Van Halen album delay due to EVH/DLR spat?

I love EVH's work but my God he's a Diva. DLR is a ham, obviously, but you can't be a good front man without having a bombastic attitude ala Freddie Mercury or Roger Daltrey. And no he isn't the greatest vocalist, but neither is Ozzy or Don Dokken (not shining examples of people who get along great with their bands either, but still). But then Sammy, who's--by all accounts, a pretty nice guy--can't deal with him and then Gary couldn't last but one album with the guys. And even Michael Anthony, probably the least egotistical rock star in the history of music, isn't in the band anymore, that's saying something. I mean all he has left is his brother on drums and his son on bass. Honestly, DLR is doing HIM a favor by agreeing to record/tour with him at all at this point.

I agree with the other post that said that VH III was a vision--headed straight for a brick wall. That record was ghastly! I didn't know, until 1998, that he was even capable of recording something like that but it happened. Is it the Lack of alcohol? What is it? I mean, again, there is no disputing this guy is a God--not only at soloing but at rhythm section and just general, overall composing and arranging for songs. But I think a lot of us, even those of us who are VH vans, are a little tired of the drama, and we're over it. We're over the backstage squabbles during tours, we're sick of the record release delays due to spats... If you can't get it together, please make room for some new bands to earn some of that CD and live show money. We are happy to move forward with the sound and not waste people's patience on the weird things that's been going on with this band in the last 13 years.

Dairenn said:

I love EVH's work but my God he's a Diva. DLR is a ham, obviously, but you can't be a good front man without having a bombastic attitude ala Freddie Mercury or Roger Daltrey. And no he isn't the greatest vocalist, but neither is Ozzy or Don Dokken (not shining examples of people who get along great with their bands either, but still). But then Sammy, who's--by all accounts, a pretty nice guy--can't deal with him and then Gary couldn't last but one album with the guys. And even Michael Anthony, probably the least egotistical rock star in the history of music, isn't in the band anymore, that's saying something. I mean all he has left is his brother on drums and his son on bass. Honestly, DLR is doing HIM a favor by agreeing to record/tour with him at all at this point.

I agree with the other post that said that VH III was a vision--headed straight for a brick wall. That record was ghastly! I didn't know, until 1998, that he was even capable of recording something like that but it happened. Is it the Lack of alcohol? What is it?.

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DLR is doing Eddie a favor, since Dave has no problem whatsoever touring or even recording albums with his solo band. He wouldn't have a problem heading into the studio tomorrow, starting completely from scratch, and knocking out an album in 20-25 days, warts and all. That's precisely how he claims to have did it with the DLR Band record back in '98.

Meanwhile, Eddie has no apparent interest in touring or recording unless he has an established singer like Dave in the band and under his thumb. Even then, when he does get started, the writing, recording and eventual release all move at a glacial-like pace.

As for Van Halen III, during that time period, at least Eddie had the decency to record that lousy record, throw it out for public consumption, take his lumps for an ill-advised artistic statement and put himself in prime position the following year to record a much better follow-up with someone like Roth, which would have helped them get right back in the saddle.

Eddie could have just booted Cherone in 1999 or 2000, paid Roth what he wanted and have finished an album within a few months and had it out there ten years ago (in 2001). Easy as 1, 2, 3.

Instead, here we are 13 years later in 2011 and no closer to anything resembling a return to form.

I agree with most of the above, I cannot be doing with arguing and fall outs, are VH wanting to release an album because they enjoy the music or is it about the money?

I'm not sure any of them need money Sweaty, but that might be one of the reasons.

But I think to overcome all the past history there had to be more than just money to be made behind this...a genuine attempt to put VH back on the map again especially seeing Sammy and Michael are doing well in their new band. I think that must be driving Eddie nuts.

One of the problems with the vocals is that they won't have those great harmonies anymore. And why not? Because the guy who used to do them, Michael Anthony, is no longer with the band. And why is that? Mmmmmm....oh yeah, because Eddie threw him out!

I suppose they don't need money but if they don't get on then they should leave it and save putting out a record that could damage their reputation.

If this doesn't work out with DLR again, they can always team up with Axl and deliver the most anticipated album of the 2029 Christmas season

aeroplane said:

At this point, if he wants to carry on with Van Halen, Eddie might as well just get Gary Cherone back into the band or bring in some unknown guy off the street like Journey or INXS did.

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Won't happen for one reason. Warner told him to can Gary and said they'd lose their contract if they record with anyone besides Dave or Sammy.

ANF said:

Won't happen for one reason. Warner told him to can Gary and said they'd lose their contract if they record with anyone besides Dave or Sammy.

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Assuming they ever get a studio album in the pipeline, I'm sure Van Halen could find another major label no problem, regardless of who is singing in the band, even if it were Wolfgang doing vocals.

Besides, being signed to Warner Bros. doesn't mean as much as it used to. I don't think changing labels would necessarily be a bad thing for VH.

ANF said:

If this doesn't work out with DLR again, they can always team up with Axl and deliver the most anticipated album of the 2029 Christmas season

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That made me laugh ANF...

Seriously this whole charade is assuming farcical proportions now.

Somebody needs to tell Eddie to shut up and play his guitar...or tell us it's over and no album with Diamond Dave is forthcoming.

A band of their stature doesn't need all this drama to create a buzz, we were all buzzing with the thought of a return to Roots VH record, not Eddie's endless erratic behavior. I say that because it's always Dave being kicked out and invited back, he Wants to be part of something good, so to me this is all on EVH's side of the fence.