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Dont forget, this is the dude that the Linksters think is Moses coming down from Howdy Doody Mountain. For your entertainment and education, The undeniable greatest source of factual Van Halen news on the planet, Ladies and Genitalman, we present Melodicrock. The history !!
Lets hope history repeats.
As posted by Musicman6538 on the alt.music.van-halen newsgroups.
Stories from melodicrock since 2000:
-----------------------------------
VAN HALEN WITH DAVID LEE ROTH:
David Lee Roth is to reunite with Van Halen under the moniker Van Halen with
David Lee Roth but don't expect this to be permanent, this will be very much
on a trial basis. The band is still looking for a permanent singer but has
finally given in to label and fan pressure to reunite with their original
lead singer.
No contracts have been signed and no agreements reached but the following
has happened. The band has been meeting with Roth and they have jammed
together. They have also been working on song ideas. However, contrary to
other reports nothing has been recorded yet. The title Van Halen with David
Lee Roth is one the band is reluctant to adopt but feel it best fits the
situation. They are not welcoming David back permanently but as a transitory
member only.
THE GRAMMY'S:
Official confirmation and their first public appearance together are likely
to be at the Grammy Awards February 23. A slot for the band to appear is
being worked on at the moment. By appearing, the band is hoping it could
recapture some of the spirit of the 1996 MTV Music Awards appearance.
It seems the idea of recording a full album of new material with Roth is not
want the band want to do. They feel any material with Roth may not be strong
enough and would rather move on than go backwards.
Their first choice for vocalist was to have Sammy Hagar rejoin. They feel
his songwriting ability is a major strength. The band felt they could have
picked up where they left off with Hagar but unfortunately Warner Bros. were
firmly in favor of a reunion with Roth.
There is major pressure from the label for an album and tour with Roth.
The guys love touring and know that a big tour would be very successful.
I have been told from another source that Warners will put up big bucks if
this tour was to get off the ground.
Eddie Van Halen is on record as saying that Van Halen is not a nostalgia
band and wouldn't want to do a nostalgia trip. But to most it does seem
inevitable this tour will happen.
Sammy Hagar was interested in rejoining but would rather see the fans and
the label get over the whole Dave reunion thing before he could even
contemplate further talks. He is also extremely happy with what he is doing
now.
Warner Bros proposed a dual Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth tour but Hagar
rejected this immediately.
GREATEST HITS VOLUME 2:
Current plans for Van Halen with David Lee Roth do not include a full new
studio album. Instead what is being prepared for release is Greatest Hits
Volume 2, which will once again include 2 newly recorded tracks with Roth.
These 2 new songs will come from work the band had already started with Gary
Cherone before his departure. Roth is contributing song ideas.
No recordings have taken place and a producer has not even been selected.
Danny Korchmar who was working with the band most recently and prior to
Gary's departure will not be involved. A possible producer is Glenn Ballard
who last worked with the band on the 2 new tracks that were added to
Greatest Hits Volume 1.
THE SUMMER TOUR:
The planned tour will be to support Greatest Hits Volume 2. The tour will go
under the before mentioned name Van Halen with David Lee Roth. I have been
informed it is at this point the band intends to let David Lee Roth go.
There are also contingency plans in place should the relationship with Roth
deteriorate mid tour.
Van Halen's future from this point is so far undecided but several ideas are
being discussed. In order to explain the options we need to take a step back
to Gary Cherone's departure.
WHY SAMMY SAID NO:
After Cherone left the band, Sammy Hagar was approached but due to label
pressure and their dual tour idea, Sammy declined. The band then began their
search for a new vocalist. The band talked with several singers before
giving into label pressure for the current David Lee Roth reunion. Talks
took place between the band and Billy Squier, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden
and even Sass Jordan. The band was looking for a vocalist with a solid
reputation and past history yet who were not involved in anything at
present.
Other singers talked about but never contacted include Eric Martin (Mr.
Big), Patty Smyth, Mitch Malloy, Johnny Gioeli (Hardline), Louie Merlino
(Beggars & Thieves) and Danny Bowes of Thunder. The rumored Sebastian Bach
link was false.
There is only one singer the band have met with and written and recorded any
songs. That is David Coverdale.
THE COVERDALE TAPES:
Coverdale's involvement with the band is all true. Everything rumored
several months ago actually happened.
The news was initially linked to the press to gauge fan reaction. After
initial reaction wasn't entirely favorable stories were run to cover up the
project.
An interview with David Coverdale rumored to be false and attacked was in
fact true. Sessions took place and a demo tape was recorded.
This tape contains 3 new songs written by the band with Coverdale and were
produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin. These new tracks are said to be amazing
and along the lines of Coverdale/Page with a For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
feel.
It is also said these tracks blow VH3 out of the water.
The remainder of the tape contains 20 songs, some in medley form with
Coverdale jamming with the band on various Van Halen tunes. Both Roth and
Hagar eras, plus some Whitesnake tunes, were covered.
Coverdale's drummer Denny Carmassi guests on the sessions. Mr. Big bass
player Billy Sheehan also guests as his band were recording in the studio
next door at the time.
The sessions with Coverdale went extremely well to the point where Eddie Van
Halen wants Coverdale as the next lead singer. Contact continues with
Coverdale and an arrangement exists if David Lee Roth leaves the band mid
tour Coverdale will step in.
THE NEXT VOCALIST:
That brings us now to the bands current options. With the tour to support
Greatest Hits 2 over there are two thoughts.
One is to record an all new studio album with a new lead singer, preferably
Coverdale, or the return of Sammy Hagar.
The second option is to record an album with multiple vocalists.
This is something that was previously touted, as this would allow the band
to feature several vocalists at once and gauge fan reaction to each.
The feeling is should one of these vocalists make a specific impact with the
fans then they would be the frontrunner for the permanent vocalist position.
This album, should it happen, will include at least 2 of the already
recorded Coverdale songs.
Other possible vocalists for the project include the already mentioned Billy
Squier, Sass Jordan and Sammy Hagar.
If the band chooses Coverdale for lead singer and then find themselves
without a label then there is apparently a guaranteed contract for the band
to record and tour for Portrait Records/Sony. John Kalodner has lent his
full support to the band.
The band is in no way contemplating retirement and would like to settle the
vocalist position. The fans and the label are all currently backing David
Lee Roth but the band feel it would all be for show and are not totally
comfortable with the idea of touring with him.
I have it on good authority that the band has been monitoring various sites
for fan reaction.
If you have any reasonable or realistic suggestions on who the band could
approach to guest on the album, should they choose that option, then add
your thoughts to the message board below.
Things change of course but it is my understanding that when there are any
further developments I will be notified.
THE DLR BAND:
Meanwhile, a source within the DLR Band camp confirmed they are still booked
to play some live dates in April/May and are scheduled to record a new
studio album later this year. Van Halen are aware of these arrangements.
There is more news fresh in today though. I have heard that there are fresh
attempts afoot to get David Lee Roth and Van Halen back to the negotiating
table again. BUT, if these current talks do not work out, the David Lee Roth
solo Eat Em And Smile line up will almost certainly be back on the road and in
the
studio in 2002.
The consistent thread in the 'information' sent to me is that the band
seemingly has no current timetable for any new release or tour. And despite
several attempts over the months, they have not been able to yet secure a
return to the band of either David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar. These are
apparently the obvious two options that have been looked at.
Ok, so here is what I have compiled from the rumours, hearsay, gossip and
miscellaneous reports sent my way.
Take from it what you will and feel free to further investigate this and try
and pick apart the information. Send me any updates and we might just one
day get to the bottom of what is going on in camp Van Halen.
Van Halen - The Band In General
* Van Halen are NOT ready to call it quits.
* Eddie Van Halen would prefer to move on as a band and create something
new, rather than go out on the road as a 'nostalgia' act.
Eddie though, is apparently itching to get back on the road and is looking
forward to the point where this happens.
* SRO / Ray Danniels Management was fired the day Gary Cherone quit the band
in October 1999. But a complete severing of ties between the band and
management has only just been achieved. There have been ongoing legal issues
regarding contractual agreements between SRO, Van Halen and Warner Bros. and
those issues were only just finalized in June this year.
* Due to the above legal problems, Van Halen still do not currently have
management set in place and have not had the right to hire new management
until the above issues were settled.
* The band is now ready to choose new management. One source however said
that management agencies are at the moment reluctant to look at the band
until a line up (vocalist) is finalized.
* Lawyers for both VH and DLR have apparently once again been in contact
with each other find out where each other stand. If there were no reply from
one side or the other, it would appear the re-union would be doomed. $$$ and
% share seems to be the major sticking points.
* VH1 have always had major interest in producing a Behind The Music special
on Van Halen. To this date, this has been consistently refused, but recent
rumours suggest the project is back on the agenda. A call to the VH1 Network
by a good contact of mine received this quote - "They have not reached an
agreement with the band to do one as yet..."
* My February 2000 Report: For the record, I am still no closer to
uncovering the real identity of who called me. I still believe it was a set
up (love conspiracy theories!), although have no idea why the Coverdale
story was a part of that set up.
This report was the subject of a lot of contention and it's contents were
later rejected in a phone call Scotti Ross made to me after I threatened to
use the 'sources' name unless they called me.
Incidentally, Scotti got my phone number after I left it with SRO asking
them to pass my message along. They obviously did so. This was in March
2000.
In July this year - only 2 weeks ago - and 18 months after the original set
of calls came in, I was finally able to speak one on one with the alleged
person who called me. They were not happy to hear from me, but his voice did
not match that of the one who called and they denied all knowledge of the
call and the information divulged.
Take the David Coverdale rumour out of the equation and the rest of the
information remains a pretty good read!!
Eddie Van Halen
* Was asked to do a commercial for Cancer research. He declined based on
privacy and personal issues.
* Looks a possibility to appear at the annual City Of Hope event in Studio
City, Los Angeles.
* Eddie Van Halen lays a lot of the blame for the failure of VH3 on producer
Mike Post. He also admitted songwriting was a big problem and is determined
to see the band redeem themselves on both points.
* Eddie's cancer scare was serious, but apparently never the main issue in
ongoing delays in new material being recorded. The lack of a singer is!
Alex Van Halen
* Is also reported to have also been in below average health over the past
months.
* Could be doing a new promo for Paiste Cymbals.
Michael Anthony
* A couple of reports suggest that he is working on an all new bass sound
for the next record, whatever form that record should take and whenever it
happens.
Sammy Hagar
* Sammy has apparently been approached several times to hang out with the
band and has so far declined. It must be noted though - there have been no
formal offers. Sammy, however, at this stage, has repeated several times
that he is quite happy as a solo artist and will continue doing that. He is
also still looking for an apology from Eddie and Alex Van Halen.
* A new item sent to me suggests that the Sammy Hagar era Van Halen records
have now been re-mastered. One rumour suggested these could have been
released in November. But a new opinion is that these remasters will not be
released until after the next studio album is released. This could be due to
the fact the release of the Dave era albums caused no end of speculation
about his imminent full time return to the band. The band do not want to
repeat this by issuing the Sammy era albums right now.
* Sammy continues to call the studio and has done over the past few years,
keeping in touch with Michael Anthony and other contacts in the VH camp.
* Sammy basically confirmed these details himself in a recent interview on
US radio station KSHE95.
David Lee Roth
* What ever Dave does next - Dave wins. He can't lose! Well, that's what I
think anyway...
His public profile is once again huge and interest in him as an artist is at
a 10 year high. The expectation of his fans is that he will join Van Halen,
but if he doesn't - for whatever reason - there are going to be several
projects and many offers waiting for him to consider.
* Dave has been busy setting up a Plan B - the VH back-up plan to be
considered if the re-union doesn't come together. He has planned to get his
classic Eat 'Em And Smile band line up back together and that looks
positive.
Billy Sheehan, Steve Vai and Gregg Bissonette are all ready to do so. This
could happen in 2002. 50/50 I am told from another 'source'.
Billy Sheehan's schedule looks to be clearing up - see breaking news story
below!
* Billy Sheehan, Gregg Bissonnette and Steve Vai have all talked to Dave on
the EEAS subject.
* It is rumoured from one source that Electra Records have offered David Lee
Roth a solo album deal with substantial promotional backing, if the album
includes the above line up. Elektra is closely monitoring the feedback and
success of Dave's current solo tour. If all is a success, a multi-album deal
could go through. Remember, rumour only folks!
* Another rumour is that David was given the lyric rights to the three tunes
recorded by Van Halen in their brief re-union last year. In line with the
above rumour, Electra apparently have expressed interest in including these
three songs as part of the Dave solo deal, naturally to be re-recorded by
the band featured on the solo album. One source I asked dismissed this
immediately.
* Roth initially gathered his band back together because he was tired of
waiting and hopes to push his cause with good reviews from the gigs.
* But apparently, Van Halen were not pleased to see Dave out on his own solo
tour.
* Dave has continued to keep his options open and is still working with
other people in case the VH reunion flops.
* A hot rumour says Dave was paid a non-refundable retainer for the Van
Halen sessions mid last year.
* Dave has maintained his silence in the whole affair in hope of the
re-union still going ahead. Any negative comments from him would kill the
project instantly.
* One rumour sent to me suggested that Dave wanted a 50% stake in the
re-union after the 1996 bungling, with Eddie apparently offering 35%!
But, this issue went unsettled. I would love to confirm or deny this one,
but it's pure hearsay.
These figures could also relate to any offer the band have made Sammy, as
another source suggested to me, but these are the figures being gossiped
about by some in the music industry.
Gary Cherone
* The former lead singer is now completely out of any legal dealings or
wrangles with band or former management. Apparently this was only settled in
June of this year.
* Gary was asked to forgo his rights to songs in progress that would have
been the next Van Halen record. That includes apparently 7 or 8 songs.
Apparently this was rejected, with one song titled Left For Dead, under
consideration for Gary's new project.
* There was consideration given to Tribe Of Judah supporting Sammy Hagar on
tour, but this has since been scuttled.
* Gary Cherone's new band, Tribe Of Judah (also featuring Mike Mangini & Pat
Badger, both ex-Extreme members) has four mp3's free for the downloading at
the following link: TOJOnline.com
* Gary is now being managed by ex-Extreme drummer Paul Geary.
Warner Brothers
* I was told the band has NOT been dropped from the label, but still DOES
NOT have an official recording contract with the label.
However, Warner Bros. will get first option on the band's next album.
* There have been no deadlines from Warner for a new album, as the label
have no say in the matter at all, due to the fact there is no current
recording contract.
However, the next album is likely to be a big deal, so they retain very
interested in developments.
* Apparently, the label did indicate that they wanted either Sammy Hagar or
David Lee Roth back in the band for the next studio album. It appears
rumours that Warner requested the next album to feature Sammy or David, or
the band will be free to shop for a new deal...were true.
Producers
* Andy Johns is the very latest producer rumoured to be involved with the
band.
His name is linked with rumours that Sammy Hagar is working with the band
with Andy is overseeing this. Thus far totally unconfirmed, but I will be
interviewing Andy next week on this topic and his entire production career.
* Ted Templeman is not now, nor has never been involved in the new VH
project. I am sorry to be one of many that repeated this rumour last year.
He is no longer a Warner Bros employee and hasn't been for some years now.
He has been totally uncontactable.
* Mike Clink was another name briefly mentioned several months ago...to no
confirmation.
* But Glen Ballard apparently would like to be involved!
* Bob Rock is another name connected with helping out the band at some
stage/s and again, has gone completely unconfirmed.
Other Miscellaneous Characters
* Apparently Pantera are interested in covering Van Halen's Everybody Wants
Some as a possible album track or B-Side for their next album. Time will
tell on that one...
* The upcoming Kiss box set will include a version of Christine Sixteen that
featured Eddie Van Halen on guitar.
The box set it due later this year or early in 2002, so details should be
available for this soon.
* The much loved Van Halen cover band Atomic Punks want to record a CD.
The interesting and exciting part of this news is that all the songs
considered for this album are old unreleased David Lee Roth era Van Halen
songs.
The band have recently recorded a demo to shop to perspective record labels.
But The Punks need Van Halen's official approval for the use of these songs,
but that hasn't come.
My source for this information has Alex Van Halen on record as saying "We're
not dead yet, so, why would we want this record out on the streets?"
The project remains in limbo...
* Michael Austin, son of Mo Austin - someone intrinsically involved with the
band in the past - was rumoured to be a part of the new re-union. I was able
to contact Michael, now working for Dreamworks, who kindly e-mailed me a
reply that said he has nothing to do with the band or their current plans.
Lets hope history repeats.
As posted by Musicman6538 on the alt.music.van-halen newsgroups.
Stories from melodicrock since 2000:
-----------------------------------
VAN HALEN WITH DAVID LEE ROTH:
David Lee Roth is to reunite with Van Halen under the moniker Van Halen with
David Lee Roth but don't expect this to be permanent, this will be very much
on a trial basis. The band is still looking for a permanent singer but has
finally given in to label and fan pressure to reunite with their original
lead singer.
No contracts have been signed and no agreements reached but the following
has happened. The band has been meeting with Roth and they have jammed
together. They have also been working on song ideas. However, contrary to
other reports nothing has been recorded yet. The title Van Halen with David
Lee Roth is one the band is reluctant to adopt but feel it best fits the
situation. They are not welcoming David back permanently but as a transitory
member only.
THE GRAMMY'S:
Official confirmation and their first public appearance together are likely
to be at the Grammy Awards February 23. A slot for the band to appear is
being worked on at the moment. By appearing, the band is hoping it could
recapture some of the spirit of the 1996 MTV Music Awards appearance.
It seems the idea of recording a full album of new material with Roth is not
want the band want to do. They feel any material with Roth may not be strong
enough and would rather move on than go backwards.
Their first choice for vocalist was to have Sammy Hagar rejoin. They feel
his songwriting ability is a major strength. The band felt they could have
picked up where they left off with Hagar but unfortunately Warner Bros. were
firmly in favor of a reunion with Roth.
There is major pressure from the label for an album and tour with Roth.
The guys love touring and know that a big tour would be very successful.
I have been told from another source that Warners will put up big bucks if
this tour was to get off the ground.
Eddie Van Halen is on record as saying that Van Halen is not a nostalgia
band and wouldn't want to do a nostalgia trip. But to most it does seem
inevitable this tour will happen.
Sammy Hagar was interested in rejoining but would rather see the fans and
the label get over the whole Dave reunion thing before he could even
contemplate further talks. He is also extremely happy with what he is doing
now.
Warner Bros proposed a dual Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth tour but Hagar
rejected this immediately.
GREATEST HITS VOLUME 2:
Current plans for Van Halen with David Lee Roth do not include a full new
studio album. Instead what is being prepared for release is Greatest Hits
Volume 2, which will once again include 2 newly recorded tracks with Roth.
These 2 new songs will come from work the band had already started with Gary
Cherone before his departure. Roth is contributing song ideas.
No recordings have taken place and a producer has not even been selected.
Danny Korchmar who was working with the band most recently and prior to
Gary's departure will not be involved. A possible producer is Glenn Ballard
who last worked with the band on the 2 new tracks that were added to
Greatest Hits Volume 1.
THE SUMMER TOUR:
The planned tour will be to support Greatest Hits Volume 2. The tour will go
under the before mentioned name Van Halen with David Lee Roth. I have been
informed it is at this point the band intends to let David Lee Roth go.
There are also contingency plans in place should the relationship with Roth
deteriorate mid tour.
Van Halen's future from this point is so far undecided but several ideas are
being discussed. In order to explain the options we need to take a step back
to Gary Cherone's departure.
WHY SAMMY SAID NO:
After Cherone left the band, Sammy Hagar was approached but due to label
pressure and their dual tour idea, Sammy declined. The band then began their
search for a new vocalist. The band talked with several singers before
giving into label pressure for the current David Lee Roth reunion. Talks
took place between the band and Billy Squier, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden
and even Sass Jordan. The band was looking for a vocalist with a solid
reputation and past history yet who were not involved in anything at
present.
Other singers talked about but never contacted include Eric Martin (Mr.
Big), Patty Smyth, Mitch Malloy, Johnny Gioeli (Hardline), Louie Merlino
(Beggars & Thieves) and Danny Bowes of Thunder. The rumored Sebastian Bach
link was false.
There is only one singer the band have met with and written and recorded any
songs. That is David Coverdale.
THE COVERDALE TAPES:
Coverdale's involvement with the band is all true. Everything rumored
several months ago actually happened.
The news was initially linked to the press to gauge fan reaction. After
initial reaction wasn't entirely favorable stories were run to cover up the
project.
An interview with David Coverdale rumored to be false and attacked was in
fact true. Sessions took place and a demo tape was recorded.
This tape contains 3 new songs written by the band with Coverdale and were
produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin. These new tracks are said to be amazing
and along the lines of Coverdale/Page with a For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
feel.
It is also said these tracks blow VH3 out of the water.
The remainder of the tape contains 20 songs, some in medley form with
Coverdale jamming with the band on various Van Halen tunes. Both Roth and
Hagar eras, plus some Whitesnake tunes, were covered.
Coverdale's drummer Denny Carmassi guests on the sessions. Mr. Big bass
player Billy Sheehan also guests as his band were recording in the studio
next door at the time.
The sessions with Coverdale went extremely well to the point where Eddie Van
Halen wants Coverdale as the next lead singer. Contact continues with
Coverdale and an arrangement exists if David Lee Roth leaves the band mid
tour Coverdale will step in.
THE NEXT VOCALIST:
That brings us now to the bands current options. With the tour to support
Greatest Hits 2 over there are two thoughts.
One is to record an all new studio album with a new lead singer, preferably
Coverdale, or the return of Sammy Hagar.
The second option is to record an album with multiple vocalists.
This is something that was previously touted, as this would allow the band
to feature several vocalists at once and gauge fan reaction to each.
The feeling is should one of these vocalists make a specific impact with the
fans then they would be the frontrunner for the permanent vocalist position.
This album, should it happen, will include at least 2 of the already
recorded Coverdale songs.
Other possible vocalists for the project include the already mentioned Billy
Squier, Sass Jordan and Sammy Hagar.
If the band chooses Coverdale for lead singer and then find themselves
without a label then there is apparently a guaranteed contract for the band
to record and tour for Portrait Records/Sony. John Kalodner has lent his
full support to the band.
The band is in no way contemplating retirement and would like to settle the
vocalist position. The fans and the label are all currently backing David
Lee Roth but the band feel it would all be for show and are not totally
comfortable with the idea of touring with him.
I have it on good authority that the band has been monitoring various sites
for fan reaction.
If you have any reasonable or realistic suggestions on who the band could
approach to guest on the album, should they choose that option, then add
your thoughts to the message board below.
Things change of course but it is my understanding that when there are any
further developments I will be notified.
THE DLR BAND:
Meanwhile, a source within the DLR Band camp confirmed they are still booked
to play some live dates in April/May and are scheduled to record a new
studio album later this year. Van Halen are aware of these arrangements.
There is more news fresh in today though. I have heard that there are fresh
attempts afoot to get David Lee Roth and Van Halen back to the negotiating
table again. BUT, if these current talks do not work out, the David Lee Roth
solo Eat Em And Smile line up will almost certainly be back on the road and in
the
studio in 2002.
The consistent thread in the 'information' sent to me is that the band
seemingly has no current timetable for any new release or tour. And despite
several attempts over the months, they have not been able to yet secure a
return to the band of either David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar. These are
apparently the obvious two options that have been looked at.
Ok, so here is what I have compiled from the rumours, hearsay, gossip and
miscellaneous reports sent my way.
Take from it what you will and feel free to further investigate this and try
and pick apart the information. Send me any updates and we might just one
day get to the bottom of what is going on in camp Van Halen.
Van Halen - The Band In General
* Van Halen are NOT ready to call it quits.
* Eddie Van Halen would prefer to move on as a band and create something
new, rather than go out on the road as a 'nostalgia' act.
Eddie though, is apparently itching to get back on the road and is looking
forward to the point where this happens.
* SRO / Ray Danniels Management was fired the day Gary Cherone quit the band
in October 1999. But a complete severing of ties between the band and
management has only just been achieved. There have been ongoing legal issues
regarding contractual agreements between SRO, Van Halen and Warner Bros. and
those issues were only just finalized in June this year.
* Due to the above legal problems, Van Halen still do not currently have
management set in place and have not had the right to hire new management
until the above issues were settled.
* The band is now ready to choose new management. One source however said
that management agencies are at the moment reluctant to look at the band
until a line up (vocalist) is finalized.
* Lawyers for both VH and DLR have apparently once again been in contact
with each other find out where each other stand. If there were no reply from
one side or the other, it would appear the re-union would be doomed. $$$ and
% share seems to be the major sticking points.
* VH1 have always had major interest in producing a Behind The Music special
on Van Halen. To this date, this has been consistently refused, but recent
rumours suggest the project is back on the agenda. A call to the VH1 Network
by a good contact of mine received this quote - "They have not reached an
agreement with the band to do one as yet..."
* My February 2000 Report: For the record, I am still no closer to
uncovering the real identity of who called me. I still believe it was a set
up (love conspiracy theories!), although have no idea why the Coverdale
story was a part of that set up.
This report was the subject of a lot of contention and it's contents were
later rejected in a phone call Scotti Ross made to me after I threatened to
use the 'sources' name unless they called me.
Incidentally, Scotti got my phone number after I left it with SRO asking
them to pass my message along. They obviously did so. This was in March
2000.
In July this year - only 2 weeks ago - and 18 months after the original set
of calls came in, I was finally able to speak one on one with the alleged
person who called me. They were not happy to hear from me, but his voice did
not match that of the one who called and they denied all knowledge of the
call and the information divulged.
Take the David Coverdale rumour out of the equation and the rest of the
information remains a pretty good read!!
Eddie Van Halen
* Was asked to do a commercial for Cancer research. He declined based on
privacy and personal issues.
* Looks a possibility to appear at the annual City Of Hope event in Studio
City, Los Angeles.
* Eddie Van Halen lays a lot of the blame for the failure of VH3 on producer
Mike Post. He also admitted songwriting was a big problem and is determined
to see the band redeem themselves on both points.
* Eddie's cancer scare was serious, but apparently never the main issue in
ongoing delays in new material being recorded. The lack of a singer is!
Alex Van Halen
* Is also reported to have also been in below average health over the past
months.
* Could be doing a new promo for Paiste Cymbals.
Michael Anthony
* A couple of reports suggest that he is working on an all new bass sound
for the next record, whatever form that record should take and whenever it
happens.
Sammy Hagar
* Sammy has apparently been approached several times to hang out with the
band and has so far declined. It must be noted though - there have been no
formal offers. Sammy, however, at this stage, has repeated several times
that he is quite happy as a solo artist and will continue doing that. He is
also still looking for an apology from Eddie and Alex Van Halen.
* A new item sent to me suggests that the Sammy Hagar era Van Halen records
have now been re-mastered. One rumour suggested these could have been
released in November. But a new opinion is that these remasters will not be
released until after the next studio album is released. This could be due to
the fact the release of the Dave era albums caused no end of speculation
about his imminent full time return to the band. The band do not want to
repeat this by issuing the Sammy era albums right now.
* Sammy continues to call the studio and has done over the past few years,
keeping in touch with Michael Anthony and other contacts in the VH camp.
* Sammy basically confirmed these details himself in a recent interview on
US radio station KSHE95.
David Lee Roth
* What ever Dave does next - Dave wins. He can't lose! Well, that's what I
think anyway...
His public profile is once again huge and interest in him as an artist is at
a 10 year high. The expectation of his fans is that he will join Van Halen,
but if he doesn't - for whatever reason - there are going to be several
projects and many offers waiting for him to consider.
* Dave has been busy setting up a Plan B - the VH back-up plan to be
considered if the re-union doesn't come together. He has planned to get his
classic Eat 'Em And Smile band line up back together and that looks
positive.
Billy Sheehan, Steve Vai and Gregg Bissonette are all ready to do so. This
could happen in 2002. 50/50 I am told from another 'source'.
Billy Sheehan's schedule looks to be clearing up - see breaking news story
below!
* Billy Sheehan, Gregg Bissonnette and Steve Vai have all talked to Dave on
the EEAS subject.
* It is rumoured from one source that Electra Records have offered David Lee
Roth a solo album deal with substantial promotional backing, if the album
includes the above line up. Elektra is closely monitoring the feedback and
success of Dave's current solo tour. If all is a success, a multi-album deal
could go through. Remember, rumour only folks!
* Another rumour is that David was given the lyric rights to the three tunes
recorded by Van Halen in their brief re-union last year. In line with the
above rumour, Electra apparently have expressed interest in including these
three songs as part of the Dave solo deal, naturally to be re-recorded by
the band featured on the solo album. One source I asked dismissed this
immediately.
* Roth initially gathered his band back together because he was tired of
waiting and hopes to push his cause with good reviews from the gigs.
* But apparently, Van Halen were not pleased to see Dave out on his own solo
tour.
* Dave has continued to keep his options open and is still working with
other people in case the VH reunion flops.
* A hot rumour says Dave was paid a non-refundable retainer for the Van
Halen sessions mid last year.
* Dave has maintained his silence in the whole affair in hope of the
re-union still going ahead. Any negative comments from him would kill the
project instantly.
* One rumour sent to me suggested that Dave wanted a 50% stake in the
re-union after the 1996 bungling, with Eddie apparently offering 35%!
But, this issue went unsettled. I would love to confirm or deny this one,
but it's pure hearsay.
These figures could also relate to any offer the band have made Sammy, as
another source suggested to me, but these are the figures being gossiped
about by some in the music industry.
Gary Cherone
* The former lead singer is now completely out of any legal dealings or
wrangles with band or former management. Apparently this was only settled in
June of this year.
* Gary was asked to forgo his rights to songs in progress that would have
been the next Van Halen record. That includes apparently 7 or 8 songs.
Apparently this was rejected, with one song titled Left For Dead, under
consideration for Gary's new project.
* There was consideration given to Tribe Of Judah supporting Sammy Hagar on
tour, but this has since been scuttled.
* Gary Cherone's new band, Tribe Of Judah (also featuring Mike Mangini & Pat
Badger, both ex-Extreme members) has four mp3's free for the downloading at
the following link: TOJOnline.com
* Gary is now being managed by ex-Extreme drummer Paul Geary.
Warner Brothers
* I was told the band has NOT been dropped from the label, but still DOES
NOT have an official recording contract with the label.
However, Warner Bros. will get first option on the band's next album.
* There have been no deadlines from Warner for a new album, as the label
have no say in the matter at all, due to the fact there is no current
recording contract.
However, the next album is likely to be a big deal, so they retain very
interested in developments.
* Apparently, the label did indicate that they wanted either Sammy Hagar or
David Lee Roth back in the band for the next studio album. It appears
rumours that Warner requested the next album to feature Sammy or David, or
the band will be free to shop for a new deal...were true.
Producers
* Andy Johns is the very latest producer rumoured to be involved with the
band.
His name is linked with rumours that Sammy Hagar is working with the band
with Andy is overseeing this. Thus far totally unconfirmed, but I will be
interviewing Andy next week on this topic and his entire production career.
* Ted Templeman is not now, nor has never been involved in the new VH
project. I am sorry to be one of many that repeated this rumour last year.
He is no longer a Warner Bros employee and hasn't been for some years now.
He has been totally uncontactable.
* Mike Clink was another name briefly mentioned several months ago...to no
confirmation.
* But Glen Ballard apparently would like to be involved!
* Bob Rock is another name connected with helping out the band at some
stage/s and again, has gone completely unconfirmed.
Other Miscellaneous Characters
* Apparently Pantera are interested in covering Van Halen's Everybody Wants
Some as a possible album track or B-Side for their next album. Time will
tell on that one...
* The upcoming Kiss box set will include a version of Christine Sixteen that
featured Eddie Van Halen on guitar.
The box set it due later this year or early in 2002, so details should be
available for this soon.
* The much loved Van Halen cover band Atomic Punks want to record a CD.
The interesting and exciting part of this news is that all the songs
considered for this album are old unreleased David Lee Roth era Van Halen
songs.
The band have recently recorded a demo to shop to perspective record labels.
But The Punks need Van Halen's official approval for the use of these songs,
but that hasn't come.
My source for this information has Alex Van Halen on record as saying "We're
not dead yet, so, why would we want this record out on the streets?"
The project remains in limbo...
* Michael Austin, son of Mo Austin - someone intrinsically involved with the
band in the past - was rumoured to be a part of the new re-union. I was able
to contact Michael, now working for Dreamworks, who kindly e-mailed me a
reply that said he has nothing to do with the band or their current plans.
Perhaps Hagar is back for two songs on BOV2 ? Who the hell knows at this point. But to treat Melodicrock as the God of all Van Halen information, simply because 
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