Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony is addressing rumors that he may be reuniting with his former band.
Currently a member of supergroup The Circle – along with Sammy Hagar, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson – Anthony is preparing to launch a signature instrument and is aware that a new publicity image (above) that includes a visual link to his Van Halen past has stirred up some gossip and speculation amongst fans.
“I want to clarify some confusion surrounding a recent picture from a video shoot for my new Schecter Signature Bass that will be debuting at NAMM next week,” writes Anthony on his Facebook page. “Apparently, because a road case with the name ‘Van Halen’ on it is in the photo (which was taken by someone off to the side of the shoot), there is speculation of me having involvement with the band. This is not true.
“The shoot took place in my warehouse and this is just one of the many road cases I still own from the VH days that happened to be there.
“As a matter of fact, The Circle will be performing at the Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque, NM next week. I hope to see you all out there!”
The Circle released their first live DVD, “At Your Service”, last month.
Anthony joined Van Halen in 1974 and appeared on the group’s albums and tours through 2002, when he was removed from the lineup by guitarist Eddie Van Halen because he remained friendly with Hagar after the singer’s stint in the band.
The bassist joined the group’s ill-fated 2004 reunion tour with Hagar only after taking a pay cut and signing away some business rights, and was eventually replaced by Eddie's son, Wolfgang, in 2007.
Last fall, Van Halen closed out their 2015 North American tour with a pair of shows at the Hollywood Bowl.
As part of the recent 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards, Van Halen were named the No. 1 Rock News Artist Of The Year while also delivering 7 of the Top 10 Rock News Stories Of The Year.
See also:
Van Halen and KISS top the 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards
AUDIO: Mitch Malloy releases lost Van Halen demo
Fire Marshall shuts down David Lee Roth Eat ‘Em And Smile reunion show
David Lee Roth lineup to reunite for Eat ‘Em And Smile anniversary show
Search Van Halen at hennemusic
