The bassist joined Van Halen in 1974 and appeared on the group’s albums and tours through 2002, when he was reportedly removed from the lineup by Eddie because he remained friendly with Sammy Hagar after the singer’s stint in the band.
Anthony joined the group’s ill-fated 2004 reunion trek with Hagar only after taking a pay cut and signing away his rights to any future use of the VH brand name in a cutting business move by the famed guitarist.
"We actually hadn't spoken [for many years], and unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to,” Anthony tells the "Talkin' Rock With Meltdown" podcast. “And, you know, it kind of bothers me, because we had some issues that were never resolved. But, I mean, what can you do? We were on track [for] a reunion, which I'm really sad that it never happened. But, you know, life and the show goes on."
“Eddie very private about how ill he was,” he added. “We all knew he was ill, but it was a real shock to all of us.”
A full Van Halen reunion was considered for a farewell tour in 2019 before Eddie’s health issues shut down the plans; the trek could have seen the group’s original recording lineup perform for the first time since 1984 alongside Hagar and Gary Cherone.
Anthony was replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang, in 2007 and, since his departure has recorded and toured with the Red Rocker and Hagar-led bands Chickenfoot and The Circle; he is featured on the new release, “Lockdown 2020.”
See also:
Sammy Hagar shares vintage piano performance with Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen honored by National Guitar Museum
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 2: VAN HALEN
Rock News Story Of The Year No. 3: WOLFGANG VAN HALEN
Search Van Halen at hennemusic
