In a revealing discussion, Michael Anthony expressed his suspicions about David Lee Roth’s intentions when he formed his solo band shortly after departing from Van Halen. Anthony reflected on the competitive nature of the music scene during that time, suggesting that Roth may have aimed to establish a formidable group to challenge Van Halen’s legacy. His insights reveal the complex dynamics within the band and the motivations of its members.

Despite his initial doubts, Anthony was genuinely impressed by Roth’s 1986 album Eat ‘Em And Smile, which was released concurrently with Van Halen’s 5150, their first album featuring new vocalist Sammy Hagar. “That’s a great album,” Anthony shared in a recent interview with Ultimate Guitar. He praised the collaboration between Roth and renowned musicians like Billy Sheehan and Steve Vai, highlighting their exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry.

“At first my thoughts were, ‘Is Dave just trying to put together a band to try to kick our ass? To try to put together the best players that he could get?’” Anthony pondered, acknowledging the formidable lineup of Greg Bissonette, Steve Vai, and Billy Sheehan. He underscored the remarkable musicianship present in Roth’s band, which challenged the existing norms of rock music.

Anthony elaborated on the impressive musicality displayed in Roth’s work, stating, “The playing was great on that album. Those guys are all great. And on top of that, it was just Dave being Dave.” This comment reflects Anthony’s admiration for Roth’s unique style and the collaborative energy that fueled their music.

When discussing the contrasting styles of Roth and Hagar, Anthony noted the significant impact that each frontman had on the band’s sound. “Dave… read books, magazines, everything under the sun,” he explained, emphasizing Roth’s focus on lyrics and performance. “[L]yrics and stuff like that… that’s all he was really about,” indicating Roth’s dedication to his craft.

Discovering Sammy Hagar’s Unique Contribution to Van Halen’s Sound

Anthony detailed how the arrival of Sammy Hagar transformed the band’s creative process, particularly from a guitarist’s perspective. “When Sammy joined the band… being a guitar player, his knowledge of chord structure and stuff like that brought a different element to Van Halen,” he stated. Hagar’s innovative approach prompted a fresh exploration of musical possibilities, contrasting with Roth’s emphasis on lyrical expression. “Because where Dave focused mainly on his lyrics and trying to do a melody for that, Sammy would be like, ‘Well, what if we try this chord or try this progression?’”

Anthony appreciated the unique vocal styles each frontman brought to the band, saying, “Sammy sings how he sings, Dave sings how he sings. But I really enjoyed how Sammy brought that other musical element to the band.” This differentiation highlights the versatility and adaptability of Van Halen as they navigated the changes in their lineup and sound over the years.