YOUR QUESTIONS: For ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony

Chickenfoot, VH… ask him anything

Tom Porter, Mon 27 Oct 2008, 4:23 pm UTC

Michael Anthony also has his own line of hot sauces called Mad Anthony. Fact (© Ampeg)

Interviewing Michael Anthony is like completing a really difficult four-piece jigsaw puzzle. But after Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar and Chad Smith, hooking-up with the fourth and final member of 'Chickenfoot' was compulsory…

If you're not yet familiar with the Led Zep-rivalling supergroup, you'll probably recognise Michael Anthony as a founding member of Van Halen. Anthony joined the band as bassist in 1974, before being replaced by Eddie Van Halen's son – Wolfgang – in 2004.

As well as a series of Yamaha bass guitars, Anthony boasts his own custom-made Jack Daniel's model. Shaped like a whiskey bottle, of course. Check out this video to see it in action.

Your questions

So, for the full-house, we're talking to Michael Anthony this week and giving you the chance to ask the questions. Simply add one to the comments below (you'll have to be registered and logged in to do so). We'll pick the best and ask them during the interview.

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User comments (8)

Dan170

Wed 12 Nov 2008, 8:58 pm UTC

Chickenfoot? seems like chinese delicacy to me. But anyway play your style man, dont be Led Zep or Van Halen. Just do what 's natural with you, satch and hagar.

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joeman

Wed 29 Oct 2008, 1:43 pm UTC

Hey Mike,
I'm a huge fan. I used to show up at all the VH shows with my Part Til She's Cute Shirt if you remember. Anyhow, I just want you to know how bummed everyone was when Eddie and Al left you out of the reunion tour. I heard that recently Sammy spoke with Eddie over McCain's use of the song Right Now and that they actually kinda made up? Did that really happen and have spoken to either of the brothers since they dicked you over?
Again Mike - I'm a huge fan and can't wait to hear and see Chickenfoot!!!
Joe
Akron, OH

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CaboPablo

Wed 29 Oct 2008, 4:52 am UTC

Mikey,
I saw you perform as The Other 1/2 twice and once in Cabo (60th birthday bash). I feel you play different on your own than when you play with VH. I think you are a much better player outside of VH. Would you agree? And... will we hear your best bass playing yet in "Chickenfoot"?
You are amazing, VH totally screwed you by leaving you off the tour. It wasn't the same without you.
Paul DeAngelo

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johnfranco888

Tue 28 Oct 2008, 10:43 pm UTC

If you could jam to "Little Wing" with one modern-day guitarist, other than Joe Satriani, who would it be and why?

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munomi

Tue 28 Oct 2008, 12:19 am UTC

Mike, thanks for talking with the fans. I got to see you sing lead as part of The Other Half; which makes me wonder why you havn't done a solo album. I know that you've got a bit on your plate with 'Chickenfoot' but any chances you would do your own thing? On another note...what are your two favorite songs playing live and why? Also, I like what you've done with your website.

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thedude5

Mon 27 Oct 2008, 11:23 pm UTC

Michael,
You the the freakin' man! Okay, two questions. First -- who are your influences as a bassist? I've never read an interview where you've talked about that.
Also, I have to know...When you chug Jack Daniels onstage, is that really Jack Daniels, or is it iced tea as some people have said? Thanks, man.

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cabowabo316

Mon 27 Oct 2008, 9:29 pm UTC

Mikey...
First and foremost. Thank You for always giving the fans a shout out-it doesn't go unnoticed.
If Ed and Al were able to put the past behind and look to the future of Van Halen would you be willing to put the band back together-Sammy included.
Sam still has the pipes and you still sound great both vocally and musically.
It may be even better than 2004 given Ed seems to have matured sober.
Or should we just give up on that chapter?
THX again.
Chris
Boston, Mass.

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bama

Mon 27 Oct 2008, 7:50 pm UTC

Would you ever go back to Van Halen? If not, you seem to do quite a bit of stuff with Sammy Hagar - if he was back in VH would that make you want to rejoin more? Or has Eddie pissed you off too much to ever consider it?

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