Mitch Malloy’s Frustration with Van Halen’s Short Stint
Mitch Malloy expresses his frustration over being left to manage the public backlash stemming from his brief involvement with Van Halen in 1996. This tumultuous period in rock history has left a mark on him, and he feels it’s essential to clarify his side of the story.
During their collaboration, they worked on the track “It’s the Right Time,” which was intended to assess whether Malloy could step in as the band’s third frontman after their split with Sammy Hagar. Ultimately, Malloy opted not to join the band, which subsequently allowed Gary Cherone to take the lead and bring forth the album Van Halen III.
Malloy has openly shared that the musical direction Van Halen was pursuing for that album didn’t resonate with him. He has since revitalized “It’s the Right Time,” infusing it with contributions from other writers and incorporating elements originally crafted by Eddie Van Halen.
READ MORE: Discover the Top 10 Van Halen Songs That Shaped Rock History
The newly polished version of the track, which is available for listening below, comes with a collection of captivating photos. One image captures Malloy and Van Halen in the studio, accompanied by a note revealing that Joe Walsh had recently recommended a different vocalist. In response, Van Halen reportedly quipped, “Oh, thanks Joe, but we got Mitch Malloy.”
Another poignant moment is captured in a fax sent to Van Halen’s management in September 1996. The fax reveals Malloy’s regrets about declining the opportunity to be considered for the lead vocalist position, citing his strong commitments and enthusiasm for his solo career in Nashville. He expressed gratitude for the experience and noted the meaningful connections he forged with Eddie and the band, which he plans to cherish for a lifetime.
In a candid comment below the video, Malloy expressed his disappointment: “Instead of being celebrated as Van Halen’s first choice to replace Sam, I’m left with sticking up for myself. It’s not right and it’s not fair to me. And I’m kinda pissed.”
He added, “Anyone else would not have handled this as well as I have. Ed told me that the last time I saw him. I just wish, in the end, he’d told the press the truth … so I don’t have to. I wish no one knew, to be honest.”
Exploring Mitch Malloy’s ‘Wicked Chemistry’ with Van Halen
When revisiting the Van Halen III demos, Malloy acknowledged that they didn’t inspire him enough to create new songs, yet he noted that there was undeniable “wicked chemistry” between him and the band, which is evident in their collaborative efforts. He believes that such chemistry would have blossomed into a formidable songwriting partnership.
He elaborated, stating, “I would have encouraged some of Eddie Van Halen’s heavier musical style, but you never know how things would evolve. Of course, the iconic riffs and chords originated from him; he was a true master of his craft. I would have also drawn inspiration from David Lee Roth, as I have a deep admiration for the early Van Halen records.”
Malloy acknowledges, “I obviously wasn’t going to replicate Dave’s sound, but that’s perfectly fine. It would have been an incredible experience, and I’m confident that we would have created something special, even if not everyone shared that view.”
He concluded by saying, “I will forever cherish every moment spent with Ed and Alex Van Halen.”
Watch Mitch Malloy’s New ‘It’s the Right Time’ Video and Experience the Music
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Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
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