Former Michael Anthony has shed light on his involvement in the upcoming deluxe reissues from legendary hard-rock band Van Halen, offering fans a glimpse into how the band’s classic catalog is being revisited behind the scenes.
In a recent interview with radio host Matt Bingham of Z93, Anthony revealed that while he isn’t directly overseeing the projects, he does play a consultative role when it comes to decisions about the reissues, particularly those involving classic albums from the band’s catalog.
Offering Input On The Band’s Legacy
Anthony explained that the process involves collaboration between the record label, engineers, and surviving members of the band. According to him, longtime Van Halen engineer Donn Landee has been working on mixing material for the releases. The musicians are then asked to weigh in on the label’s proposals.
Anthony described the process as largely advisory: the label presents ideas, and the band members respond with feedback, sometimes approving them and sometimes rejecting them. As he put it, the musicians “throw their two cents in” regarding what should or shouldn’t be included.
While much of the process involves marketing decisions, Anthony said he focuses mainly on the music itself, noting that he trusts his instincts when it comes to what sounds right.
Revisiting The “Van Hagar” Era
One of the upcoming projects includes a deluxe edition of 5150, the band’s 1986 record that introduced vocalist Sammy Hagar as the replacement for David Lee Roth. The album marked the beginning of the band’s hugely successful “Van Hagar” era and produced several major hits, including “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Dreams.”
Anthony admitted that revisiting the material can be an emotional experience. He rarely listens to some of the old albums, but when he does revisit them, especially during reissue work, it often sends him down a nostalgic path through the band’s catalog.
Rediscovering Old Songs
Hearing these recordings again has also inspired Anthony creatively. He joked that rediscovering forgotten songs sometimes leads him to suggest them for live performances when he tours with Hagar. However, he noted that the final setlist often depends on what Hagar feels comfortable singing on any given night.
Anthony served as Van Halen’s bassist and backing vocalist from 1974 until 2006, performing on the band’s first eleven albums and becoming an essential part of their signature sound and harmonies.
Preserving The Van Halen Catalog
With renewed attention on the band’s legacy following the death of guitar icon Eddie Van Halen in 2020, these deluxe reissues represent another step in preserving and celebrating the group’s influential catalog.
Although Anthony isn’t running the archival process himself, his involvement ensures that the musicians who created the music still have a voice in how it’s presented to fans, helping maintain the authenticity of one of rock’s most celebrated discographies.
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