Wolfgang Van Halen recently discussed reconnecting with ex-VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony
Speaking with Ultimate Classic Rock, Wolfgang Van Halen discussed reconnecting with former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony at MAMMOTH WVH‘s December 8, 2023 concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wolfgang said: “Oh, it was wonderful. We hadn’t seen each other in 20 years. So it was great to just give him a big hug and really talk. We haven’t had much of an opportunity to do so.
“People try to make it seem like there’s some animosity, hatred or competition between us, [but] it’s never been that way,” Wolfgang clarified. “I’ve literally always loved Mike. He’s a wonderful person, wonderful guy and a wonderful musician.
“Man, it was such a pleasure and joy to reconnect with him. It was like a family reunion. My mom [Valerie Bertinelli] and my uncle, Patrick, were there as well. They obviously go way further back than I do with Mike. But man, it was wonderful. I was very happy.”
Shortly after MAMMOTH WVH‘s concert in Las Vegas, Wolfgang posted some pics of himself and Anthony backstage to his social media along with the caption: “Ran into an old friend at the @mammothwvh show in Vegas tonight. (Love ya, Mikey)”
Michael went on to post some video of the MAMMOTH WVH performance and a backstage photo of himself and Wolfgang, along with the caption: “Went to see MAMMOTH WVH last night here in Vegas, and they threw it down! Love ya Wolf, so great to see ya! (Proud of you brother!!)” Asked by a fan how long it had been since he and Wolfgang last met, Michael replied: “First time in 20 years.”
Speaking with New York radio station Q104.3 prior to the Las Vegas show, Wolfgang said he was looking forward to meeting Michael. “I’m gonna be seeing Mike in Vegas, so I’m stoked to give him a hug,” he said. He also said that he was “stoked” that Anthony, Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani and Jason Bonham were planning a 2024 tour focusing largely on VAN HALEN music. “Yeah, that’s super cool, man,” he said.
For over ten years, there was a strained relationship between VAN HALEN and Anthony, leading to his exclusion from the reunion with Roth that commenced in 2007. The ensuing two tours and the studio album, “A Different Kind Of Truth,” showcased Wolfgang on bass instead.
In 2004, Anthony accepted reduced pay and relinquished all his claims to the band’s name and logo to be part of VAN HALEN‘s tour featuring Hagar.
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