Official Sammy Hagar/David Lee Roth/Van Halen Thread

[Butch Français]

Sammy, Michael and Chad Smith jamming? well at least there's one great musician at work there

[Malcolm]

Launch Radio Networks reports: The normally outrageous David Lee Roth is staying decidedly low-key regarding this week's announcement that VAN HALEN will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Instead of some classic "Diamond Dave" quotes, Roth has issued a very simple statement that reads, "It is an honor and a privilege to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." The singer did tell Launch a few years back that the band's musical legacy had earned them a spot in the Hall. "That music is a part of American culture, beyond just a stack of tunes," he said. "It represents a whole lot to a lot of people, and I'd be one of the very first to sign up (to appear at the band's Rock Hall induction)."

There have been a lot of rumors that Roth is back in VAN HALEN for a summer tour, though nothing's been confirmed yet.

[bazgnr]

Launch Radio Networks reports: The normally outrageous David Lee Roth is staying decidedly low-key regarding this week's announcement that VAN HALEN will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Instead of some classic "Diamond Dave" quotes, Roth has issued a very simple statement that reads, "It is an honor and a privilege to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." The singer did tell Launch a few years back that the band's musical legacy had earned them a spot in the Hall. "That music is a part of American culture, beyond just a stack of tunes," he said. "It represents a whole lot to a lot of people, and I'd be one of the very first to sign up (to appear at the band's Rock Hall induction)."

There have been a lot of rumors that Roth is back in VAN HALEN for a summer tour, though nothing's been confirmed yet.

Diamond Dave low-key?  We all know a leopard can't change his spots, so surely this is him proving to the VH boys that he can keep it together and fit back in with what they want a revitalized VH to be...

[Malcolm]

Former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony has issued the following statement regarding this week's announcement that VAN HALEN will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

"I was very excited and honored to learn that VAN HALEN would be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this March. I want to thank Eddie [Van Halen], Alex [Van Halen], Sammy [Hagar] and Dave [Lee Roth]. It has been an amazing experience and I am very proud of what we have accomplished.

"I'm not sure yet how the induction ceremony will work, but I'll keep everyone posted as I find out the details.

"A Big MA Toast to all our fans for their tremendous support over the years! Love you all and bottoms up!!"

[bazgnr]

Thanks for the updates!  Are you getting these from the guy's individual sites?

Again, fingers crossed for a proper reunion performace at the induction...

[mrlee]

i havent posted a reply because im still waiting until its confirmed they will all play onstage together.

[bazgnr]

From mtv.com:

Sammy Hagar would like everyone to know that while he's more than pumped to be going into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen, he has way more important things on his mind at the moment.

"I'm in Cabo right now, and everything's wonderful," he laughed, referring Cabo San Lucas, to the Mexican resort town where he owns a cantina. "I'm down by the water. The beach is calling my name. Listen to it!"

It bears mentioning that at this point in the interview, Hagar began to make "waves-crashing-on-the-shore" noises and then launched into a hazy recollection of how he found out about his induction, a long and winding story that included messenger birds, sunbathing and congratulatory phone calls from high-energy celebrity chefs.

"I think the Hall shoulda sent word of my induction via carrier pigeon or something, because down here, communication is a little, uh, unique," he explained. "The way I found out was that I came back off the beach and there was a message on my machine from someone ? I don't even remember who right now ? but it didn't even really register that I was in. And then Kenny Chesney calls, and Emeril Lagasse ? all these friends on this high level ? telling me how great it is. And I'm going, 'Wow, this is really a big deal!' "

Clearly, though he's honored, Hagar is taking the news a lot less seriously than most. Which is odd, considering that thanks to more than 30 years of infighting and back-biting, Van Halen's March 12 Hall of Fame induction and performance at New York's Waldorf-Astoria hotel (see "R.E.M., Van Halen, Grandmaster Flash Make Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame") promises to be contentious.

Given the fact that VH has had three different frontmen ? who haven't always gotten along, to put it mildly ? recently replaced its founding bassist with the guitarist's teenaged son and may or may not even exist as a functioning unit these days, it'll be a miracle if the group (whoever they are) manages to perform at all.

"The talk amongst us so far has been that we're probably not going to play, because of the awkward situation with [bassist] Michael [Anthony], and the situation with Dave [Lee Roth] and I, and all of us with each other. I mean, we're not like mortal enemies or anything, there's just some weird quirks," Hagar said. "But Van Halen has always been unpredictable ? anything can happen. If we get to play two songs, I'll be happy to sing one, and have Dave do the other one. I think that would be perfect. If there's only one song, well, then that could be kinda interesting."

And that's just the tip of it. Because while Hagar has been more than willing to talk about the Hall, the other members of Van Halen have remained virtually silent ? the Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex, and hyperkinetic former frontman David Lee Roth released a joint statement thanking their fans, as did Anthony ? which has only added an icy chill to the whole situation. Plus, there's the issue of the third Van Halen frontman, Gary Cherone, who took over when Hagar left the band (or was fired, depending on whom you ask) in 1996.

See, despite the fact that the former Extreme singer fronted Van Halen for nearly three years, and performed on 1998's Van Halen III, Cherone won't be coming to the HOF ceremony. It might have something to do with hurt feelings, but probably has more to do with the fact that Cherone isn't being inducted.

"I got nothing against Gary, but I would've voted against him getting in," Hagar said. "I think he was really just a moment in Van Halen. Dave and I were in the band for so long, and we sold so many records and I don't think you can deny that. As it stands, it seems a little goofy if you let Gary in. Because, there was questions about me getting in, because I've only been in the band 21 years," which is slightly fuzzy math, considering he's been in and out of the band for the last 10.

Of course, Hagar didn't have a say as to which members of Van Halen received the honor. And neither did anyone else in the band. Candidates for the Hall are determined by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation's nominating committee, a group of "around 30 writers, writers, critics, artists, agents and record-company people" who not only weigh the merits of various bands, but -- in the case of groups with shifting lineups like the Ramones or George Clinton's sprawling Parliament-Funkadelic collective -- must also weigh the contributions of individual members of those bands.

"We basically look at the body of work of the artist," explained Joel Peresman, president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. "And you look at an artist like Van Halen, when David Lee Roth was in the band, they became big during that time, and when things switched with Sammy Hagar, things went to another level. They had incredible success with both people being involved in the band. People have already asked, 'Well, what about Gary Cherone? He was the frontman of the band, too,' but when you look at the full body of the work, that particular period in their career, it didn't make sense, because it wasn't really part of the success of Van Halen."

It's a harsh situation, to be sure. And though Peresman maintains that the Hall isn't in the business of bruising egos, sometimes people get offended. After all, we're dealing with rock stars here.

"You're not looking to blatantly insult people, but you're dealing with a diverse, knowledgeable group of people who have been involved in the music industry for a long time, and they're going to do what they think is right for the Hall of Fame," Peresman added. "If someone gets their feelings hurt, that wasn't the intent, but that might be the outcome."

Gary Cherone could not be reached for comment on the Hall of Fame snub, though fans on his message board at Cherone.com seem to be OK with him not getting in. After all, as one writes, "Gary will be a future Hall of Famer in his own right."

As for Hagar, well, despite the initial talk about Van Halen not performing at the Hall of Fame ceremony, he's optimistic that something can be worked out. One thing's for certain: Despite the fact that he's currently scheduled to appear on the second annual Cabo Wabo "Are We Having Fun Yet?" Cruise on the day of Van Halen's induction, he plans on being in New York, and having a thoroughly, well, Sammy time.

"I'm gonna fly from Cabo to New York, go a day or two early so I can have some fun in New York, and then I'll jump on my plane, come on back and meet the guests [on the cruise]," he enthused. "I'm bringing my wife and about a dozen of my best friends to the ceremony. It's too important ? I'll cancel the damn cruise if I have to!"

[Fingers]

I like Sammy, but the everyone will be waiting to see Roth sing with them

[mrlee]

DAVVEEEEE MUST PERFORM!

[BurningHills]

ITS OFFICIAL!!!! 


Exclusive: Van Halen Reuniting With Roth For Tour
Van Halen's original lineup in the early 1980s

January 24, 2007, 4:20 PM ET

Ray Waddell, Nashville
Sources tell Billboard.com a contract could be signed as soon as today for Live Nation to produce a 40-date amphitheatre tour by Van Halen this summer, with original frontman David Lee Roth back in the fold for the first time in more than 20 years.

As previously reported, guitarist Eddie Van Halen's 15-year-old son Wolfgang has stepped in for original bassist Michael Anthony in the new incarnation of the group, which also features drummer Alex Van Halen.

Van Halen last toured in 2004 with vocalist Sammy Hagar, grossing nearly $40 million, according to Billboard Boxscore. Hagar refused to collaborate further with Eddie and Alex Van Halen after the tour's completion ("I don't get along with Eddie anymore, and that's all there is to it," he told Billboard.com in August 2005), although he has consistently played live with Anthony in recent years. The warring factions may wind up meeting in public in March when Van Halen is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"I see it absolutely as an inevitability," Roth told Billboard.com last May of a potential reunion with his ex-bandmates. "To me, it's not rocket surgery. It's very simple to put together. And as far as hurt feelings and water under the dam, like what's-her-name says to what's-her-name at the end of the movie 'Chicago' -- 'So what? It's showbiz!' So I definitely see it happening."

Hagar recently told Billboard.com he was concerned Eddie Van Halen was asking too much of his son to have him join the band and promptly perform in front of thousands of people every night.


"That's a lot of pressure for Wolfie. Just 'cause he's Eddie's son doesn't mean he can go out and play in arenas and perform and entertain an audience for two hours," he said. "I would love to see Eddie and Alex get behind Wolfie, with a kid of his age singing, and produce the record for him and help him launch a career. I'd rather see it go that way than come out and say 'Wolfie's the bass player in Van Halen and maybe singing, too.' Van Halen's got way too much history to have that put on him."

[the dirt]

It's retarded that Anthony is not gonna be a part of this.

[Malcolm]

Exclusive: Van Halen Reuniting With Roth For Tour

Sources tell Billboard.com a contract could be signed as soon as today for Live Nation to produce a 40-date amphitheatre tour by Van Halen this summer, with original frontman David Lee Roth back in the fold for the first time in more than 20 years.

As previously reported, guitarist Eddie Van Halen's 15-year-old son Wolfgang has stepped in for original bassist Michael Anthony in the new incarnation of the group, which also features drummer Alex Van Halen.

Van Halen last toured in 2004 with vocalist Sammy Hagar, grossing nearly $40 million, according to Billboard Boxscore. Hagar refused to collaborate further with Eddie and Alex Van Halen after the tour's completion ("I don't get along with Eddie anymore, and that's all there is to it," he told Billboard.com in August 2005), although he has consistently played live with Anthony in recent years. The warring factions may wind up meeting in public in March when Van Halen is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"I see it absolutely as an inevitability," Roth told Billboard.com last May of a potential reunion with his ex-bandmates. "To me, it's not rocket surgery. It's very simple to put together. And as far as hurt feelings and water under the dam, like what's-her-name says to what's-her-name at the end of the movie 'Chicago' -- 'So what? It's showbiz!' So I definitely see it happening."

Hagar recently told Billboard.com he was concerned Eddie Van Halen was asking too much of his son to have him join the band and promptly perform in front of thousands of people every night.


"That's a lot of pressure for Wolfie. Just 'cause he's Eddie's son doesn't mean he can go out and play in arenas and perform and entertain an audience for two hours," he said. "I would love to see Eddie and Alex get behind Wolfie, with a kid of his age singing, and produce the record for him and help him launch a career. I'd rather see it go that way than come out and say 'Wolfie's the bass player in Van Halen and maybe singing, too.' Van Halen's got way too much history to have that put on him."

[bazgnr]

It is really sad that Michael won't be a part of this - especially if that means Wolfgang will be on bass if the band performs at the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame induction.  No disresepct, but Wolfgang doesn't deserve to be on stage with the band that night - Anthony does.

[bazgnr]

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/01/24/van-halen-plot-reunion-david-lee-roth-plans-to-join-eddie-and-alex-for-major-summer-tour/

The reunion that Van Halen fans have been awaiting for twenty-two years began in December, when David Lee Roth walked into Eddie Van Halen?s Hollywood home studio. There he rejoined the band for a rehearsal, singing fourteen Van Halen classics. ?They totally got along on a personal level,? a source close to the reunion says. ?And it sounded great.? At press time, Roth and the band were negotiating a deal for a major summer tour, which would be Van Halen?s first Roth-fronted tour since 1984. Along with a possible Police reunion, it would likely be among the year?s biggest box-office draws.

?Everything is up in the air,? Eddie Van Halen tells Rolling Stone. ?We don?t want to say anything prematurely.? He suggested that the band is waiting on Roth: ?People know where we are and that we?re making music. Whoever wants to come up can join us ? they?re welcome.? But the famously contentious group may already be having communication problems. The source replies, ?Dave is ready. He?s been ready.?

Meanwhile, Van Halen will be inducted on March 12th into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ? and it could prove to be an awkward night. Both Roth and his successor, Sammy Hagar, will be inducted, as will founding bassist Michael Anthony, who was recently replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie?s fifteen-year-old son. ?It?s a privilege and an honor,? Eddie says. ?And outside of that, we don?t know what the hell is going on. . . . Hey, Sammy might not show up on time ? because he can?t drive fifty-five. Sorry, bad joke.?

For his part, Hagar ? who split with the band in 1996 and clashed with Eddie on a 2004 reunion tour ? says he will be there. ?Everyone wants to see a good train wreck, but I?d rather see a beautiful flight,? he says. ?I?d have no problem sharing a stage with David.?

The last decade has been tumultuous for Eddie Van Halen and the band. After Hagar?s exit, a brief reunion with Roth flamed out, and they ended up releasing 1998?s Van Halen III with a third singer, Gary Cherone, formerly of Extreme. The album flopped, as did an accompanying tour. In 2002, Eddie got divorced, and he was later diagnosed with tongue cancer. He told Howard Stern in 2006 that he beat cancer ?in a way that?s not exactly legal in this country.? In the fall, Eddie released two solo songs for the soundtrack of a porn movie called Sacred Sin.

Eddie, Wolfgang and drummer Alex Van Halen have been regularly rehearsing without Roth, and they?re working up songs for a new album. Eddie says that Michael Anthony is no longer in the group because of his decision to tour with Hagar as the Other Half. ?Anthony and Hagar started their own band,? says Eddie. ?You can?t be in two bands.?

The Van Halen brothers say they?ve been inspired by Wolfgang?s youth and energy ? and that he?s changed the sound of the band. ?Wait until you hear this kid play,? says Eddie. ?I pick him up from school every day and we jam. We?ve got a shredding bass player now that?s laying down the law for Alex, so I get to weave in and out.? Alex says the situation reminds him of the days when he and Eddie would jam with their dad, a jazz musician, when they were kids. ?Our father would look at us and say, ?As long as you guys can hold your own, there is no age difference,? ? says Alex.

Eddie says that the band is determined to tour this summer, whether Roth is on board or not. ?There?s not just one person on this planet that can sing,? he says. ?We?re not waiting on nothing.?

Adds Alex, ?Whoever the singer is, they?ll be surrounded by Van Halens.?

[bazgnr]

Sorry for double posting this in both threads, but it seems relevant enough:

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/01/24/van-halen-plot-reunion-david-lee-roth-plans-to-join-eddie-and-alex-for-major-summer-tour/

The reunion that Van Halen fans have been awaiting for twenty-two years began in December, when David Lee Roth walked into Eddie Van Halen?s Hollywood home studio. There he rejoined the band for a rehearsal, singing fourteen Van Halen classics. ?They totally got along on a personal level,? a source close to the reunion says. ?And it sounded great.? At press time, Roth and the band were negotiating a deal for a major summer tour, which would be Van Halen?s first Roth-fronted tour since 1984. Along with a possible Police reunion, it would likely be among the year?s biggest box-office draws.

?Everything is up in the air,? Eddie Van Halen tells Rolling Stone. ?We don?t want to say anything prematurely.? He suggested that the band is waiting on Roth: ?People know where we are and that we?re making music. Whoever wants to come up can join us ? they?re welcome.? But the famously contentious group may already be having communication problems. The source replies, ?Dave is ready. He?s been ready.?

Meanwhile, Van Halen will be inducted on March 12th into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ? and it could prove to be an awkward night. Both Roth and his successor, Sammy Hagar, will be inducted, as will founding bassist Michael Anthony, who was recently replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie?s fifteen-year-old son. ?It?s a privilege and an honor,? Eddie says. ?And outside of that, we don?t know what the hell is going on. . . . Hey, Sammy might not show up on time ? because he can?t drive fifty-five. Sorry, bad joke.?

For his part, Hagar ? who split with the band in 1996 and clashed with Eddie on a 2004 reunion tour ? says he will be there. ?Everyone wants to see a good train wreck, but I?d rather see a beautiful flight,? he says. ?I?d have no problem sharing a stage with David.?

The last decade has been tumultuous for Eddie Van Halen and the band. After Hagar?s exit, a brief reunion with Roth flamed out, and they ended up releasing 1998?s Van Halen III with a third singer, Gary Cherone, formerly of Extreme. The album flopped, as did an accompanying tour. In 2002, Eddie got divorced, and he was later diagnosed with tongue cancer. He told Howard Stern in 2006 that he beat cancer ?in a way that?s not exactly legal in this country.? In the fall, Eddie released two solo songs for the soundtrack of a porn movie called Sacred Sin.

Eddie, Wolfgang and drummer Alex Van Halen have been regularly rehearsing without Roth, and they?re working up songs for a new album. Eddie says that Michael Anthony is no longer in the group because of his decision to tour with Hagar as the Other Half. ?Anthony and Hagar started their own band,? says Eddie. ?You can?t be in two bands.?

The Van Halen brothers say they?ve been inspired by Wolfgang?s youth and energy ? and that he?s changed the sound of the band. ?Wait until you hear this kid play,? says Eddie. ?I pick him up from school every day and we jam. We?ve got a shredding bass player now that?s laying down the law for Alex, so I get to weave in and out.? Alex says the situation reminds him of the days when he and Eddie would jam with their dad, a jazz musician, when they were kids. ?Our father would look at us and say, ?As long as you guys can hold your own, there is no age difference,? ? says Alex.

Eddie says that the band is determined to tour this summer, whether Roth is on board or not. ?There?s not just one person on this planet that can sing,? he says. ?We?re not waiting on nothing.?

Adds Alex, ?Whoever the singer is, they?ll be surrounded by Van Halens.?

[von]

This is so exciting. For me to be able to see Van Halen with DLR, something I never thought I'd be able to. I'm very disappointed about Michael Anthony, but still it's Dave and Eddie and I can't wait. I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed that at least Michael plays one gig with them, like the Hall of Fame induction.

[Izzy]

absurd - we get one member back and another one leaves - its not a reunion, we still only have 3 members!

[mrlee]

absurd - we get one member back and another one leaves - its not a reunion, we still only have 3 members!

ok would you rather it be eddie, alex and michael without dave and some randomer....or eddie alex,wolf gang and dave?

at least we get to have dave and eddie doing it properly, yeah it sucks without antony, but its better than not having dave.

[D]

Lets just pray that Van Halen dont do a lame ass Rockstar Show on TV for a frontman after this.

[Butch Français]

this is damn cool! a shame about Michael, but he's always been the least interesting member to me. well, him and Sammy.