Right now I would have been just getting out of the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis after the Van Halen show that was scheduled for today but got cancelled. So, for a consolation prize I took the wife to see Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony last night in Bloomington, Illinois.

It was really a great show last night. Mike was phenomenal. His high-energy stage performance was focused, tight, and full of energy. His bass playing was top notch as usual, and vocally he was at the top of his game. Mike sang some old school Van Halen tunes while Vic played guitar. While I would much rather hear David Lee Roth singing the lead vocals on those songs, I got to hear Mike's high tenor backup vocals on the Classic Van Halen songs while Vic sang Dave's part. There is nobody who can sing those backup parts like Mikey - I don't care if your last name is Van Halen.

Sammy's show was good too, especially when Mike came out to play bass on the Van Hagar material. I hate to say it, but Sam and Mike's version of that Van Hagar material sounds just as good if not better than what it sounded like when Van Halen played it in 2004. While it didn't have any of Eddie's flair with the tap-ons, harmonics, and whammy bar stuff - the performances were void of the screw-ups that were happening in 2004. Plus the energy among the band members is much better when Sam is solo.

Mike seems really happy with what he is doing. He is obviously having fun, which is what it's all about. If the band's not having fun, you can bet that the crowd won't be either. Mike loves to entertain people, and he does a great job at it.

:D

Go Mikey, go Mikey!! Thanks for the great review. It's reassuring to hear such positive news about a beloved person that I believe everyone only wishes the best.

Sammy Hagar And The Wabos
With Michael Anthony And The Mad Anthony Express
2007-10-27
US Cellular Coliseum
Bloomington Illinois (16-bit) (FLAC)


http://www.thetradersden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=47907&page=1&pp=15

http://synergyontour.com/mae.JPG

It was funny when Sammy told Mikey not to drink too much after he left the stage because Sammy didn't want him falling asleep in the lear jet on the way home. LOL! Must be nice. I guess that's one of the perks of selling your tequila business for $80-million. Fly to a gig in the afternoon, do the sound check, play the gig, and be home in L.A. in time to watch the Late Late Show. Meanwhile the old band members are cruising down the interstate in a tour bus trying to keep from strangling each other. ROFL!

I can say one thing for Sammy and Mike - their success and riches has never taken away from their passion to please an audience. They don't need the money. They do it because its their passion. That is what makes them true entertainers.

Sammy Hagar And The Wabos
With Michael Anthony And The Mad Anthony Express
2007-10-27
US Cellular Coliseum
Bloomington Illinois (16-bit) (FLAC)


http://www.thetradersden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=47907&page=1&pp=15

Thanks for the link. It shows the set list from Mad Anthony Express:

Mad Anthony Express Opening Set
02. Running With The Devil
03. Atomic Punk
04. Immigrant Song
05. Hear About It Later
06. Little Dreamer
07. Baby Come Along With Me(?) New Song
08. Somebody Get Me A Doctor
09. Bottoms Up!
10. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love

Like I said, these songs sounded awesome, but as good as Mike was singing, his high tenor voice just doesn't fit DLR's lead vocal tracks IMO. It's not like they sounded bad, just a little out of place. However, his backup vocals more than made up for it. Damn, Mike would have been a big boost to the 2007 Van Halen tour. His energy onstage and drive makes Wolfie look like a statue. Nothing against Wolf, but Mike has got the goods. He lays down one bad-ass bass line, not to mention his backup vocals.

:D

At one point Sammy jokingly said something about Vic not playing the guitar like Eddie does, and the crowd lightly booed at the mention of Eddie's name. I think a lot of people are upset with Ed for what he did to Mike.

I do have to say that I think Sammy could find someone better than Vic to play Eddie's guitar parts. Vic is just okay in my book. David Lee Roth has had several guitar players in his band that would smoke Vic onstage. I think Sam's idea to bring a "superstar guitarist" on his next tour will be a great addition. Sammy and Mike deserve to be onstage with the best, especially after playing for so many years with Eddie. But then again, I guess Sam figures that sacrificing a little talent to spare a lot of drama is a worthy tradeoff. Personally, I think Neal Schon would be a perfect fit. That would give me a reason to go see these guys again in 2008.

:D

I reckon Sam & Mike should re-group with Neil & Deen Castonovo for that Planet US project they were going to do a few years back. Maybe even bring in Joe Satriani as well.

Then record a new album and tour it with a bunch of Hagar era Van Halen tracks thrown in for good measure. Mike could sing lead on a Classic Van Halen track or two, plus they could even draw from the Montrose discs, or the HSAS album.

That would be a worthwhile album and tour...

I reckon Sam & Mike should re-group with Neil & Deen Castonovo for that Planet US project they were going to do a few years back. Maybe even bring in Joe Satriani as well.

Deen would be an awesome addition! He kicks some major ass on the drums, not to mention he can sing some of the Journey songs better than their last two singers did. Hell, they could do even do some of the most popular Journey songs with Sammy and Mike singing backups for Deen. Now that would be a fucking killer gig! What the hell, if they want to go all the way they can always throw in Jon Cain for good measure. Sammy can foot the bill with tequila money - LOL! Wow - can you imagine... a triple bill with Sammy Hagar, Van Hagar, Van Halen, and Journey... with the same group playing all the songs.

:D

I can imagine that. But, it would still be a cover band! I,E. No EVH, no Steve Perry, etc... grow up.

I can imagine that. But, it would still be a cover band! I,E. No EVH, no Steve Perry, etc... grow up.

If missing one or more of the original members makes you a "cover" band, then Van Halen is one. You grow up.

:D

Keep rockin' Mikey....:thumb:
Guess I'll have to go down there since you bastoids won't play in Canada...:irked:

At one point Sammy jokingly said something about Vic not playing the guitar like Eddie does, and the crowd lightly booed at the mention of Eddie's name. I think a lot of people are upset with Ed for what he did to Mike.

I do have to say that I think Sammy could find someone better than Vic to play Eddie's guitar parts. Vic is just okay in my book. David Lee Roth has had several guitar players in his band that would smoke Vic onstage. I think Sam's idea to bring a "superstar guitarist" on his next tour will be a great addition. Sammy and Mike deserve to be onstage with the best, especially after playing for so many years with Eddie. But then again, I guess Sam figures that sacrificing a little talent to spare a lot of drama is a worthy tradeoff. Personally, I think Neal Schon would be a perfect fit. That would give me a reason to go see these guys again in 2008.

:D

You know Sammy just can't let it go. I've seen the current VH tour and they don't make snide comments about Sammy. Vic couldn't hold Eddies jock if he wanted too. You know this Sammy vs. Eddie thing is just like a bad divorce both sides are to blame.

I think Sam's pretty upset for Mike that's all, and that he got a real raw deal in a band that he basically help put on the map.

Yeah no shit. Sometimes I swear I just dunno about those Halen bros.

Thanks a lot for the great review! Wish I could see them again.

I do have to say that I think Sammy could find someone better than Vic to play Eddie's guitar parts. Vic is just okay in my book. David Lee Roth has had several guitar players in his band that would smoke Vic onstage.

:D

I listened to "HAIL", and, though Vic has been known to butcher Ed's guitar parts from time to time, I think he did a pretty great job with "HAIL". I was impressed, especially with how close he came to capturing Ed's sound on it during the intro.

I listened to "HAIL", and, though Vic has been known to butcher Ed's guitar parts from time to time, I think he did a pretty great job with "HAIL". I was impressed, especially with how close he came to capturing Ed's sound on it during the intro.

I thought Vic totally killed it in Indy last night; I was impressed. In fact, I think Vic is technically hitting notes better than Ed right now, solo wise; not trying to debate it but I'm worried about Ed.

Vic is great. Why would somebody want an Ed clone anyway? Sammy purposely got somebody different than Ed, and I think it worked out.

Vic's got his own sound, he's never tried to copy Ed. I think he does just fine playing the Van Halen songs.

I thought Vic totally killed it in Indy last night; I was impressed. In fact, I think Vic is technically hitting notes better than Ed right now, solo wise; not trying to debate it but I'm worried about Ed.

Vic is great. Why would somebody want an Ed clone anyway? Sammy purposely got somebody different than Ed, and I think it worked out.

Great post - I agree.

Vic is a very, very competent guitarist who is in his prime. He's not an alcoholic, he didn't have health issues, and he very much seems like a down-to-earth "I do it cause I love it" kind of guy. Remember how excited he was to get the gig? He plays songs his way and I think he sounds great. EVH's talent is one that few can match, and it seems like Ed can't do it anymore either. For me, the Wabos and Mad Anthony Express are the only thing keeping the VH spirit alive. Anyways, Vic is a great guitarist.

I think Sam's pretty upset for Mike that's all, and that he got a real raw deal in a band that he basically help put on the map.

I don't know Brett, it seems you are always taking Sammy's side?? Don't believe everything Sam says at face value. There are two sides to every story. I don't recall you saying one nice thing about the current VH line up on this board. I know it sucks w/o Mike but this is where the band is at in 2007 and beyond.

I don't know Brett, it seems you are always taking Sammy's side?? Don't believe everything Sam says at face value. There are two sides to every story. I don't recall you saying one nice thing about the current VH line up on this board. I know it sucks w/o Mike but this is where the band is at in 2007 and beyond.

Sorry Dad. I don't like the current line up, so what do you want me to say? Dave sounds good? I've said that.

The band is what it is and right now and I choose not to like it right now. BFD. Just put me on ignore then.

I don't give a shit about Sam or Dave, this tour for me has nothing to do with either of them. Ed's calling the shots.

BTW this is the Mike forum, I don't recall it being necessary to suck off EVH here too? God you can't escape it.

I know it sucks w/o Mike but this is where the band is at in 2007 and beyond.
Hopefully Eddie will come to his senses and bring Mike back. Unlikely I know, but with this band anything is possible...

The Van Halen that we knew and loved in the 80's and 90's is history. All we have now are memories, as the artists are only a shadow of what they used to be - especially Eddie. Sammy, Mike, and Alex are probably the closest to still having it together. Dave and Ed are sorely lacking. That's not a slam, it's just the facts. I tend to feel like Brett does. Why deny reality?

:D

Right now I would have been just getting out of the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis after the Van Halen show that was scheduled for today but got cancelled. So, for a consolation prize I took the wife to see Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony last night in Bloomington, Illinois.

It was really a great show last night. Mike was phenomenal. His high-energy stage performance was focused, tight, and full of energy. His bass playing was top notch as usual, and vocally he was at the top of his game. Mike sang some old school Van Halen tunes while Vic played guitar. While I would much rather hear David Lee Roth singing the lead vocals on those songs, I got to hear Mike's high tenor backup vocals on the Classic Van Halen songs while Vic sang Dave's part. There is nobody who can sing those backup parts like Mikey - I don't care if your last name is Van Halen.

Sammy's show was good too, especially when Mike came out to play bass on the Van Hagar material. I hate to say it, but Sam and Mike's version of that Van Hagar material sounds just as good if not better than what it sounded like when Van Halen played it in 2004. While it didn't have any of Eddie's flair with the tap-ons, harmonics, and whammy bar stuff - the performances were void of the screw-ups that were happening in 2004. Plus the energy among the band members is much better when Sam is solo.

Mike seems really happy with what he is doing. He is obviously having fun, which is what it's all about. If the band's not having fun, you can bet that the crowd won't be either. Mike loves to entertain people, and he does a great job at it.

:D

Good stuff and Good for Mikey and Sammy.

I don't know Brett, it seems you are always taking Sammy's side?? Don't believe everything Sam says at face value. There are two sides to every story. I don't recall you saying one nice thing about the current VH line up on this board. I know it sucks w/o Mike but this is where the band is at in 2007 and beyond.

Well...somebody has to take a side.

You are obviously taking Dave and Ed's side and you are accepting the new line-up.

WTF is this now??? If somebody don't agree with YOU they are stupid.

Juhesus Charist! :brickwall

Vic's got his own sound, he's never tried to copy Ed. I think he does just fine playing the Van Halen songs.

He does more than a fine job playing the VH with Mad Anthony Express.

In 2006 when they were doing the Other Half...Vic didn't really try to sound like VH...

But in he Mad Anthony Express....my GOD!....listening to Light Up the Sky sounded EXACTLY like it did on the record.

The singing was different obviously...but the MUSIC...was DEAD ONE THE MONEY! :headbang:

I used to think Vic messed up the VH songs, but maybe he has gotten more comfortable with them over time and just plays them his way instead of trying to sound like Eddie, because the last time I saw them live on HD Net Vic was smokin'!

I used to think Vic messed up the VH songs, but maybe he has gotten more comfortable with them over time and just plays them his way instead of trying to sound like Eddie, because the last time I saw them live on HD Net Vic was smokin'!

I mean on Good Enough on HDNet..he was still trying to inject some of his own personality in there (the solo)...but in Mad Anthony Express...I think he was trying to nail Ed's solos...which he DID! :headbang:

I'd be the first person to say he didn't.

I would love to see the Mad Anthony Express. Wish they'd tour around here. Mikey's vocalizing belongs with the old stuff - well with all VH stuff.

Edit: Did not see the date on the last post. Old thread, old news. My bad.

Old thread yes, but I just posted today b/c I love Mikey! :cool:

Michael Anthony WAS VAN HALEN....



carry on....

Right now I would have been just getting out of the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis after the Van Halen show that was scheduled for today but got cancelled. So, for a consolation prize I took the wife to see Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony last night in Bloomington, Illinois.

It was really a great show last night. Mike was phenomenal. His high-energy stage performance was focused, tight, and full of energy. His bass playing was top notch as usual, and vocally he was at the top of his game. Mike sang some old school Van Halen tunes while Vic played guitar. While I would much rather hear David Lee Roth singing the lead vocals on those songs, I got to hear Mike's high tenor backup vocals on the Classic Van Halen songs while Vic sang Dave's part. There is nobody who can sing those backup parts like Mikey - I don't care if your last name is Van Halen.

Sammy's show was good too, especially when Mike came out to play bass on the Van Hagar material. I hate to say it, but Sam and Mike's version of that Van Hagar material sounds just as good if not better than what it sounded like when Van Halen played it in 2004. While it didn't have any of Eddie's flair with the tap-ons, harmonics, and whammy bar stuff - the performances were void of the screw-ups that were happening in 2004. Plus the energy among the band members is much better when Sam is solo.

Mike seems really happy with what he is doing. He is obviously having fun, which is what it's all about. If the band's not having fun, you can bet that the crowd won't be either. Mike loves to entertain people, and he does a great job at it.

:D

Mikey always puts on a good show!

Ive got a pic from this show, little late i know. Its from the cantina. anyone tell me how i upload a pic on here.