If Ed and Al had to do it over again

**dropdeadlegs** · 12.30.06, 10:21 AM

I often wonder if Ed & Al wished they opted for a power trio similar to Cream with Mike handling lead vocals. Personally, without a flamboyant or colorful frontman I couldn't see them having the same success. What do you guys & gals think.

**wingnut** · 12.30.06, 10:28 AM

I think Van Halen would have still been big, but not huge as to notoriety, attendance at shows, overall sales, and I'd have to wonder if they'd be nominated for the RRHOF.

**chefcraig** · 12.30.06, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by dropdeadlegs

I often wonder if Ed & Al wished they opted for a power trio similar to Cream with Mike handling lead vocals. Personally, without a flamboyant or colorful frontman I couldn't see them having the same success. What do you guys & gals think.

The reason they got Roth in the first place was they were tired of paying him to rent his PA. They simply got better gigs with Dave, which led to other things, like getting signed.

Yet considering EVH's talent at the time, I believe he would have been successful, perhaps in another band. That's kind of frightening to ponder: "Ratt featuring Ed Van Halen."

**theicecreamman** · 12.30.06, 11:18 AM

Its kind of hard to picture them as a threesome, I dont think they would have gotten into the hall of fame if it was a trio, or had the same success...the songs just wouldnt sound the same with those strong front voices

**Van Squalen** · 12.30.06, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by chefcraig

That's kind of frightening to ponder: "Ratt featuring Ed Van Halen."

Gawd, warn a guy before you toss out bombs like that.

**RAGEN_40** · 12.30.06, 11:45 AM

The industry people would have never bought into it. They would have to go out and get that flamboyant personality.
I often wonder how this whole soap opera would have played out had they not been called Van Halen. The brothers automatically get the name in this situation. What if they had been Mammouth, or the Broken Combs or The Red Ball Jets? Who then would lay stakes to the name?

**mike49085** · 12.30.06, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by dropdeadlegs

I often wonder if Ed & Al wished they opted for a power trio similar to Cream with Mike handling lead vocals. Personally, without a flamboyant or colorful frontman I couldn't see them having the same success. What do you guys & gals think.

NO!

**VHwasCoolestWithDLR** · 12.30.06, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by dropdeadlegs

I often wonder if Ed & Al wished they opted for a power trio similar to Cream with Mike handling lead vocals.

I think if they could go back to do over again, they probably wouldnt have anything to with Michael Anthony.

**chefcraig** · 12.30.06, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by VHwasCoolestWithDLR

I think if they could go back to do over again, they probably wouldnt have anything to with Michael Anthony.

Then Mark Stone would still be on bass!

**318joe** · 12.30.06, 12:11 PM

i thought that if dave was still a no go and sammy was out they should have stayed as a trio having mike sing. i always thought that would be their best bet this late in the game. but its their band not mine.

**vanzefflin** · 12.30.06, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by VHwasCoolestWithDLR

I think if they could go back to do over again, they probably wouldnt have anything to with Michael Anthony.

..............or Dave, or Sammy, or......insert any name that has ever been associated with this clusterfuck.

**belikemike** · 01.01.07, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by 318joe

i thought that if dave was still a no go and sammy was out they should have stayed as a trio having mike sing. i always thought that would be their best bet this late in the game. but its their band not mine.

I completely agree. Going forward with Mike singing lead would've made a lot of sense. But, can Mike write lyrics and melodies? Maybe producing material with just the three would've been impossible? Even if Mike could write lyrics and melodies, would he want to?
I do wonder if the subject was ever broached. My best guess is if they'd gone this way, Mike wouldn't be on the "outs" right now.

AT · 01.01.07, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by belikemike

I completely agree. Going forward with Mike singing lead would've made a lot of sense. But, can Mike write lyrics and melodies? Maybe producing material with just the three would've been impossible? Even if Mike could write lyrics and melodies, would he want to?
I do wonder if the subject was ever broached. My best guess is if they'd gone this way, Mike wouldn't be on the "outs" right now.

I only vaguely recall reading an article a short while after the departure of Cherone--but long enough to bring on rumors that Roth was back--where Van Halen's management (or someone officially associated with the band) was asked who the lead singer of Van Halen was. The individual replied, jokingly: "Michael Anthony." Maybe that wouldn't have been so bad, huh?