Today in Van Halen: David Lee Roth “Would Always Look Forward” to a Reunion with Michael Anthony, but “Ed Has His Own Vision”
Despite swearing up and down that everyone in Van Halen loves each other berry munch, David Lee Roth recently gave the following interview to Rolling Stone in which he admits that “I’m not sure what’s in [Eddie Van Halen’s] mind at this point” and “Truth be told, Edward and I haven’t written a new song in 20 years,” and then goes on to say the following:
“But Ed has his own vision, I’m assuming. We haven’t really been able to speak about it and it’s a disappointment, just as not having a chance for a reunion of the original band. Clearly, vocals are every bit as much a component of success as a rhythm section or a guitar solo, and there’s an old expression saying, “They don’t go home singing the lighting show, they don’t go home singing the production.” You’re right, they sing my words and my melodies. And what we have at our fingertips is arguably one of the greatest high tenor voices ever – that was in Michael Anthony. In our tiny little corner of the universe, that voice is as identifiable as the high voice in Earth, Wind & Fire, as identifiable as the high voice in the Beach Boys. Van Halen is an indelicate house blend of both – that’s intentionally. So I would always look forward to that reunion, and I would always look forward to writing a whole variety of material. I’ve offered the fellows, come on out here to the land of the gods. And if you don’t want to make it that far we’ll make it halfway – Konishiki [his friend and former champion sumo wrestler] has said he’ll lend me his house in Hawaii, Let’s go woodshed. But so far there hasn’t been any response, so hope and faith are not actual tactics and strategies – they’re strippers from Albuquerque.”
And keep in mind that the interviewer never asked about Michael Anthony or even uttered Michael Anthony’s name during the discussion. So, yeah. Wow. I’m kind of impressed by DLR’s honesty. I mean, I don’t think it’s really news that EVH is running the show, but I honestly never thought I’d hear DLR admit as much.
Still, it’s pretty fucked up that this is what it’s like behind the scenes of Van Halen. I guess for us fans, it ultimately doesn’t matter, because the product thus far has been satisfactory. But no one should be under any illusion that these dudes are in it for the art.
[via Classic Rock]
