With rumors and rumblings abound lately about drummer Alex Van Halen possibly putting together a future Van Halen tribute tour featuring himself and special musical guests -- former singer David Lee Roth has of course weighed in on who he thinks could fill his shoes -- if it ever happens.
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OK, maybe some context is needed. Guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani recently revealed on the Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen show that he, Alex, and Dave had been speaking over the past year "about doing something, a tour, something like that, that was gonna be a true tribute to Eddie [Van Halen] and the Van Halen legacy." Adding, "for me, it was a terrifying prospect of doing something like that, but I realized that it was something that would be a real labor of love for me. I was just so honored to take on the challenge."
Additionally, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted told The Palm Beach Post that Alex approached him about the project as well, saying he agreed to jam with Alex and Joe, but he eventually came to the conclusion that it would be too difficult to properly honor the band's legacy. "How could you?" Jason asked. "There's nobody that can top it, so how do you show it honor? I didn't want it to be viewed as a money grab. And then it kind of just all fizzled," he said.
And now for Roth... He tells fansite The Van Halen News Desk that "In my mind ‘Van Halen 4r, in the age of COVID’ is going to require two of us for every position," he said before listing his picks. “[Joe] Satriani and [Toto guitarist Steve] Lukather, [original bassist Michael] Anthony and [Jason] Newsted, Al [Van Halen] or [Mötley Crüe's] Tommy Lee," on drums. "Probably the only one who could do my job today would be [Pop star] P!nk,” DLR finally revealed. Notably absent from Roth's roster: Red Rocker Sammy Hagar who provided frontman duties from 1985 to 1996 and again during a reunion from 2003 to 2005, and Eddie Van Halen's son, Wolfgang.
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That could be because of Sammy's harsh words for Roth, at times saying he "hasn't aged well," and "doesn't sing well" anymore. As for Wolfie, he's already stated he joined the band when Eddie was still with us to keep him alive, and has since vowed not to perform any Van Halen tributes at his own shows.
Still, Roth already said he's retired, and Sammy is still kicking, heading out for a tour around the country with his supergroup The Circle and friend George Thorogood beginning in June. Hagar and Michael Anthony have also vowed to make a tribute happen at some point -- so there will likely be more information available as things continue to unfold between all parties.
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Regardless of these facts -- Roth is right on when he says Pop star and acrobatic master P!nk could fill his high flying role in the group. His other choices are also interesting, especially when considering the musicianship and showmanship of each artist mentioned. Let's hope something solid comes to fruition sooner rather than later because, as we all know, the more these guys talk, that's just more room that can be left for squabbling.
Satriani didn't rule out the prospect entirely, saying "It's very complicated, and all I can really say about it is that if it does happen, I know we'll make it the greatest thing ever for the fans, and we'll all celebrate together. Not only the great Eddie Van Halen but the legacy that that band created, the amazing amount of music and the goodwill and good vibes they created as a band."
Browse more of Audacy's all-new stations like Van Halen Radio, 80s Guitar, Rock N’ Road, Freedom Rock, The Canyon, Arena Rock, Wake Up and Rock, and The Roots of Rock for those who crave the early days.
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