yleekiyote
07-31-2003, 09:40 AM
The saga that has been Van Halen since the 1999 departure of 3rd singer Gary Cherone has been one that few bands should have to endure. Sadly, due to the handling of the events since 1998 - the failed attempt at a Roth re-union, the loss of support from Warner Bros, the letting go of all support staff, Eddie Van Halen's cancer scare and Michael Anthony joining Sammy Hagar on tour and in Planet Us - the fans have been forced to endure every chapter of the saga, without any real word or feedback from the band at any stage.
Events of recent weeks have seen a renewed pick up of activity, rumor and hearsay - a sure sign that something is developing. 2003 has so far seen an extended period of silence, but as with all other rumor periods, where there is smoke there is fire.
But what exactly are the facts and the truth behind the rumors? Just which of the many sources leaking info actually have it right? Should any of it be compiled into a news item such as this?
Only Eddie and Alex Van Halen know the real deal. Only they know what they have done and what they want to do in the future. Despite recent history, demand for information from fans is intense, so I can see no reason why unconfirmed information shouldn't be presented to those interested.
Information I gathered over the past several weeks came from several sources. But of all those, there is only two or three that I trust implicitly. I know their backgrounds, where the information came from and have previously used their services. So with that in mind, it is only their information I am presenting here today. I respect their wishes not to go on record, but the information can certainly be relied upon as accurate.
But there is still a lot left to be played out. While there is activity in the Van Halen camp, many things are still uncertain and as yet unfinalized, so take the info for what it is now and I'll keep on top of following it up when any changes come to light.
My last Van Halen updated hinted at the fact the next time we see Van Halen in action, it would be a different looking band. Nothing has changed that view point.
At this point in time it seems that new music is being recorded at 5150 Studios, but only involves Eddie and Alex.
It seems at least an album's worth of material is nearing completion, with Eddie handling all bass parts. No vocalist has been added to the mix. Michael Anthony, sadly, does not seem to figure into the equation.
A re-union with David Lee Roth is all but impossible. It appears that earlier this year Sammy Hagar was frontrunner to return. My source: "Sammy was almost in before the Sam & Dave tour but the Bros backed out on the deal before it could happen. He was really close to being in."
The music being recorded will act as a demo that another source says: "...there are a shit load of songs recorded but will be revamped when a new vocalist is hired..."
The latest round of speculation was started by former Van Halen confidant Terry Kilgore, who got things going with several posts to the Plexi Palace Bulletin Boards. Terry, posting under the name Tube Tramp, spoke of news arising from a special party commemorating Alex Van Halen's 50th Birthday.
Here's what he posted [unedited]: "After an odd night I can report some positive stuff thats truly goin on. Actually I think they are doin the right thing. And I have guidelines I have to follow if I dont want to lose what little friendship these fellows offer anyone. I was told some things that they would not be pissed off about me sayin in here, 1. They are almost done with this project. That is truth. 2. Sammy and Mike are not involved! 3. They absolutely do not reveal who the next crew is! And even if I knew, I think Al would climb right up my arse. 4. They feel it is there finest work in years, they needed the rest. Amen to that, 5. I've never seen 'em so dead set and lucid, as if they've learned to wear the heavy handed life style such idioms, they are naturally a little lofty but aint we all/ from the vibe I'm gettin I think it is going to be a barnstormer...they do not want there old formula."
There was some debate over whether there was even a party. Yes there was. Is the information leaked accurate? It seems as if it is. I did make efforts to contact Terry, but no replies have thus far been received. However, someone I know did make contact and within his e-mail to me came this: "Terry assured me that what he said was true and that he had been severely reprimanded by the VH hierarchy for leaking info."
What do my sources have to add?
My source within the Sammy Hagar camp had this to say: "Believe me when I say that IF Mike is in and Sam is in, they're both playing a big game on everybody [by keeping quiet]. Sam is not back. All signs are that they have reduced themselves to just the brothers and a singer. Michael is essentially OUT of the band at this point - he has been told by the brothers that at this point VH is exactly that - the two VH brothers.
Sammy had thought that he'd be doing VH but now that's definitely out - so he's committed to doing the Planet Us thing for real - Sammy feels bad that Mike was given the boot on account of playing and hanging with him."
He had this to add about Alex's birthday bash: "Eddie and others arranged the guest list - as I understand it, Alex had NO input as it was a surprise - but Eddie certainly did - and Mike and Sammy were not invited!"
Now, if Mike is out of Van Halen - wouldn't he have said something about it? For sure...but the fact is - officially he isn't, but remains well detached from the band. A contact that is close to Mike e-mailed me this: "It kills him to think that the fans know as much as he does about what's going on. VH is Mike's band and he would be there in a minute."
I asked if Mike would not then call the brothers himself. The reply - "No, he doesn't call up there."
So out of this bleak report comes only one good point. One other person that spends time with Eddie made this comment to me: "I will tell you this..I have heard the VH record and it is one of there best if not THE best yet. It is all but done. They are still in search of THE singer but are getting close."
And that is apparently where Van Halen stands as of July 2003. A far cry from where the band should be or where the fans want them to be. Maybe Michael Anthony's status will be officially clarified - by Ed or Alex - not by a band spokesman. I'm sure the fact he is not involved with the band will be denied, but if he himself has said that he hasn't spoken with the VH Brothers in over a year - that can't be good.
One thing is for certain - although new music is well underway - we are still a long way from seeing an album on shelves or the band in concert. Still to be finalised before that is possible is a new singer, new management, a new record deal and that question over a bass player.
Events of recent weeks have seen a renewed pick up of activity, rumor and hearsay - a sure sign that something is developing. 2003 has so far seen an extended period of silence, but as with all other rumor periods, where there is smoke there is fire.
But what exactly are the facts and the truth behind the rumors? Just which of the many sources leaking info actually have it right? Should any of it be compiled into a news item such as this?
Only Eddie and Alex Van Halen know the real deal. Only they know what they have done and what they want to do in the future. Despite recent history, demand for information from fans is intense, so I can see no reason why unconfirmed information shouldn't be presented to those interested.
Information I gathered over the past several weeks came from several sources. But of all those, there is only two or three that I trust implicitly. I know their backgrounds, where the information came from and have previously used their services. So with that in mind, it is only their information I am presenting here today. I respect their wishes not to go on record, but the information can certainly be relied upon as accurate.
But there is still a lot left to be played out. While there is activity in the Van Halen camp, many things are still uncertain and as yet unfinalized, so take the info for what it is now and I'll keep on top of following it up when any changes come to light.
My last Van Halen updated hinted at the fact the next time we see Van Halen in action, it would be a different looking band. Nothing has changed that view point.
At this point in time it seems that new music is being recorded at 5150 Studios, but only involves Eddie and Alex.
It seems at least an album's worth of material is nearing completion, with Eddie handling all bass parts. No vocalist has been added to the mix. Michael Anthony, sadly, does not seem to figure into the equation.
A re-union with David Lee Roth is all but impossible. It appears that earlier this year Sammy Hagar was frontrunner to return. My source: "Sammy was almost in before the Sam & Dave tour but the Bros backed out on the deal before it could happen. He was really close to being in."
The music being recorded will act as a demo that another source says: "...there are a shit load of songs recorded but will be revamped when a new vocalist is hired..."
The latest round of speculation was started by former Van Halen confidant Terry Kilgore, who got things going with several posts to the Plexi Palace Bulletin Boards. Terry, posting under the name Tube Tramp, spoke of news arising from a special party commemorating Alex Van Halen's 50th Birthday.
Here's what he posted [unedited]: "After an odd night I can report some positive stuff thats truly goin on. Actually I think they are doin the right thing. And I have guidelines I have to follow if I dont want to lose what little friendship these fellows offer anyone. I was told some things that they would not be pissed off about me sayin in here, 1. They are almost done with this project. That is truth. 2. Sammy and Mike are not involved! 3. They absolutely do not reveal who the next crew is! And even if I knew, I think Al would climb right up my arse. 4. They feel it is there finest work in years, they needed the rest. Amen to that, 5. I've never seen 'em so dead set and lucid, as if they've learned to wear the heavy handed life style such idioms, they are naturally a little lofty but aint we all/ from the vibe I'm gettin I think it is going to be a barnstormer...they do not want there old formula."
There was some debate over whether there was even a party. Yes there was. Is the information leaked accurate? It seems as if it is. I did make efforts to contact Terry, but no replies have thus far been received. However, someone I know did make contact and within his e-mail to me came this: "Terry assured me that what he said was true and that he had been severely reprimanded by the VH hierarchy for leaking info."
What do my sources have to add?
My source within the Sammy Hagar camp had this to say: "Believe me when I say that IF Mike is in and Sam is in, they're both playing a big game on everybody [by keeping quiet]. Sam is not back. All signs are that they have reduced themselves to just the brothers and a singer. Michael is essentially OUT of the band at this point - he has been told by the brothers that at this point VH is exactly that - the two VH brothers.
Sammy had thought that he'd be doing VH but now that's definitely out - so he's committed to doing the Planet Us thing for real - Sammy feels bad that Mike was given the boot on account of playing and hanging with him."
He had this to add about Alex's birthday bash: "Eddie and others arranged the guest list - as I understand it, Alex had NO input as it was a surprise - but Eddie certainly did - and Mike and Sammy were not invited!"
Now, if Mike is out of Van Halen - wouldn't he have said something about it? For sure...but the fact is - officially he isn't, but remains well detached from the band. A contact that is close to Mike e-mailed me this: "It kills him to think that the fans know as much as he does about what's going on. VH is Mike's band and he would be there in a minute."
I asked if Mike would not then call the brothers himself. The reply - "No, he doesn't call up there."
So out of this bleak report comes only one good point. One other person that spends time with Eddie made this comment to me: "I will tell you this..I have heard the VH record and it is one of there best if not THE best yet. It is all but done. They are still in search of THE singer but are getting close."
And that is apparently where Van Halen stands as of July 2003. A far cry from where the band should be or where the fans want them to be. Maybe Michael Anthony's status will be officially clarified - by Ed or Alex - not by a band spokesman. I'm sure the fact he is not involved with the band will be denied, but if he himself has said that he hasn't spoken with the VH Brothers in over a year - that can't be good.
One thing is for certain - although new music is well underway - we are still a long way from seeing an album on shelves or the band in concert. Still to be finalised before that is possible is a new singer, new management, a new record deal and that question over a bass player.