Apparently the relationship with Mike and the Bros. Van Halen has been shaky at best since Sammy's first departure. Mike revealed a couple years back that he only played bass on a handful of tracks for VH III with Eddie doing the remainder and that he was paid significantly less on the reunion tour with Sammy. Alex and Eddie didn't want him to tour at all but Sammy insisted he be included. Mike's backing vocals are one of the key ingredients to the classic VH sound, so once again we fans won't get a true Van Halen reunion.
There's an interview with Eddie, I think linked from the main VH entry at wiki, where he is pretty open in his dislike for Michael. He even calls Mike by his given last name in a way that is obviously meant as an insult, and he makes it clear that Wolfie is there to stay and Mike will not be welcomed back at any time. It's funny that Mike and Sammy were the only ones who showed up for the Hall of Fame induction.
Mike played NO bass on VHIII, Eddie played it all. Mike also did no BGVs on VHIII. Eddie also played drums on several tracks. It's basically an EVH solo album. Mike will be sorely missed (although I won't miss his cheesy bass "solo").
Think I heard they are going to release the concert schedule in a few weeks, September maybe? Sell off some of your 401k cause remember how high the Police tickets were, I do for sure anyway....gotta pay for the rehab bill for Eddie and Dave's time off from the paramedic gig... Still if they play as good has the Police were, I won't mind so much.
Anyone making any predictions as to how long this tour will last before the egos of Eddie and Dave clash?
I would be very surprised if they are able to play every single date.
Back in the day I would have paid big bucks to see this show, but no one could pay me to sit through this. I may rent the DVD when it eventually gets released.
They ought to put a sign outside the dressing room as well as at the stage entrance saying"Leave Your Egos Here".....not that it'd work but it'd be worth a try.
Supposedly the press conference might be live on VH1-Classic Monday (8/13) at 3E/11P. That's what is being reported at the Van Halen message boards. We'll see. If not, then definitely repeated on the Eddie Trunk show Monday evening.
The press release said 50+ shows but if you go to van-halen.com its only lists about half....and most of those are above the mason dixon line so unless they do plan more shows most of the bottom half of the country is SOL on this tour...???
For those who saw the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame telecast, I think both Sammy and Mike made classy speeches. These 2 guys are the ones that I considered sane and reasonable. I can't say that for Eddie and Dave, as much as I love the music they created.