Bass tracks in the studio

**Duck** · 11.03.06, 01:14 PM

Looking at what was done in the past here, has Michael Anthony ever been asked why his studio contributions for bass were mainly handled by Eddie for the past couple of albums?

How long has Mike been not doing studio work on the bass for VH? Could this be further back than Balance or even F.U.C.K ?

**Pacfanweb** · 11.03.06, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Duck

Looking at what was done in the past here, has Michael Anthony ever been asked why his studio contributions for bass were mainly handled by Eddie for the past couple of albums?

How long has Mike been not doing studio work on the bass for VH? Could this be further back than Balance or even F.U.C.K ?

I'm pretty sure that Eddie only played on 3.

I remember an interview with Andy Johns where he said part of the time they were recording, Eddie was showing Mike how to play the parts so he could do a take.

**Infinite Cactus** · 11.03.06, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Pacfanweb

I remember an interview with Andy Johns where he said part of the time they were recording, Eddie was showing Mike how to play the parts so he could do a take.

Thats actually common of bands. One guy will show another guy an idea he has and how to play it. Example, I have a drum idea so I show the drummer how to play a certain fill, even though im the guitarist.

**Otis5150** · 11.03.06, 02:06 PM

It isn't all that uncommon for members to play different instruments, particularly in this case; since the studio is at Ed's house and he can record whenever he wants to.

Bill Wyman actually played bass on very few Stones tunes - on record - after Ron Wood joined. It was usually Ron Wood and, sometimes, Keith Richards. To this day they're not really sure about most of the credits for Exile On Main Street, because people were all fucked up and wandering into the studio picking up instruments and just playing. If someone wasn't around when they were working on a track, someone else would just fill in. It happens.

That's how "Happy" ended up being a Keith Richard's vocal. Mick wasn't around. Neither was Charlie, so Keith played the drums too.

Wait a minute, this is a VH board....sorry.

**Van Squalen** · 11.03.06, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by Pacfanweb

I'm pretty sure that Eddie only played on 3.

I remember an interview with Andy Johns where he said part of the time they were recording, Eddie was showing Mike how to play the parts so he could do a take.

It was III and the new tracks on BOBW that Mike didn't play in the studio.

AT · 11.03.06, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Van Squalen

It was III and the new tracks on BOBW that Mike didn't play in the studio.

Yup... it was Mike on everything through Balance and the Best Of tunes. III and since is Eddie...

**dropdeadlegs** · 11.03.06, 03:55 PM

What I wanna know is Mike's incapable of coming up with bass lines to Ed's satisfaction or is Mike just not interested and prefers to just play what Ed wants? I tend to wonder if it's the former 'cause for years we've been hearin' rumors that Ed wanted to replace Mike. I remember many years ago hearin' Ed wanted Bill Sheehan. Long before this latest thing, I had the impression Ed was never happy with Mike's playing. Quite frankly, with the way Ed plays I find it hard to imagine any bass player could shine in Van Halen.

**TheArchitect** · 11.03.06, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by dropdeadlegs

What I wanna know is Mike's incapable of coming up with bass lines to Ed's satisfaction or is Mike just not interested and prefers to just play what Ed wants? I tend to wonder if it's the former 'cause for years we've been hearin' rumors that Ed wanted to replace Mike. I remember many years ago hearin' Ed wanted Bill Sheehan. Long before this latest thing, I had the impression Ed was never happy with Mike's playing. Quite frankly, with the way Ed plays I find it hard to imagine any bass player could shine in Van Halen.

Mike does shine in Van Halen. People can't seem to grasp that bass is about feel, not notes and dexterity.

To answer your question, I thinks its all about Ed being a control freak studio nazi. He SANG on III for cryin' out loud.

**dropdeadlegs** · 11.03.06, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by TheArchitect

Mike does shine in Van Halen.

Just to clarify, I wasn't inferring Mike doesn't shine. I love his contribution to Van Halen. I just meant Ed's so insecure that his ego couldn't deal with a bass player in his band that got any accolades. If Wolfie's turns out to be star on bass, I really wouldn't put it pass Ed to feel insecure 'bout his son too.

**TheArchitect** · 11.04.06, 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by dropdeadlegs

Just to clarify, I wasn't inferring Mike doesn't shine. I love his contribution to Van Halen. I just meant Ed's so insecure that his ego couldn't deal with a bass player in his band that got any accolades. If Wolfie's turns out to be star on bass, I really wouldn't put it pass Ed to feel insecure 'bout his son too.

Gotcha. I absolutely agree with that

**VH-is-Alive** · 11.04.06, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Duck

Looking at what was done in the past here, has Michael Anthony ever been asked why his studio contributions for bass were mainly handled by Eddie for the past couple of albums?

How long has Mike been not doing studio work on the bass for VH? Could this be further back than Balance or even F.U.C.K ?

There was an interview earlier this year where Mike said they would not let him play on the three new tracks in the studio and they added his vocals later. I would assume this had to do with the conflict over whether or not he was going to be in the band when Sam stepped in and wouldn't do the tour without Mike. If I had to lay money on it, I'd say he also didn't play on III because that album just lacks the Mikey elements. I've said it many times---it's Ed being a control freak and it pushes people away. I've experienced it in business a couple times and all the control freak stuff does is push people away and make them eventually say "Fuck it." From that point, the control freak wins.

.