During a recent appearance on “Talkin’ Rock With Meltdown” podcast, former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony was asked when the last time was that he spoke to Eddie Van Halen before the legendary guitarist passed away this past October.
“We actually hadn’t spoken [for many years], and unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to,” Anthony responded. “And, you know, it kind of bothers me, because we had some issues that were never resolved. But, I mean, what can you do? We were on track [for] a reunion, which I’m really sad that it never happened. But, you know, life and the show goes on.”
Anthony also talked about the first time he saw Eddie play live.
“We were just out of high school, and in the city where I lived, they were having a carnival on the field for the school,” he said. “And on the weekends, they would have a few local bands play. And it was just the three guys — Eddie, Mark Stone [original VAN HALEN bassist] and Alex [Van Halen]. And Eddie was doing the singing also.
“That’s the first time I ever saw him play,” Anthony added. “And I remember I was impressed because they played — they must’ve played the whole WHO ‘Live At Leeds’ or whatever, or any of the classic CREAM stuff they played, Eddie played the lead stuff note for note. And back then, when you’re a kid like that, that’s very impressive to see somebody playing like that.”
Eddie died on October 6 at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, after a long battle with cancer.
