Multiple singers

**naturallywired** · 07.07.01, 09:09 AM

Why doesn't VH do an album with a bunch of different singers? I know Ed has contemplated this in the past. they could go the Santana route and get a bunch of current vocalists to do it. I'm not talking about Britney, BSB, or any of that crap. They need to get some rockers in there. I think Art Alexakis, Dave Grohl, Brandon Boyd, Scott Weiland or the guys from SR-71 and Wheatus (Don't know their names)might be a good fit. Eddie wants the band to stay relevant and this might just do it. I think most other options would relegate VH to has-been status. (If they're not already there)

**Limecuda** · 07.07.01, 10:02 AM

VH is more than a backup band. IMO it would totally suck to sellout worse than they already have.

**MrBrownSound** · 07.07.01, 10:24 AM

That would go over about as well as a fourth singer.

**FORD** · 07.07.01, 11:12 AM

Even putting aside the absolute fact that no band has succeeded with more than two singers, and that Van "Halen" already failed with a third, the multiple singers concept simply would not work with a BAND.

Santana is not a band, and hasn't been one since about 1973, when the original classic Woodstock era lineup split up. Since then Carlos has been the only permanent member. A solo artist such as Carlos Santana can work with a number of different singers and resulting various musical styles on the same album and, as "Supernatural" has proved, succeed at doing so. Tony Iommi, as a solo artist, followed a similar formula on his recent album, but I doubt he would have attempted such a project under the name of "Black Sabbath". Even though the late 80's "Sabbath" albums WERE Iommi solo efforts, he at least had the brains enough to limit it to one unqualified singer per album while exploiting the band name.

There is only ONE singer who can restore the name of Van Halen at this point. And if you have downloaded those MP3's (and you know damn well you did [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] ) there's no doubt who is keeping the name and the spirit of Van HALEN alive even now.

**AbeVanHalen** · 07.07.01, 11:28 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FORD:

There is only ONE singer who can restore the name of Van Halen at this point. And if you have downloaded those MP3's (and you know damn well you did [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] ) there's no doubt who is keeping the name and the spirit of Van HALEN alive even now.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep...SAMMY HAGAR! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

**tap1966** · 07.07.01, 11:28 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FORD:
Tony Iommi, as a solo artist, followed a similar formula on his recent album, but I doubt he would have attempted such a project under the name of "Black Sabbath". <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The difference between Santana and Iommi is that one sold 10 million and one sold 50,000. Iommi is too closely associated with Sabbath - A BAND, and one which is very popular once again. Yet his solo album basically tanked.

**PHOENIX** · 07.07.01, 11:49 AM

A Santana style album would work for Van Halen.Most of the people who bought Supernatural had never even heard of Santana before.It was the guest singers who sold that one.

**naturallywired** · 07.07.01, 01:45 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PHOENIX:
A Santana style album would work for Van Halen.Most of the people who bought Supernatural had never even heard of Santana before.It was the guest singers who sold that one.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's what I mean. When I said relevant, I wasn't referring to the established fan base, I meant injecting the current ROCK crowd with a heavy dose of VH music. If it went over well, that could easily jump start any reunion plans in the works. Who cares about the "pop" fans who like Britney and all that other stuff. They would never like VH anyway. Bring the younger ROCK generation into the VH fold. Us old guys aren't going anywhere, we'll still buy the CDs when they come out. At least I will.

**FORD** · 07.09.01, 11:07 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PHOENIX:
A Santana style album would work for Van Halen.Most of the people who bought Supernatural had never even heard of Santana before.It was the guest singers who sold that one.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Again, the difference here is that Santana is a solo artist, not a band. Furthermore, Santana has never had a case where the frontman was at least half of the band's identity. Leon Patillo, for example is more famous for being "the ex Santana singer now singing Christian music" than he ever was while actually IN the band.

By contrast, you mention the name "Van Halen" and most people will automatically picture David Lee Roth. Except for the UFF's who would picture Sammy Hagar. In either case, it is extremely non realistic to presume that a band whose very existence revolves around their frontman could succeed by putting out an album with 12 singers, none of whom would ever be in the slot permanently.

And it goes without saying that 12 singers ain't going on tour. Van Halen/Hagar/Danniels has never released an album without touring behind it. They even toured behind RHRN (a.k.a. F.U.C.K. Live) and VDIII, knowing the album was dead. The album proposed here is un-tourable.

Not to mention unlistenable (Just imagining Fred Durst, Kid Cock, or any boy band singer singing with "Van Halen" turns my stomach even more than "How Many Say I" did)

**naturallywired** · 07.09.01, 02:55 PM

I can dig what you're saying, FORD. Maybe they should just release it as "Eddie Van Halen and Friends". That would probably up the novelty value anyway, which is all I was suggesting if they can't settle on a permanent singer. Just me being selfish and wanting to hear music from Ed, Mike and Alex again, that's all.
Ed is against being a nostaligia act which, IMO is what they would be if Roth returns. I just don't see younger people nowadays giving a shit about Roth or Hagar. If they reunite for the older, established fans,even with new material,they will be called a nostaligia act. If they reunite for the money, they'll be accused of selling out.
Time to put the name out to pasture.

**DiverDowninKY** · 07.09.01, 03:39 PM

Anyone other than DLR or,, ok I'll say it Sammy would be the death nail in the VH coffin IMHO.

**FORD** · 07.12.01, 02:48 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by naturallywired:
I can dig what you're saying, FORD. Maybe they should just release it as "Eddie Van Halen and Friends". That would probably up the novelty value anyway, which is all I was suggesting if they can't settle on a permanent singer. Just me being selfish and wanting to hear music from Ed, Mike and Alex again, that's all.

But wouldn't it be better to hear GREAT music from Ed, Mike, and Alex? The kind of stuff you haven't heard from them in 17 years (with 2 notable exceptions)

Ed is against being a nostaligia act which, IMO is what they would be if Roth returns.

And what was the setlist of the VDIII tour again?

I just don't see younger people nowadays giving a shit about Roth or Hagar.

I see younger people nowadays as being fed up with rap, boybands, and talentless fucks like Limp Dikzit. Give them something better than that shit and watch it drop off the charts. People didn't buy Fabian and Pat Boone records in 1962 because it was great music. They bought them because there was nothing better. Thank God the Beatles fixed that. Thank God Van HALEN helped kill disco. Thank God Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden killed mindless cheesy drivel hair bands. And now it's time for something to kill the shit music of today. I would say another Van Halen album resembling the first 4 could lead that revolution.

If they reunite for the older, established fans,even with new material,they will be called a nostaligia act. If they reunite for the money, they'll be accused of selling out.
Time to put the name out to pasture.

Pasture would be appropriate if they attempt a 4th singer, because only sheep would buy the album, assuming it was ever released. Nobody is going to call them a "nostalgia act" if they put out a great album, and do a kick ass tour behind that album. Van HALEN is 6 for 6 so far. I don't see a bad album coming from them. As far as selling out for money, that would be AeroShit's M.O.

[ July 12, 2001 at 02:51 PM: Message edited by: FORD ]

**Sleepless Nights** · 07.12.01, 03:02 PM

There is one way this could work.
On this album, they release the three songs they wrote with Dave, one or two with Sammy, and, fuck, even one with Gary and fill the rest of the album with other singers. After that, they can decide upon whether a Dave reunion would work or not due to the response of the three songs.

**kpl** · 07.12.01, 03:10 PM

While I see some merit to the ideas of multiple singers....it couldn't happen. They can't even work out legal issues with ONE singer right now...let alone multiple singers.
I'm convinced the band and Dave wants to and will work together once contractual agreements can be worked out. It's sketchy with all the potential money to be made, and everyone wants to get their fair share. Dave gives his two cents on the seedy business side in his book...