Okay, if I'm not mistaken, Mike's real name is Michael Anthony Sobolewski. Which begs the question, when did he drop his real last name? Obviously he's been Michael Anthony since 1978, but when was the change made?

Good question. I wonder if it might have been DLR's suggestion. You know, to fit the rock image better.

Did he change his name legally, or is Michael Anthony just his showbiz name?

Good question Sweet William, I don't know that either.

I remember reading somewhere that it's not legally changed, and that he dropped his last name shortly after Roth joined, (band image and all). I can't remeber where I read it though, so I might be wrong!

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Baluchitherium

I wonder if the change took place before he was in Van Halen when he was in his previous band called Snake. In Snake, he was the lead vocalist, which requires a different image than a bass player. As the lead singer rapping with the audience it would be cooler (I think) to say "hey I'm Mike Anthony" as opposed to "hey I'm Mike Sobolewski".

There's something new I didn't know. I am going to have to break out the "VH Encyclopedia" on this one. An interesting fact.

That is an interesting question, and actually this is something that I did not know until just the last couple of years. I imagine the public at large would butcher the pronunciation of his last name, and it doesn't sound very "rock and roll" if that makes sense. I dunno, I would have a hard time dropping my name, but then again mine is a little easier to say. (Sorry Mike)

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Eat Us And Smile!!!

EUAS Co-Founder

"I won't go down in history, but I will go down on your sister!"....David Lee Roth

Is Sobolewski a Jewish name?

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Van Halen Burning the Stage Forever!!!
You "Can't Get This Stuff No More" with any other band!

Get WELL SOON EDDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!