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Date Posted: 12:33:25 11/16/06 Thu
Author: Jeff
Subject: ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON THE CURRENT STATE OF VAN HALEN

http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=4564&p=1
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON THE CURRENT STATE OF VAN HALEN
by Dennis J. @ 11:40:00 AM on 11/16/2006

The following was sent in response to the Van Halen column posted here on the site earlier this week.
I've been a VH fan from the beginning. I loved DLR and when DLR in his infinite wisdom, deemed himself too good for the band, I was devastated. But as your article mentioned, Sammy and VOA shared equal time my the turn-table and when a Ferarri mechanic named Claudio introduced the two of them, to me it was the work of God Himself. So, I was a great fan of the Hagar era also.

I like how you pointed out Ray Danniels and his wicked ways. In my personal opinion, Ray Danniels single-handedly destroyed Van Halen as we knew it with Hagar. I like to call Danniels' introduction into the band "incestuous inbreeding". The fact that he suckered Roth into doing two songs and perhaps implying a reunion in 1996 was sheer evil on his part.
As for Mitch Malloy, I actually had his CD in the early 90's. I think Malloy had two possibilities to offer the band. #1 - A big flowing mane of hair and good looks. #2 - A decent voice. Nonetheless, if I were Malloy, I wouldn't have done it though.
As an "Extreme" fan in the 80's, I liked Cherone and the band. When I heard about his joining the band, I honestly felt bad for the guy because he was in a no-win situation; who could possibly replace Roth or Hagar except for Roth or Hagar? If I were in his shoes, I would never have taken the project.
To me Van Halen will not be complete in any way, shape or form without Michael Anthony. Over the years Eddie has let his ego swell to the point that I believe he thinks he's truly a god and that he can create an album of fart noises and that it will sell based upon the fact that he's "Eddie f*ckin' Van Halen". However, when Cherone fronted the band, this was a case that like Roth earlier, Van Halen had become overly cocky thinking they could put anyone on a mic and the legions of fans would be pleased. I think VHIII was a real wake-up call that not just anyone can be in the band.
The core elements of the band include Anthony. DLR's replacement with Hagar was acceptable as Roth left the band high and dry and Hagar was an attractive choice. But a band in Van Halen's mega-status cannot just replace singers and get away with it, and that's what they found out with Cherone. Equally, without Anthony in the band, a vital piece is missing that I don't think Roth can truly compensate for. Even with a background singer behind the stage, Anthony's presence would be painfully missed.
As for a 15 year old officially playing bass for a band, personally I think it's a joke. That has nothing to do with Wolfgang's abilities at all and I'm sure he's got plenty of talent, but the mighty VH with a 15 year old at the bass, even Eddie's son, is comical.
Regarding Eddie's 1,000's of songs, you're right; if you can't hear them, do they exist? And Eddie's recent porn offerings with "Rise" and "Catherine", in which Eddie himself said, "If Catherine doesn't move you, you're brain dead...", well I guess a lot of us are just brain dead. Both songs are highly predictable in their playing and certainly are not of the caliber of a man who purportedly has 1,000s of songs in his catalog. Eddie's either lying about his catalog, or he's just starting to suck. If "Rise" and "Catherine" are the best he can do, I'd really hate to think of what the other 998 might be like.
Something not mentioned in your article is the DLR / Eddie relationship. Hagar's pretty happy-go-lucky and I'm sure that he gets along well with most folks, but I'm sure he has his flaws also. DLR and Eddie together is like the "Clash of the Titans" of egos and I cannot imagine the two on stage without eventually breaking into an all out fight. Roth's just too hung up on himself and despite his most recent warming up to playing in the band again, let's face it, Roth's intention first and foremost is to merely remind everyone that he was part of Van Halen. He's been doing that for years and when he would get cornered on his radio show, it was not unlike him to bring up that he was in Van Halen. Roth wants vindication for his poor decision of leaving the band in 85' and is only thinking about his ego. That, and he probably needs the dough.
As for Eddie, he needs to get over his "IAFVHGAIOTBD!" (I'm a f*cking Van Halen guy and I own this band, dammit!) disease. Eddie talks and talks about "LSD" (lead singer's disease), but he's never realized that the lowest common denominator in any failed relationship, whether it's with Valerie Bertinelli or your band, is YOU!!! Face it Ed! Pull your head out and understand that while you're a fantastic guitar player, you're not stand alone!
This is one guy who won't be clamoring for tickets to see a 15 year old on bass and the monetary reformation of Van Halen. If I go, it'll be because I've won the tickets on the radio and because I want to see a fist fight between DLR and Eddie.
Dennis J.
Dallas, Texas
gimme_red@hotmail.com

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