That Metal Show: Van Halen Considers Billy Sheehan [5/9/15]

[ExpConsciousnss]

Last Saturday, Billy talked about the past discussions he had with Van Halen about joining the band. You can see the clip here:

http://www.vh1.com/shows/that_metal_...1199028/video/



Two questions:

Were these just drunk discussions with Ed, or real offers? Billy says he would have loved the gig, so it sounds like the offers were never really made. In other words, he didn't turn them down and he wouldn't have.

What are the exact times the band (or a drunk Ed) discussed this with Billy? He is a little vague in the 2015 TMS clip, but was more detailed in a 2009 interview below.

Todd: Any truth to the rumors that you were approached regarding replacing Michael Anthony in Van Halen? In hindsight, it’s a seemingly logical move considering your connection to David Lee Roth as a solo artist…

Billy: “Yeah, I was. For a long time, I denied it because (former Van Halen bassist) Michael (Anthony) is a dear friend of mine. I love him so much. I was kinda caught in the middle. …It’s happened several times. Once right after we (Talas) toured with them in 1980, it happened again in ’82 after the Diver Down record, it happened again just before Dave called me…and then, when I was out of Mr. Big before the Gary Cherone thing (i.e. 1998’s abysmal Van Halen III) happened, I spoke with them and then I spoke with them again after that as well. So it’s happened a bunch of times. We’ve always been toying with it (laughs). I went over to Ed’s a couple of times and we jammed and talked about stuff. He’s such a wonderful guy. I would love to go out with just Ed and a drummer, ya know?

But as much as I would have liked to be in the band, I didn’t want the band to change, because I’m a fan of Van Halen. If Michael ain’t up there, it ain’t the same band, even if it’s me, ya know? But I’m sure if the opportunity would have gone further, I would have taken it. We talked about it seriously a couple of different times as several different points, but it never actually materialized.

When they got back together with Dave and went out without Michael, I was kinda sad about it. So I’m very honored and I love all of those guys. …Alex, Eddie, Dave and Michael, I love them all completely and I wish they were all together again. At least Dave and Eddie are back together again. I’m happy about that, ya know? That’s how it goes. …Who knows what tomorrow will bring. I’m just glad they’re back together and hope they’re happy. I love Van Halen. I love all four of the Van Halens and they’ve all been a great, great influence on me.”



Read more: http://www.vhnd.com/2009/06/30/billy...#ixzz3ZvbleAR6

Glad it didn't happen, for Van Halen didn't need two wankers up there tapping and horrible background vocals, but boy is Ed a big tease. "Hey Billy, we should get you in the band!" "Yeah, Ed. You gonna tease me with this again, huh?"

[ExpConsciousnss]

At the 2:00 minute mark, Trunks says that Billy revealed this for the first time on his radio program the night before (Friday night). Such bullshit, as the 2009 print interview quoted above shows. Trunk is always so full of it.

[FORD]

Trunk always overestimates his own relevance. Not to mention he's a Hagar loving sheep

[Kristy]

Metal musicians rarely age well. Butt-ugly freaks.

[twonabomber]

Skyscraper was a dance record?

[Kristy]

Is Cleveland a shithole?

[twonabomber]

Stay on topic, cunt.

[Anonymous]

Is Cleveland a shithole?

I hear there's lots of Mejicanos about.

Playing football! The European one! IN PUBLIC! It's a shameless debauchery. I wouldn't go there if I was you.

Cheers!

[twonabomber]

I hear there's lots of Mejicanos about.

Playing football! The European one! IN PUBLIC! It's a shameless debauchery. I wouldn't go there if I was you.

Cheers!

No Mexicans in Cleveland. The blacks like 'em even less than I do.

It's okay if Cleveland's a shithole. I don't live within Cleveland's city limits.

[Seshmeister]

Metal musicians rarely age well. Butt-ugly freaks.

Too much naughtiness and late nights.

[Phil theStalker]

Is Cleveland a shithole?

CLEV/land's INN dis CRAZed GUNn VIDEoo. dAT shud teLL ya'll sumtin'.

[Phil theStalker]

Dis wuz cuntSEXpected.

[Anonymous]

Too much naughtiness and late nights.

You sound like my grandmother, bless her soul.

Cheers!