All-Encompassing Van Halen New Album / Interscope Thread

[CROWBAR]

So little faith in our man Diamond Dave. I have no doubt that if Dave didn't have any say in what they are doing - he would not be in the band.

As far as 96 goes, sure, the brothers had Cherone in the wings but I think it all gets a little grey as to whether or not they were really exploring the possibility of working with Dave more permanently - if he was compliant enough for them. He was not, he walked rather than put up with the BS, they went with Cherone (who they may have gone with anyway - who really knows).

And if he is muzzled now, it is because he has chosen to muzzle himself. If EVH and AVH were out there talking I would have a problem with Dave's silence. But none of them are talking. They probably have an agreement to not talk publicly about what they are doing until its all 100 percent. It's frustrating, but there's nothing really wrong with that.

As far as Dave not being in the studio with them - the VHND reported that he was - so you either believe them or you don't.

I think you really don't know your VH history when it comes to the 1996 fiasco. Nope. Maybe someone also will care to explain it to you.

It's a little more cut and dried than that, my friend. According to Dave's Crazy From The Heat memoir, the entire scenario of Cherone joining the band was a foregone conclusion before Roth was approached for the Best Of album. Remember, the "group" were already being managed by Ray Daniels at this time, who coincidentally handled Extreme. Since that band had imploded, Daniels was retained by Cherone as his personal manager. In the book, Roth lays out how this scheme unfolded, and how it was entirely orchestrated as a con job from the very beginning.

Thanks Chef

[CROWBAR]

Is there still a link to Dave's open letter to the VH Bros regarding the '96 debacle around here?

[chefcraig]

Is there still a link to Dave's open letter to the VH Bros regarding the '96 debacle around here?

Here is the famous letter, and the response issued by the brothers a day later. Both courtesy of the VHND.

Open Letter From David Lee Roth

October 2, 1996

To whom this may concern,

You've probably heard rumors that Van Halen and I will not be consummating our highly publicized reunion. And since neither Edward, Alex, nor Michael have corroborated or denied the gossip, I would like to go on record with the following: Eddie did it.

It's no secret, nor am I ashamed of my unbashed rapture at the prospect of resurrecting the original Van Halen. A "couple of songs" was all I knew for sure when Edward and I got together three months ago to write them. At that time, the band tip-toed around me sprinkling sentiments like, "this isn't sure thing, Dave: this doesn't mean anything long term, Dave; we're still auditioning other singers, Dave." I was cool. I was happy. I was in the moment.

The next thing I knew, the four of us are doing surprise walk-on at the MTV Awards. I told Edward at that time that I didn't think it was a good idea for the band to go to New York half-cocked; and that I didn't want to Imply by our presence that we were "back" if in fact it was just a quickle for old time's sake.

Well ain't hind sight always 20/20...Had I asked for something in writing, this wouldn't have happened. Had I acknowledged the occasional icy grip in my stomach, maybe this wouldn't have happened. But I didn't. Like I said--rapture. And, I love these guys. Do I trust them? That question never entered my mind.

Then, a series of events last week led me to discover at about the same time the press did, that the band, along with their manager, had already hired another lead singer, possibly as long as three months ago. I wonder how he felt the night of the MTV Awards. It certainly explains why on that night Edward looked as uncomfortable as a man who just signed a deal with The Devil. I can't think of a reason Edward would lie to me about being considered for the lead singer when he had already hired someone, and then let me appear on MTV under the impression that there was great likelihood that Van Halen and I were reuniting. As I said, I told him in no uncertain terms that I didn't want to do the MTV gig as a band unless we were in fact, a band.

And so I apologize to my fans and my supporters, and to MTV. I was an unwitting participant in this deception. It sickens me that the "reunion" as seen on MTV was nothing more than a publicity stunt. If I am guilty of anything, I'm guilty of denial. I wanted to believe it just as much as anyone else. Those who know me know that trickery was never my style.



Van Halen Press Release

October 2, 1996 - This is in response to David Lee Roth's open letter (see above). It will be officially released to the press tomorrow (October 3).

We parted company with David Lee Roth 11 years ago for many reasons. In his open letter of October 2nd, we were reminded of some of them. The intention all along was to do two new songs with Dave for the Best Of Volume 1 package. He was never lead to believe anything but that. When the four of us were asked by MTV and Warner Bros. to present an award at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, the four of us agreed.

Dave was never an "unwitting participant". We appeared in public just as we do before releasing any other Van Halen record. For the last two weeks we have been working with someone who we hope will be part of the future of Van Halen, although no final decision can be announced until contractual considerations have been resolved.

Van Halen will go forward and create the best possible music that we can.

Edward, Alex, Michael

[Va Beach VH Fan]

And, of course, it's on our calendar....

http://www.rotharmy.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2010-10-2&c=1

[VAiN]

By your logic, you could say the exact same thing about Alex. The difference being is that he shares the same last name as Deaddy, so you'll just give him a free pass.

Guess I don't understand those of you who keep pining for them. Makes no sense to me. There isn't anything left in the tank. If you ever do get an album, it's gonna sound phoned in. I have absolutely no desire to Ed's little runt either. Wouldn't be surprised if Deaddy plays the bass and gives Junior the credit for it too. I don't put anything past him anymore considering his recent behavior these past few years.

As far as Alex goes, sure I'll give him a pass - Ed hasn't wanted to fire him since about 1981.

As far as those of us pining for it - Look, I was 10 years old in 1984. I never got to see them with Dave until 07-08, where I took full advantage and was fortunate enough to catch them 6 times... So how about cutting us a little slack? I respect that you've been a fan since day 1, and I understand your frustration... but poo-pooing it at every opportunity isn't helping.

[PETE'S BROTHER]

i think crowbar needs a shave.

[Halen High]

I stand corrected on 96.

I haven't read that letter since back in the day - very depressing and straight forward.

Just can't believe they went with Cherone, rather than a CVH reunion. Amazing!

[Halen High]

Here is the famous letter, and the response issued by the brothers a day later. Both courtesy of the VHND.

Open Letter From David Lee Roth

October 2, 1996

To whom this may concern,

You've probably heard rumors that Van Halen and I will not be consummating our highly publicized reunion. And since neither Edward, Alex, nor Michael have corroborated or denied the gossip, I would like to go on record with the following: Eddie did it.

It's no secret, nor am I ashamed of my unbashed rapture at the prospect of resurrecting the original Van Halen. A "couple of songs" was all I knew for sure when Edward and I got together three months ago to write them. At that time, the band tip-toed around me sprinkling sentiments like, "this isn't sure thing, Dave: this doesn't mean anything long term, Dave; we're still auditioning other singers, Dave." I was cool. I was happy. I was in the moment.

The next thing I knew, the four of us are doing surprise walk-on at the MTV Awards. I told Edward at that time that I didn't think it was a good idea for the band to go to New York half-cocked; and that I didn't want to Imply by our presence that we were "back" if in fact it was just a quickle for old time's sake.

Well ain't hind sight always 20/20...Had I asked for something in writing, this wouldn't have happened. Had I acknowledged the occasional icy grip in my stomach, maybe this wouldn't have happened. But I didn't. Like I said--rapture. And, I love these guys. Do I trust them? That question never entered my mind.

Then, a series of events last week led me to discover at about the same time the press did, that the band, along with their manager, had already hired another lead singer, possibly as long as three months ago. I wonder how he felt the night of the MTV Awards. It certainly explains why on that night Edward looked as uncomfortable as a man who just signed a deal with The Devil. I can't think of a reason Edward would lie to me about being considered for the lead singer when he had already hired someone, and then let me appear on MTV under the impression that there was great likelihood that Van Halen and I were reuniting. As I said, I told him in no uncertain terms that I didn't want to do the MTV gig as a band unless we were in fact, a band.

And so I apologize to my fans and my supporters, and to MTV. I was an unwitting participant in this deception. It sickens me that the "reunion" as seen on MTV was nothing more than a publicity stunt. If I am guilty of anything, I'm guilty of denial. I wanted to believe it just as much as anyone else. Those who know me know that trickery was never my style.



Van Halen Press Release

October 2, 1996 - This is in response to David Lee Roth's open letter (see above). It will be officially released to the press tomorrow (October 3).

We parted company with David Lee Roth 11 years ago for many reasons. In his open letter of October 2nd, we were reminded of some of them. The intention all along was to do two new songs with Dave for the Best Of Volume 1 package. He was never lead to believe anything but that. When the four of us were asked by MTV and Warner Bros. to present an award at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, the four of us agreed.

Dave was never an "unwitting participant". We appeared in public just as we do before releasing any other Van Halen record. For the last two weeks we have been working with someone who we hope will be part of the future of Van Halen, although no final decision can be announced until contractual considerations have been resolved.

Van Halen will go forward and create the best possible music that we can.

Edward, Alex, Michael

Thanks Chef. And reading Dave's letter again does prove my point that he ain't nobody's bitch - that's for sure!

[VAiN]

Just can't believe they went with Cherone, rather than a CVH reunion. Amazing!

That's just about when I really started to accept Ed as a complete dick....

[Halen High]

I think you really don't know your VH history when it comes to the 1996 fiasco. Nope. Maybe someone also will care to explain it to you.




Thanks Chef

Crowbar - I will take the revision class on 96/EVH. You may need to take the revision class on who DLR is and what he stands for.

[Halen High]

I'm thinking some of the 08 footage will pop up in a video.... at least I hope so.

If we get a DVD of new videos with all the CVH stuff, they could stick a couple of songs from their best filmed show from 08 on it (did they film Madison Square Garden?)

[Halen High]

One of the reasons I'm being so optimistic regarding the new album is this from a 2009 interview with Eddie (Rolling Stone I think);

"No, I am always writing, you know. But we're a true band now. It wasn't just a reunion one-off thing. I've already gone to Dave's house four or five times over the last month. I've got so much music. It's just trying to figure out what Dave's into because we haven't written together in a long time. But it's great. It feels like we've always felt in the beginning. But I'm sober, so it's different. He's sober, so it's different. It's a wonderful feeling."

If this vibe continued through to January/February 2011, it's good reason to be optimistic.

[CROWBAR]

Crowbar - I will take the revision class on 96/EVH. You may need to take the revision class on who DLR is and what he stands for.

Nope, I shan't need to do that. Dave showed me what he was all about by agreeing to Ed's terms before touring in 2007. Dave went back on his word (he stated on his short lived radio show that all four of the original members would need to do a final reunion tour for closure and they could all move on) and he folded in his cards. Any integrity he may have had leading up to that time just went sailing right out the window big time. It came down to $$$$$ for Dave, bottom line. The real kicker here with his poor decision is that he stood to make far greater money had he pushed for that original reunion as he kept going on about. He could have toured the world again instead of just the States, and perhaps got his name out there one more time. Outside of VH, I don't think anyone knows who he is anymore besides the diehards. Oh well, that's what he chose to do.

DLR doesn't stand for much bro

[Halen High]

Nope, I shan't need to do that. Dave showed me what he was all about by agreeing to Ed's terms before touring in 2007. Dave went back on his word (he stated on his short lived radio show that all four of the original members would need to do a final reunion tour for closure and they could all move on) and he folded in his cards. Any integrity he may have had leading up to that time just went sailing right out the window big time. It came down to $$$$$ for Dave, bottom line. The real kicker here with his poor decision is that he stood to make far greater money had he pushed for that original reunion as he kept going on about. He could have toured the world again instead of just the States, and perhaps got his name out there one more time. Outside of VH, I don't think anyone knows who he is anymore besides the diehards. Oh well, that's what he chose to do.

DLR doesn't stand for much bro

I know what you mean mate. I think Dave just wanted to save Van Halen from obscurity, even it meant a huge compromise on his part. He must have been really pissed off when they told him Mike was out because he knew what the fans wanted. From my own point of view, I was so bummed that after all these years we don't get a true reunion. Every time I see a CVH photo I think...if only!

Then again, I was just amped to be rid of Sammy and have Dave back, and read all those great reviews of VH shows featuring nothing but CVH tunes.

[chefcraig]

If this vibe continued through to January/February 2011, it's good reason to be optimistic.

I dunno...I guess I'll admit to a sense of "cautious optimism". Considering Edward Van Halen's musical output over the past decade hasn't exactly been what one would claim to be of award winning caliber, the ball is pretty much in Dave Roth's court (as to his performance and lyrics) to carry things through to a successful conclusion. And if that is the case, the bar is set fairly low, as topping "Learning To Drive" or any of the other "new" turds from the Best Of Both Worlds compilation shouldn't be a feat equal to climbing Mount Everest.