Michael Anthony Weighs In on a Possible New Van Halen Album

Although Michael Anthony has not been part of Van Halen since 2006, the bassist has been watching recent developments closely as talk circulates about a possible new Van Halen release built from archival recordings.

In a recent interview with Matt Spatz of WNCX, Anthony offered a candid take on how such a project might best honor the band’s legacy—particularly that of late guitarist Eddie Van Halen. “The way I personally feel about it is, if they wanted to do it justice, [the best idea would be] to just finish it up as a great instrumental nod to Eddie,” Anthony said. He cautioned against the idea of adding a new singer, noting that it would complicate matters both creatively and logistically. “We’re not forming a new band,” he added, pointing out that lyrics, vocals, and long timelines could dilute the original intent.

An Archival Project Led by Alex Van Halen

The project is being spearheaded by drummer Alex Van Halen, with Anthony not involved. According to Alex, the recordings date back to sessions he worked on with Eddie while the band was still active, during a period when Wolfgang Van Halen was handling bass duties.

Helping Alex sift through the material is longtime friend and collaborator Steve Lukather. In an interview on the KazaGastao YouTube channel, Alex stressed that nothing will be released unless it meets the band’s historical standards. “Many people have asked, ‘What about releasing unreleased stuff?’” he said. “We’re not gonna release it in its embryonic form because it wouldn’t make any sense. It has to be of the quality and the level of where we left it.”

That emphasis on restraint underscores how carefully the Van Halen camp is treating Eddie’s legacy—aware that fans expect more than rough sketches or curiosities.

The Vocal Question—and Life After Van Halen

The issue of vocals remains unresolved. Alex revealed that ideas have been discussed, including reaching out to Paul Rodgers, who ultimately declined. Rodgers later addressed the situation publicly. “To squash the rumors… my health is good,” he said. “I feel fit and strong… Thanks to Van Halen for inviting me to work on a track with them, but I am in my acoustic, zen phase of life.”

Notably absent from Alex’s remarks were former Van Halen frontmen Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth, leaving open questions about how—if at all—voices from the band’s past might factor into its future.

As for Anthony, he remains very much active. He is set to reunite with Hagar onstage beginning March 11 as part of the Red Rocker’s Las Vegas residency, joined by Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff, and Greg Phillinganes, with additional dates planned in the U.S. and U.K.

Anthony has also spoken warmly about his enduring friendship with Hagar, rooted in shared passions for music, cars, and beach life. That camaraderie will soon be highlighted again with an expanded reissue of 5150, due March 27.

More than a simple nostalgia play, the reissue—and the careful handling of unreleased recordings—reflects a broader truth about Van Halen’s legacy: its members are no longer chasing reinvention, but preservation. In honoring the past without rushing the future, the band’s surviving voices appear determined to let the music, and Eddie’s unmistakable spirit, speak for itself.