big of a deal to have him on rhythm guitar? I think the VH brothers were mad at Anthony for being pals with Sammy and starting a side band....signing over rights to play a tour with Sammy may be one of the worst things to happen in modern music.

[@deborahdoherty5644]

Honestly, I think that Sammy and Gary should have been included more than Michael Anthony should have. Wolf explained it himself; his father needed him, so he did what he needed to do to be there for his father, period. That's it. It's not a question of egos or who's the better player. Eddie knew his son could play the part, Eddie needed his son with him more than he needed a complete nostalgia line-up, and the show would have been a more complete "nostalgia trip" for life-long VH fans if both Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone were added to the bill, and if the show were split into two 2-hour-long sets, with a 20-30 minute intermission in between . . . with Dave being in the first set and Sammy and Gary being in the second set . . . and with all three vocalists coming out to jam together with the band for the encores. Dave, Sammy AND Gary ALL would've been given the opportunity to "be there" for Eddie, and for Eddie's family, during that most difficult time in their lives. It should never have been a competition or a battle of egos. It should have been about family. Michael Anthony is not blood related; Wolf Van Halen is, and Eddie Van Halen himself WANTED HIS SON ON THE ROAD WITH HIM for his last tour. Both Sammy AND Gary expressed concern for Eddie's health and concern, love and support for Eddie's family and close circle of friends, and said "if there's anything we can do, just let us know." Dave didn't do that, and Michael Anthony did do that either for that matter, and yet Dave was the one who the band called upon to go out on tour with them. Not Sammy, and not Gary. It's really that simple. So Michael Anthony should have done the right thing and stepped aside and GRANTED EDDIE'S LAST WISH . . . and Dave shouldn't have been so damn selfish and should have suggested that they let both Sammy and Gary tour with them as well, to give the fans one last epic tour down memory lane, through every Van Halen era.

[@tommarsh9180]

I will admit i thought it was a mistake. One, at the time he could not play. The main reason is Anthony was an integral vocal piece to the bands sound. For the record i think Wolfs stuff is better than any VH lp since 1984. Can not wait to hear the rest of his career.

[@davidmerlin3344]

Wolf has some good material BUT if you think it’s better than all the Material recorded with Sammy, you are delusional. There are songs in that catalog that are still on radio stations around the world and will remain so. As good as Wolf is, his songs will never become classics. Those Van Halen songs are timeless and unique and no band in history has or ever will sound like that.

[@tjbaileymusic]

I never would have took that pay cut and signed away my rights. That's pure love of music right there but wow what a terrible thing to have to do

[@waycool1969]

I wish him the best.

[@chadhickes8563]

I love Eddie and VH. Eddie really did Michael Anthony wrong. Michael is one of the nicest guys in the world. not only did Eddie fire Michael but before then he had cut his royalties plus he dogged him out as a person and a player. Very sad. My 3 biggest influences growing up were Michael Jordan, Dan Marino and Eddie VH

[@iess2006]

All BS....it was always about money, EVH had a boner to get rid of Mikey since the early 80s, but u can't replace those LEGENDARY signature background vocals with just anyone. This is what addicts do to people.

[@jelleleeuwis4353]

I've always thought wolf looked so cool on stage when he was in VH, especially during the 2012 and 2015 tour

[@rticle15]

I can't blame EVH for wanting to play with his son. Im sure he knew he was on borrowed time. This band was always disfunctional when it came to members leaving but in this case, you have to cut Eddie a break. Wolfgang was innocent in the whole affair and he did a great job.

[@JENDALL714]

Eddie inadvertently through his son in the middle of the infighting of band members. I am sure he didn't mean too, but he did and that's a hell of a burden to put on the shoulders of a young kid. Most celebrity kids by now would be on drugs to deal with the drama at such a young age, credit to Wolfie for not going that route.

[@Buddycoop1]

I like "Sauce" Sobolewski but can't blame Eddie for feeling a little ticked. He made "Sauce" famous and then he went to Sammy's band. But if I were "Sauce" and I waited years to play songs with VH and nothing was happening then I'd probably go with Sammy too just to do something and have some fun.

[@mikebarrett7154]

At at least it's genuine rock and roll that's for sure.not exactly my bag but it's way better than anything else on the radio

[@nyhtopossu4858]

For all Van Halens, the family comes first. Michael Anthony is a good person, good bass player and his high vocals really complemented DLR's vocals, while Wolfie looks like some 12 in dozen bass player from a high school talent contest. Still, as Eddie, I would also have chosen Wolfie to play bass in VH just to spend more time with my son and share experiences. That's what matters. I totally understand Eddie's choice.

[@kevinkaatz883]

Nothing wrong with a father wanting to spend as much time with his son. It’s a NO BRAINER!

[@Techoftomorrow]

yep

[@cjcjcjcj41]

Never ever hated!

[@babayaga1767]

I don't know much about Wolfgang but from what I've seen he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Sounds like Eddie just wanted to be in a band with his son UN can't fault him for that

[@TheDmonet]

Eddie had every right to want to play with his son. No reasonable person can argue with that. But the fact that he had to disrespect Mike to justify it was reprehensible. And it seems like Eddie was actually sober when he made those comments. That means he was simply an asshole.

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

Is it me or does the narrator sound like Wolf?

[@danielabilez3619]

At the time bands were doing the greed thing.. Retiring tours. Eliminating members for greed... see Ozzy... How much was the young man paid for the last vanhalen tour... A VERY small amount compared to the other three right. However, we don't know. He may have died of cancer and a son's love is evident

[@ace-du3fe]

Bottom line; it was all about Wolf making bank at MA`s expense. Blood is thicker than water...

[@midnitemaniac777]

8 months later and still no Eddie Van Halen tribute concert? Why?

[@Tecknut75]

Why did Michael Anthony have to take a pay cut? Seems strange for a original member?

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

I know how Rock magazines can say things that the musician never said so how do we know for sure that Wolfy said these things. . .

[@tl4633]

To me, VH stopped being VH when DLR left the band.

[@videovisions]

I didn't blame Wolf when that happened. That was totally Eddie. And although I have idolized Eddie for years, that was a shitty move on his part.

[@MrOccyc]

WVH was a child when that happened. I totally get a dad wanting to play with his son. But my rose tinted glasses came off on EVH. Still think he’s a guitar great. But he sure does treat the people around him like garbage. And addiction isn’t always an excuse

[@shawnhuff3920]

Wolfgang should teach bass guitar lessons on KZbin

[@deltawhiskey1398]

When you have one or two guys in a band that write most of the music and the songs....the other members eventually get looked at as "replaceable". I think Eddie and Alex always thought of Van Halen as "their" band...with a singer and bass player along for the ride.

[@TheJohnnyCotts]

I remember many times in the 80's, Eddie saying "Alex and I are Van Halen".

[@mr.wright4447]

It was their band!

[@raymondrocha797]

The name of the band is called Van Halen. And they get to decide who can play on the band or who doesn't. And I'm glad that Wolfgang got to play with his dad til the end. RIP EVH.🙏

[@obviouscommentguy1234]

It's not like my dad was like "fuck you, get out of here". Yeah, it kind of was.

[@straightchad8059]

Eddie was the axl rose of Van Helen band . Notice the similarities in their ego, selfishness, toxic crudeness and the crumbling of the band ?

[@E.C.2]

It's almost a crime they didn't reunite the original 4 VH members from 1997-2011. Nothing against Wolfgang + it's not his fault this never happened.He seems like cool kid.

[@w.allencaddell6421]

Very mature young man.

[@j4m32hz6]

I love all u van Halen fam

[@agendragurung5313]

Even though it was not fair for Michael Anthony, watching the clips on Wolfie's Distance video and how happy Ed was kinda justifies Wolfie playing bass on the last shows with VH.

[@ldstephens1439]

Michael Anthony is great, he seems like a great guy. Can't blame Eddie for wanting to jam with his son.

[@Johnny455]

He kinda looks like a young Big Val

[@jimmyjennings4089]

Wolfgang Van Halen explains?

[@benscozzaro311]

Classy kid. EVH did a good job with him.

[@thefoxdoctor1072]

I mean if Eddie Van Halen came to me and asked if I would play base you know, who wouldn't!

[@danieldavis2527]

People forget the band is called VAN HALEN which means it's Eddie and Alex VAN HALEN BAND.

[@jamesbarrick3403]

I could not care less about this phase of the band. The best was way in the rear view mirror. DLR made that band awesome. I loved old skool VH and I loved Sammy as a solo act. When they combined it was like ruining two great rock acts for me. As for Wolfgang... he is a good guy. EVH had issues we know this. Michael moved on with Sammy... its all good. Wolf has new music and videos and I think he is doing very well. Keep rocking !!

[@TopJimmyCooks1984]

The worst part is Mike taking paycuts. BS

[@KevMac58]

No no no the truth is!! Michael Anthony said Alot of shit about David lee Roth and how he never liked David!!! So Eddie being smart knew that David lee was his only hope of saving the band and thought that his son knew how to play and it would be a great moment for him. End of story. Coming from a true Van Halen fan!!! My first Van Halen concert was in 1979 at 13 years old. Van Halen was done in 1985 I don't know what the band was after that with that wimp behind the mic

[@joshjacobs5313]

Lookin forward to that tour with "GnR" kickin off in Hershey. Really lookin forward to it!

[@leebaldwin6015]

How?it's my daddy's band

[@joeyteague6191]

It's all good...

[@edp2019]

Your dad was the problem with Van Halen