Van Halen are heading to Australia for the first time since the late 90s, when they came here with the oft-forgotten third singer Gary Cherone. While this upcoming tour marks the first time they’ve been down under with original singer David Lee Roth in tow, original bassist Michael Anthony has been replaced by Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang.
Let’s face it, there isn’t a Van Halen fan on earth that would rather see three original members + Gary Cherone over three original members + Wolfgang Van Halen, but it’s always interesting to pry into the inner workings of bands, particularly when once upon a time they truly ruled the world.
In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Anthony said that when he reunited with Van Halen in 2004, “Eddie didn’t want me on that tour anyway, because I was a ‘traitor,’ because I sided with and was jamming with [second Van Halen singer Sammy] Hagar.”
He was referring to the band Chickenfoot, which features Anthony, Hagar, guitarist Joe Satriani and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith.
The band are gearing up to release their second album, due out in September, entitled ‘Chickenfoot IV’. At least you can’t say they don’t have a sense of humour...
“It’s four friends getting together and having a good time,” Anthony said. “I guess a lot of that has to do with, you know, we’ve all had our own careers and done really well. So, it’s not like we have anything to prove, and we don’t need to do it for the money, so we can do it just purely for the enjoyment of making music.”
Van Halen are heading to Australia in September/October as part of the Soundwave Revolution tour. Check them out at:
SEPTEMBER
24 - Brisbane
25 - Sydney
30 - Melbourne
OCTOBER
1 - Adelaide
3 - Perth
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