Stream final song written by Alex and Eddie Van Halen

Alex Van Halen is offering free downloads of "Unfinished", the last song he wrote with Eddie Van Halen.

Now available for download at Van-Halen.com and streamed below, the song is featured as part of “Brothers”, Alex’s newly-published memoir via HarperCollins.

The project sees the iconic drummer share his personal story of family, friendship, music, and brotherly love in a remarkable tribute to his beloved brother and bandmate.

Told with acclaimed New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, “Brothers” is seventy-year-old drummer Alex's love letter to his younger brother, Edward (Maybe "Ed," but never "Eddie"), written while still mourning his untimely death.

"I was with him from day one," Alex writes. "We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming famous, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I've spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.”

Eddie passed away in 2020 at the age of 65 from a stroke and other issues following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Pick up some Van Halen for your collection here.


See also:

Alex Van Halen announces Brothers book events
Stream preview of final song written by Alex and Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen book Tonechaser explores iconic guitarist’s history
New video surfaces for David Lee Roth cover of Gerry Rafferty classic Baker Street
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Van Halen tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

Drummer Alex Van Halen has announced a series of events in support of his forthcoming memoir, “Brothers.”

Read all about it in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.


hennemusic Hot 10
week ending October 6, 2024

01 – Alex Van Halen announces Brothers book events
02 – The Eagles expand Las Vegas residency
03 – David Gilmour streams tour rehearsal video of Pink Floyd classics
04 – Oasis expand North American reunion tour
05 – Def Leppard share episode 3 of summer stadium tour video series
06 – Queen share 1975 performance of Son And Daughter
07 – Stream preview of final song written by Alex and Eddie Van Halen
08 – Metallica stream Seek And Destroy from first Mexico City show
09 – Oasis announce North American reunion tour dates
10 – Iron Maiden announce 50th anniversary world tour


See also:

Sep 29: Iron Maiden
Sep 22: Def Leppard
Sep 15: Metallica
Sep 08: Van Halen
Sep 01: Van Halen

Alex Van Halen announces Brothers book events

Alex Van Halen has announced a trio of events in support of his forthcoming memoir, “Brothers.”

Due October 22 via HarperCollins, the project sees the iconic drummer share his personal story of family, friendship, music, and brotherly love in a remarkable tribute to his beloved brother and bandmate.

Told with acclaimed New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, “Brothers” is seventy-year-old drummer Alex's love letter to his younger brother, Edward (Maybe "Ed," but never "Eddie"), written while still mourning his untimely death.

"I was with him from day one," Alex writes. "We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming famous, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I've spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.”

Alex will host book signings in New York City and Northvale, NJ, and take part in a live conversation event in Los Angeles that will also be streamed, as follows:

Monday, October 21 @ 12 Noon – Barnes & Noble – NYC
Tuesday, October 22 @ 6 PM – Books & Greetings – Northvale, NJ
Thursday, October 24 @ 8 PM – Live Talks LA @ the Frost Auditorium in Culver City, CA

Tickets for the book signing and live conversation events are available now via Van-Halen.com.

Pick up some Van Halen for your collection here.


See also:

Stream preview of final song written by Alex and Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen book Tonechaser explores iconic guitarist’s history
New video surfaces for David Lee Roth cover of Gerry Rafferty classic Baker Street
Van Halen stream 1991 Dallas performance of Top Of The World
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Stream preview of final song written by Alex and Eddie Van Halen

Alex Van Halen is streaming a preview of "Unfinished", the last song he wrote with Eddie Van Halen.

The song is featured in the audiobook version of Alex’s memoir “Brothers”, which will be published by HarperCollins on October 22.

The project sees the iconic drummer share his personal story of family, friendship, music, and brotherly love in a remarkable tribute to his beloved brother and bandmate.

Told with acclaimed New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, “Brothers” is seventy-year-old drummer Alex's love letter to his younger brother, Edward (Maybe "Ed," but never "Eddie"), written while still mourning his untimely death.

"I was with him from day one," Alex writes. "We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming famous, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I've spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.”

Eddie passed away in 2020 at the age of 65 from a stroke and other issues following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Pick up some Van Halen for your collection here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reverend Al (@alexvanhalenofficial)

See also:

Eddie Van Halen book Tonechaser explores iconic guitarist’s history
New video surfaces for David Lee Roth cover of Gerry Rafferty classic Baker Street
Van Halen stream 1991 Dallas performance of Top Of The World
David Lee Roth shares cover of Tommy Tutone classic 867-5309/Jenny
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Alex Van Halen previews Brothers memoir

The first preview of the forthcoming Alex Van Halen memoir, “Brothers”, is now available.

Due October 22 via HarperCollins, the project – according to details shared by the Van Halen Store – sees the iconic drummer share his personal story of family, friendship, music, and brotherly love in a remarkable tribute to his beloved brother and bandmate.

Told with acclaimed New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, “Brothers” is seventy-year-old drummer Alex's love letter to his younger brother, Edward (Maybe "Ed," but never "Eddie"), written while still mourning his untimely death.

In his rough yet sweet voice, Alex recounts the brothers' childhood, first in the Netherlands and then in working-class Pasadena, California, with an itinerant musician father and a very proper Indonesian-born mother—the kind of mom who admonished her boys to "always wear a suit" no matter how famous they became—a woman who was both proud and practical, nonchalant about taking a doggie bag from a star-studded dinner. He also shares tales of musical politics, infighting, and plenty of bad-boy behavior. But mostly, his is a story of brotherhood, music, and enduring love.

"I was with him from day one," Alex writes. "We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming famous, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I've spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.”

There has never been an accurate account of them or the band, and Alex wants to set the record straight on Edward's life and death.

“Brothers” includes never-before-seen photos from the author's private archive; visit the Van Halen Store here.

Eddie passed away in 2020 at the age of 65 from a stroke and other issues following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Van Halen recently delivered the No. 1 Rock News Story Of The Year and were named the No. 2 Rock News Artist Of The Year as part of the 2023 hennemusic Rock News Awards.

Pick up your copy of 1978’s “Van Halen” here.


See also:

Alex Van Halen to publish autobiography Brothers
Wolfgang Van Halen and Mammoth WVH rock Jimmy Kimmel Live
Motley Crue and Van Halen win 2023 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Rock News Story Of The Year No. 1: VAN HALEN
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Van Halen tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

Bassist Michael Anthony has confirmed that a documentary about his former band is in production.

Read all about it in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.

hennemusic Hot 10
week ending January 14, 2018

01 – Van Halen documentary in production
02 – Eric Clapton reveals he is going deaf
03 – AC/DC: Malcolm Young charity tribute concert announced
04 – Jack White premieres video for new single Connected By Love
05 – Guns N’ Roses reunion now among top 5 tours in history
06 – Ace Frehley to perform at NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day
07 – The Eagles expand North American tour
08 – The Eagles sweep the 2017 hennemusic Rock News Awards
09 – The Eagles add pair of stadium shows to North American tour
10 – Robert Plant to release Festival Of Disruption live DVD


See also:

Jan 07: AC/DC
Dec 31: Whitesnake
Dec 24: Led Zeppelin
Dec 17: Wolfgang Van Halen
Dec 10: Nirvana

Van Halen documentary in production

Bassist Michael Anthony has confirmed that a documentary about his former band, Van Halen, is in production.

"Filmed an interview today for a Van Halen documentary in the works,” Anthony posted on Instagram on January 6. “Brought up many great memories! I’ll let you all know when it will air. Cameraman John on the left worked video camera on our monsters of rock tour with AC/DC in Europe!"

Few details about the production are known at this time, including the possible participation of other past and current Van Halen members as 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the group’s groundbreaking self-titled debut album.

Anthony joined Van Halen in 1974 and appeared on the band’s albums and tours through 2004, when he was removed from the lineup by guitarist Eddie Van Halen because he remained friendly with Sammy Hagar after the singer’s stint in the band.

The bassist joined the group’s ill-fated 2004 reunion trek with Hagar only after taking a pay cut and signing away his rights to any future use of the VH brand name in a business move by the guitarist.

Despite being unceremoniously replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang, in 2007, the always-amiable Anthony remains open to the idea of reuniting with the classic Van Halen lineup for a 40th anniversary tour this year.

"I'm always the guy that says never say never,” said Anthony at the 2017 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show in Anaheim, CA. “But, you know, right now, I'm just having fun doing what I'm doing, and if it happens, it'll happen. I'm obviously open to it, if something happens with it."

Since his departure from the lineup, Anthony has recorded and toured with the Red Rocker and Hagar-led bands Chickenfoot and The Circle.

Van Halen have not revealed any plans for new music or another tour since the end of a 2015 North American tour in support of “Tokyo Dome Live In Concert.”

David Lee Roth was named the No. 10 Rock News Artist Of The Year as part of the 2017 hennemusic Rock News Awards.

Filmed an interview today for a Van Halen documentary in the works. Brought up many great memories! I’ll let you all know when it will air. Cameraman John on the left worked video camera on our monsters of rock tour with AC/DC in Europe!!#vanhalen #rememberingthebesttimes #VHROCKED #greatmemories

A post shared by Michael Anthony (@mad_anthony_bassman) on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:23pm PST

See also:

Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 10: DAVID LEE ROTH
AUDIO: Wolfgang Van Halen streams debut solo album preview
Sammy Hagar claims he’s given up on Van Halen reunion
VIDEO: David Lee Roth performs at Summer Spectacular Under The Stars benefit
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Former Van Halen bassist mourns death of infant grandson

Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony is mourning the death of his infant grandson, Rex, at just two weeks of age.

Rex Becerra was born to Anthony’s daughter Elisha and husband Billy Becerra on March 20, and, as the rocker explains, he “was quickly diagnosed with Heart Disease within 9 hours of birth and was transported to two hospitals and ultimately landed at Children's Hospital LA where he underwent open heart surgery. The surgery was successful, however, Rex's heart was too weak to overcome the recovery.”

After the family removed him from life support, Rex passed away on April 4.

“We are tremendously proud of Rex,” says Anthony. “In the short time on earth he left a lasting impression that our family will cherish.”

The bassist is sharing news of his family’s loss and their efforts to raise funds for the hospital in Rex’s name.

“I am doing the ‘Walk L.A.’ in June for Children’s Hospital L.A. with our families to give back a little to the hospital that did so much for my grandson and other children that come here,” Anthony explains.

The rocker is encouraging others to participate in the June 17 event while he and his family are hoping to raise $10,000 in donations to benefit the hospital.

To donate to Michael Anthony’s Walk L.A. fundraising page, click here.

A member of Chickenfoot and The Circle, Anthony recently revealed that he is open to the idea of reuniting with the classic Van Halen lineup for a possible 40th anniversary tour in 2018.

The bassist joined Van Halen in 1974 and appeared on the group’s albums and tours through 2004, when he was removed from the lineup by guitarist Eddie Van Halen because he remained friendly with Sammy Hagar after the singer’s stint in the band.

The guitarist’s son, Wolfgang, has been handling bass duties in Van Halen ever since.


See also:

VIDEO: Eddie Van Halen supports music education in schools
Eddie Van Halen spends time with terminal cancer patient
Michael Anthony open to Van Halen reunion for 40th anniversary tour
David Lee Roth sued by landscaper over alleged dog attack
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Van Halen tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

Bassist Michael Anthony says he is open to the idea of reuniting with the classic Van Halen lineup for a possible 40th anniversary tour in 2018.

Read all about it in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.


hennemusic Hot 10
week ending February 12, 2017

01 – Michael Anthony open to Van Halen reunion for 40th anniversary tour
02 – Eddie Van Halen spends time with terminal cancer patient
03 – Santana announces US summer tour
04 – Tom Petty expands 40th anniversary tour
05 – AUDIO: Chickenfoot stream new song Divine Termination
06 – VIDEO: Angus Young joins Guns N’ Roses for AC/DC classics in Sydney
07 – VIDEO: Black Sabbath perform final farewell concert
08 – Cheap Trick recording new album
09 – VIDEO: Ronnie James Dio hologram makes US debut at Pollstar Awards
10 – VIDEO: Adam Lambert and James Corden perform Queen sing-off battle on The Late Late Show


See also:

Feb 05: David Lee Roth
Jan 29: Cheap Trick
Jan 22: Def Leppard
Jan 15: Deep Purple
Jan 08: AC/DC

AUDIO: Chickenfoot stream new song Divine Termination

Chickenfoot are streaming their new single, “Divine Termination”, ahead of its appearance on the March 10 release of their compilation, “Best + Live.”

The supergroup of Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith debuted the tune last spring during the band's two reunion shows at Harrah's Lake Tahoe.

The two-disc “Best + Live” package presents tracks from the band’s two studio albums alongside audio from a 2009 concert in Phoenix, AZ originally only available as video on the 2010 DVD/Blu-ray "Get Your Buzz On."

"Listening to this collection of songs from the ‘Foot brings back memories of some of the most fun I've ever had in a band,” says Hagar. “The chemistry between Chad, Joe, Mike and me is very special. It's almost like visual music -- you can see us having fun when you listen to these songs."

Chickenfoot’s ability to regroup for live shows and recording has been a challenge based on the schedules of its members, with Hagar touring solo and with Anthony in The Circle, Satriani’s solo albums and tours and Smith’s work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

After disappointing sales for their first two records, a frustrated Hagar revealed in 2014 that the group had no plans to record albums in the future.

“Going through the whole experience with a record label,” explained Hagar, “and then going out and doing 150 interviews, a big tour and waking up at 4:00 a.m. to go on Howard Stern all to sell 35,000 CDs…It starts to feel like, ‘Hmmmm. Is this pay for play?’"

“I mean, I love making music,” he added. “But doing it on Chickenfoot's level means spending a half million on a record. We write and record for six months. It's a lot of work, and then to not sell many records. It's disappointing. I don't like being disappointed. I like winning.”

Chickenfoot’s 2009 debut achieved gold status for US sales of 500,000, while the sophomore effort failed to hit that mark; it did, however, earn a 2012 Grammy Award nomination in the “Best Recording Package” category.


See also:

Chickenfoot compilation to include new song Divine Termination
Sammy Hagar to release new compilation this week
Sammy Hagar apologizes to Van Halen
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar and Kenny Chesney rock I Can’t Drive 55
Search Sammy Hagar at hennemusic

Michael Anthony open to Van Halen reunion for 40th anniversary tour

Bassist Michael Anthony says he is open to the idea of reuniting with the classic Van Halen lineup for a possible 40th anniversary tour in 2018.

"I'm always the guy that says never say never,” Anthony told Sayaka Shiomi at the recent National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show in Anaheim, CA where he was launching his new signature Schecter Limited Edition Flame Bass. “But, you know, right now, I'm just having fun doing what I'm doing, and if it happens, it'll happen. I'm obviously open to it, if something happens with it. Next year, I guess, is the fortieth anniversary of our first album, so who knows?"

Van Halen have not revealed any plans for new music or another tour since the end of a 2015 North American run in support of “Tokyo Dome Live In Concert.”

Anthony joined Van Halen in 1974 and appeared on the group’s albums and tours through 2002, when he was removed from the lineup by guitarist Eddie Van Halen because he remained friendly with Sammy Hagar after the singer’s stint in the band.

The bassist joined the group’s ill-fated 2004 reunion trek with Hagar only after taking a pay cut and signing away his rights to any future us of the VH brand name in a business move by the guitarist.

Anthony was eventually replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang, in 2007.

Since his departure from the lineup, the bassist has recorded and toured with the Red Rocker and Hagar-led bands Chickenfoot and The Circle.

Last fall, Anthony revealed that he spoke with drummer Alex Van Halen for the first time in more than a decade when they reconnected through a mutual friend.

Rumors of a possible Anthony/Van Halen reunion that surfaced ahead of the bassist’s appearance at last year’s NAMM show earned the pairing the No. 6 Rock News Story Of The Year as part of the 2016 hennemusic Rock News Awards; Van Halen were also named the No. 2 Rock News Artist of The Year.



See also:

David Lee Roth sued by landscaper over alleged dog attack
VIDEO: Eddie Van Halen shares support of Mr Holland’s Opus Foundation
David Lee Roth seeks public’s help identifying stalker
David Lee Roth talks real-life survival on The Roth Show
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Chickenfoot compilation to include new song Divine Termination

Chickenfoot will release the compilation, “Best + Live” – featuring the band's first new tune in 5 years, “Divine Termination” – on March 10.

The two-disc package delivers a best-of collection from the supergroup’s two studio albums alongside audio from a 2009 concert in Phoenix, AZ originally only available as video on the 2010 DVD/Blu-ray "Get Your Buzz On."

Chickenfoot debuted “Divine Termination” last spring during the band's two reunion shows at Harrah's Lake Tahoe (watch video below).

The May 7 & 8 concerts marked the first time in years that Sammy Hagar, guitarist Joe Satriani, bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Chad Smith had regrouped to perform a full show.

The outfit last toured in 2012 in support of their second album, “Chickenfoot III.”

"Listening to this collection of songs from the ‘Foot brings back memories of some of the most fun I've ever had in a band,” says Hagar. “The chemistry between Chad, Joe, Mike and me is very special. It's almost like visual music -- you can see us having fun when you listen to these songs."

Hagar was recently named the No. 10 Rock News Artist Of The Year as part of the 2016 hennemusic Rock News Awards.


Chickenfoot
"Best + Live"
Release date: March 10

CD1 – Best Of

01. Divine Termination (brand new song)
02. Soap On A Rope
03. Sexy Little Thing
04. Oh Yeah
05. Get It Up
06. Future In The Past
07. Big Foot
08. Different Devil
09. Lighten Up
10. Dubai Blues
11. Something Going Wrong

Bonus Live Tracks

12. Highway Star
13. Bad Motor Scooter
14. My Generation

CD2 - Live - Phoenix,AZ 2009

01. Avenida Revolution
02. Sexy Little Thing
03. Soap On A Rope
04. My Kinda Girl
05. Down The Drain
06. Bitten By The Wolf
07. Oh Yeah
08. Learning To Fall
09. Get It Up
10. Turnin' Left
11. Future In The Past


See also:

Sammy Hagar to release new compilation this week
Sammy Hagar apologizes to Van Halen
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar and Kenny Chesney rock I Can’t Drive 55
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar previews summer tour with The Circle
Search Sammy Hagar at hennemusic

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 6: VAN HALEN

As part of the 2016 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 7th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: winners are determined by the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2016 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Thursday, December 22.


2016 Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – THE EAGLES
09 – AC/DC
08 – TRIUMPH
07 – BLACK SABBATH


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 6: VAN HALEN


In January, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony addressed rumors that he may be reuniting with his old band.

Currently a member of supergroup The Circle – along with Sammy Hagar, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson – Anthony was preparing to launch a signature instrument when a link to his Van Halen past stirred up some gossip and speculation amongst fans.

Check out the No. 6 hennemusic story of 2016 on VAN HALEN here.


See also:

Search Van Halen at hennemusic
Van Halen and KISS top the 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen sweep 2014 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen and Pearl Jam top the 2013 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen dominate the 2012 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen win two hennemusic Rock News Awards
Guns N’ Roses named hennemusic’s Rock News Artist of The Year
Jimmy Page’s 2011 plans named hennemusic’s Rock News Story Of The Year

VIDEO: Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony share Sunset Strip memories

Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony can be seen sharing memories of the Sunset Strip in behind the scenes footage from Hagar’s new AXS-TV series Rock & Roll Road Trip.

The pair teamed up at the Whisky A Go Go – where Van Halen were once the house band in the 70s – to talk about the club’s legendary history.

“I was in high school when Black Sabbath played their first US tour and they played here,” explains Anthony. “Except that night I couldn’t get in. We drove up and down and stood outside and listened.”

“Rhinoceros – they were from L.A.,” says Hagar. “Kind of a band that never made it but when I was coming up they were my favorite band. And I came to see them and they were opening for Steppenwolf. It just happened that I got to see Steppenwolf, too.”

Hagar’s 6 episode AXS-TV series sees the Red Rocker drive across the country to jam with some of music's biggest names, including Tommy Lee of Motley Crue, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson, Alice Cooper and Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell.

As part of the recent 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards, Hagar was named the No. 3 Rock News Artist Of The Year while also being a part of the No. 4 and No. 10 Rock News Stories Of The Year.


See also:

VIDEO: Sammy Hagar rocks Montrose classic with Tommy Lee of Motley Crue
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar previews new AXS TV series
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar previews new AXS TV series Rock & Roll Road Trip
Sammy Hagar and The Circle announce live DVD release
Search Sammy Hagar at hennemusic

Michael Anthony addresses Van Halen reunion rumors

Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony is addressing rumors that he may be reuniting with his former band.

Currently a member of supergroup The Circle – along with Sammy Hagar, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson – Anthony is preparing to launch a signature instrument and is aware that a new publicity image (above) that includes a visual link to his Van Halen past has stirred up some gossip and speculation amongst fans.

“I want to clarify some confusion surrounding a recent picture from a video shoot for my new Schecter Signature Bass that will be debuting at NAMM next week,” writes Anthony on his Facebook page. “Apparently, because a road case with the name ‘Van Halen’ on it is in the photo (which was taken by someone off to the side of the shoot), there is speculation of me having involvement with the band. This is not true.

“The shoot took place in my warehouse and this is just one of the many road cases I still own from the VH days that happened to be there.

“As a matter of fact, The Circle will be performing at the Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque, NM next week. I hope to see you all out there!”

The Circle released their first live DVD, “At Your Service”, last month.

Anthony joined Van Halen in 1974 and appeared on the group’s albums and tours through 2002, when he was removed from the lineup by guitarist Eddie Van Halen because he remained friendly with Hagar after the singer’s stint in the band.

The bassist joined the group’s ill-fated 2004 reunion tour with Hagar only after taking a pay cut and signing away some business rights, and was eventually replaced by Eddie's son, Wolfgang, in 2007.

Last fall, Van Halen closed out their 2015 North American tour with a pair of shows at the Hollywood Bowl.

As part of the recent 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards, Van Halen were named the No. 1 Rock News Artist Of The Year while also delivering 7 of the Top 10 Rock News Stories Of The Year.



See also:

Van Halen and KISS top the 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards
AUDIO: Mitch Malloy releases lost Van Halen demo
Fire Marshall shuts down David Lee Roth Eat ‘Em And Smile reunion show
David Lee Roth lineup to reunite for Eat ‘Em And Smile anniversary show
Search Van Halen at hennemusic

Rock News Story Of The Year No. 2: VAN HALEN

As part of the 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards, the site is counting down the Top 10 Rock News stories of the past year.

Finalists for the 6th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: winners are determined by the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.

The 2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards winners will be announced on Thursday, December 31.


2015 hennemusic Rock News Story Of The Year – Top 10

10 – VAN HALEN
09 – VAN HALEN
08 – VAN HALEN
07 – LED ZEPPELIN
06 – LYNYRD SKYNYRD
05 – VAN HALEN
04 – VAN HALEN
03 – VAN HALEN


Rock News Story Of The Year No. 02: VAN HALEN


Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony joined Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 for a performance of the band’s 1979 classic, “Somebody Get Me A Doctor”, at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood on February 11.

John 5’s Van Halen connection goes back years as a fan before he teamed up with David Lee Roth to record his 1998 album, “DLR Band.”

The guitarist has continued to write material with Roth and, last year, revealed that the pair had recorded a second project in early 2013.

Check out the live video in the No. 2 hennemusic story of 2015 on VAN HALEN here.


See also:

Search Van Halen at hennemusic
2015 hennemusic Rock News Awards announced
Van Halen sweep 2014 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen and Pearl Jam top the 2013 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen dominate the 2012 hennemusic Rock News Awards
Van Halen win two hennemusic Rock News Awards
Guns N’ Roses named hennemusic’s Rock News Artist of The Year
Jimmy Page’s 2011 plans named hennemusic’s Rock News Story Of The Year

VIDEO: Sammy Hagar and The Circle perform Van Halen classic

Sammy Hagar’s latest supergroup, The Circle, is premiering video of a performance of the 1988 Van Halen hit, “When It’s Love”, as a preview to the May 19 release of their debut/live debut album, “At Your Service.”

“When It’s Love” was the fifth single from Van Halen’s eighth studio album, “OU812.” The track reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks chart, while the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart on its way to selling more than 4 million copies in the States alone.

“At Your Service” captures The Circle – Hagar, Chickenfoot and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Jason Bonham and longtime Wabos guitarist Vic Johnson – recorded in concert last year performing hits from Hagar’s 4 Decades Of Rock show.

The group will launch a US tour on April 11 in Las Vegas.

The latest Hagar release follows last fall’s “Lite Roast”, which saw the Red Rocker teamed with Johnson to deliver stripped-down versions of tunes from his career.

The Circle
“At Your Service”
Release date: May 19

01 There's Only One Way to Rock
02 Rock Candy
03 Good Times Bad Times
04 Poundcake
05 I Can't Drive 55
06 Mikey Bass Solo
07 When It's Love
08 Little White Lie
09 When The Levee Breaks
10 Jason Drum Solo / Moby Dick
11 Why Can't This Be Love
12 Finish What Ya Started
13 Heavy Metal
14 Vic Guitar Solo
15 Best of Both Worlds
16 Right Now
17 Rock and Roll
18 Dreams


See also:

AUDIO: Sammy Hagar and The Circle perform Van Halen classic
Sammy Hagar tops the hennemusic Hot 10
Sammy Hagar supergroup The Circle to issue live album
Sammy Hagar to launch radio countdown show
Search Sammy Hagar at hennemusic

AUDIO: Sammy Hagar and The Circle perform Van Halen classic

Sammy Hagar’s latest supergroup, The Circle, is premiering audio of a performance of the 1991 Van Halen classic, “Poundcake”, as a preview to the May 19 release of their debut/live debut album, “At Your Service.”

“Poundcake” was the lead single from Van Halen’s ninth studio album, “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.” The track reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, while the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart on its way to selling more than 3 million copies in the States alone.

“At Your Service” captures The Circle – Hagar, Chickenfoot and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Jason Bonham and longtime Wabos guitarist Vic Johnson – in concert last year performing hits from Hagar’s 4 Decades Of Rock show as well as classic tracks from the Led Zeppelin catalog.

The Circle will launch a US tour on April 11 in Las Vegas.

The latest Hagar release follows last fall’s “Lite Roast”, which saw the Red Rocker teamed with Johnson to deliver stripped-down versions of tunes from his career.

The Circle
“At Your Service”
Release date: May 19

01 There's Only One Way to Rock
02 Rock Candy
03 Good Times Bad Times
04 Poundcake
05 I Can't Drive 55
06 Mikey Bass Solo
07 When It's Love
08 Little White Lie
09 When The Levee Breaks
10 Jason Drum Solo / Moby Dick
11 Why Can't This Be Love
12 Finish What Ya Started
13 Heavy Metal
14 Vic Guitar Solo
15 Best of Both Worlds
16 Right Now
17 Rock and Roll
18 Dreams


See also:

Sammy Hagar tops the hennemusic Hot 10
Sammy Hagar supergroup The Circle to issue live album
Sammy Hagar to launch radio countdown show
Sammy Hagar releases acoustic version of Depeche Mode’s Personal Jesus
Search Sammy Hagar at hennemusic

Sammy Hagar supergroup The Circle to issue live album

The Circle – the latest Sammy Hagar supergroup featuring Chickenfoot and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, drummer Jason Bonham and longtime Wabos guitarist Vic Johnson – will release their debut album, “At Your Service”, on May 19.

The project captures the band in concert last year performing hits from Hagar’s 4 Decades Of Rock show as well as classic tracks from the Led Zeppelin catalog.

“The Circle live has landed!,” says Hagar. “I can't tell you how excited I am to share this live release from last year's tour with everyone. It's been my favorite setlist to play, covering Montrose, Solo Red Rocker, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, & Chickenfoot AND it's live as mutha!!

“There hasn’t been a live rock and roll album like this in years and I know you're gonna love it.”

“At Your Service” will be available for preorder on iTunes starting this week. All iTunes preorders will include an instant download of the Van Halen classic, "Poundcake."

Last fall, Hagar released his latest album, “Lite Roast”, which saw the Red Rocker teamed up with Johnson to deliver stripped-down versions of tunes from his career.

The Circle
“At Your Service”
Release date: May 19

01 - There's Only One Way to Rock
02 - Rock Candy
03 - Good Times Bad Times
04 - Poundcake
05 - I Can't Drive 55
06 - Mikey Bass Solo
07 - When It's Love
08 - Little White Lie
09 - When The Levee Breaks
10 - Jason Drum Solo / Moby Dick
11 - Why Can't This Be Love
12 - Finish What Ya Started
13 - Heavy Metal
14 - Vic Guitar Solo
15 - Best of Both Worlds
16 - Right Now
17 - Rock And Roll
18 - Dreams

See also:

Sammy Hagar to launch radio countdown show
Sammy Hagar releases acoustic version of Depeche Mode’s Personal Jesus
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar issues final episode in Lite Roast web series
VIDEO: Sammy Hagar launches Lite Roast web series
Search Sammy Hagar at hennemusic

Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10

Van Halen tops this week’s hennemusic Hot 10.

Original Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony joined Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 for a performance of his former band’s 1979 classic, “Somebody Get Me A Doctor”, at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood.

Check out the video and read all about it in this week’s top story!

The HH10 is a list of the most-viewed rock news stories in the past week by hennemusic readers.

For a full list of hennemusic Hot 10 charts, check out the archives here.


hennemusic Hot 10
week ending February 22, 2015

01 – VIDEO: Michael Anthony performs Van Halen classic with John 5
02 – Wolfgang Van Halen recording solo album
03 – Alex and Eddie Van Halen sign worldwide publishing deal
04 – VIDEO: Eddie Van Halen speaks at Smithsonian event
05 – Boston announces 2015 tour
06 – Jimmy Page to release Sound Tracks collection
07 – Led Zeppelin to premiere Physical Graffiti reissue
08 – AC/DC stand-in drummer raves about video experience
09 – AUDIO: The Darkness preview new single Barbarian
10 – Slash announces spring US tour


See also:

Feb 15: AC/DC
Feb 08: Van Halen
Feb 01: AC/DC
Jan 25: Motley Crue
Jan 18: The Black Crowes