Who's in without Mike?

[Rockguitarstar]

Assuming that the tour takes place without Mike, here's my take on the whole thing if it actually happens. I'm in, plain and simple and I'm going to have a shitfaced grin the whole way even when my credit card takes a massive hit to go to the show(s) if and when they actually occur. For me Van Halen has never been about background vocals, its marginally about who sings, and its all about who is playing guitar. Eddie Van Halen is Van Halen plain and simple. If he is playing guitar then Im going. If Dave is singing his songs cool, if Sammy is singing cool, If Gary is singing fine...The songs kick ass cause of the writing invovled. Are the background vocals sprinkles on the top of the icing of the cake, sure why not. Are they essential part of the band...hell no. Al and Ed could at one time both sing and could have done a decent at the background vocals with or without Mike involved. Mike's definitely got a distinctive sound but live it kinda got on my nerves listening to boots and the live shows I was privelaged to see in 04. I saw Dave like 4 weeks ago in Santa Cruz and he sounded great, the songs rocked as always, and I felt good inside knowing I saw DLR sing classic Van Halen. I think part of the problem with the situation right now is Van Halen fans have been used to having something to complain about whether it was a singer or Ed's drinking or whatever that at this point with essentially no Van Halen around, we dont have anything. Mike not being in the band sucks big time, trust me, but its not enough for me not go see and hear the men that actually had a part in writing those songs perform them for perhaps the last time ever live. On a totally seperate issue, the press release on the main page of vhlinks says that to maintain credibility VH needs mike. I'm sorry, but credibility went out a long time ago starting in 1985, 1996, Gary., 2001, the 04 tour, the constant infighting, the Mike situation oh and by the way EVH on a porn soundtrack. Bottom line; im in...anyone else with me

[Brett]

100% disagree, but hey that's cool. Enjoy the show.

[Brett]

On a side note, I'm shocked to learn anyone reads the stories Tim and I put up on the front of the site.

[Top Timmy]

I figured most users bookmark the forums and bypass the frontpage. Nice to know it's being read.

[Brett]

BTW here's actually what I wrote about credibility....

"If the band intends to keep any shred of credibility with the constant back-and-forths with singers, it would probably be wise for them to realize that Mike is an integral part of the band."

I think I was fairly clear about the credility factor being already shot.

[Rockguitarstar]

hey brett, btw I always read the stories, just in case there is actually something that happens in the band.
I wrote the rant from the standpoint that credibility is beyond shot and for me it was assinine to even mention the possibility of credibility.
Even though you and I couldnt be farther apart on the issue of the rumored tour and standpoint as to mikey goes, i still very much appreciate the site and the hardwork that you and whoever helps you out puts into the site.

[Brett]

No worries man, glad you do get something from it. Definitely don't need to agree. However I disagree that any credibility was shot in 1985... I mean come on dude, Dave left, life goes on.

[Ian Sane]

Van Halen the band is about more than one individual. As great as Eddie is, he is one man.

The most important thing for any band is the songs first & foremost. Without decent songs, there is no audience. Sure, the songs may start with Ed, he is the bands creative force, but to trivialize the role of any of the other members is ignorant.

Dave, Mike & Al are just as important to the CVH line-up as Ed. Together they recorded six stellar, highly regarded albums.

With Sammy, regardless of your personal preferance, the fact remains they still had chemistry in a band situation.

With Gary, it seemed more like a project than a band. Mike's backing vocals were missed, drum machines were used & many of the songs weren't structured particularly well. The album was dull, the excitement of previous recordings wasn't there. Ed's guitar was the only thing that sounded right.

If Dave rejoins the brothers without Mike, sure it's still Van Halen, but it's Van Halen Mk IV.

It can't be a true Classic Van Halen reunion unless the original 4 members are involved.

[smithjc]

Okay gave some thought to this on my day off today.

In response to the original question of this thread, the answer is NO for me.

No Mikey, no show (least for me). Only a very bitterly disappointed ol' fogette left with only my hazy memories of a once great band called Van Halen.

Of course, they're more than welcome to prove me wrong.

[Ian Sane]

"If the band intends to keep any shred of credibility with the constant back-and-forths with singers, it would probably be wise for them to realize that Mike is an integral part of the band."

I think I was fairly clear about the credility factor being already shot.

I agree.

It's a shame that a once great & proud band has allowed itself to disintegrate into the current mess it's in today.

[Brett]

That's what I've been saying, and they won't be helping themselves by not including Mike in this. It's bad enough it's just a tour and nothing else. It's a nostalgic, cash grab the way it looks to me. It's not about the music at all. Not even on some wanna-be idealogical level.

[Ian Sane]

I really wish I was more excited about this than I am, but living in Australia, the likelihood of the band making it here seems remote at best. With the possible exclusion of Mike from the band & the lack of new material, it all feels like a waste of time to me.

If the original 4 were to come to Australia for some shows, I'll be there in a flash. If it's VH Mk IV, forget about it.

[Brett]

I live down the freeway from Ed and I don't care very much either, so don't feel bad.

[JMJ]

if mike is not involved, it's because ed and al tell him no, not cuz he doesn't want to

i honestly think mike would even do it for free

[Brett]

I agree, I think he would too.