Alex Van Halen addresses speculation about Michael Anthony’s exclusion from Van Halen’s 2006 reunion with David Lee Roth, confirming the band reached out to the bassist.
The Outreach to Michael Anthony
After a short stint with Sammy Hagar from 2003 to 2005, Van Halen launched its third era in 2006 with Roth back as frontman. Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang, stepped in as bassist. Alex Van Halen states that Wolfgang earned the role only after Anthony failed to respond to their invitation.
“We did call Mike because we owed him that, and he just didn’t answer,” Alex Van Halen explains. “We had the same manager. Come on! He was important for the band.”
When no one arrived at the studio to join the Van Halen brothers, Wolfgang joined a jam session and impressed Eddie and Alex with his skills.
Wolfgang’s Merit-Based Entry
Alex Van Halen dismisses claims of family favoritism in Wolfgang’s selection. “People think there were family influences in how he became part of the band, which is simply not true,” he asserts. The then-teenager secured the position through talent alone.
Wolfgang has since forged his own path, forming the band Mammoth. He occasionally uses his late father’s iconic Frankenstein guitar and upholds the tapping legacy while exploring new musical directions. Alex Van Halen praises his nephew: “He’s very careful that he doesn’t want to be Ed Jr. He was in a very tough spot, but he decided he was his own man.”
Ongoing Van Halen Projects
Alex Van Halen currently works on a new Van Halen album alongside Steve Lukather. The material, recorded during Eddie Van Halen’s lifetime, aims to follow the 2012 release A Different Kind of Truth. Steve Vai, who has heard unreleased tracks, calls Lukather “the best guy” to finalize the project.
EVH gear updates continue, including Wolfgang’s signature guitar model, keeping the Van Halen legacy alive.
