Paul Rodgers Passes on Van Halen, Michael Anthony Speaks Out: “Do It Justice”
A Farewell Album Still in Question
Paul Rodgers has confirmed that he declined an invitation to sing on a proposed farewell album by Van Halen. His decision adds another layer of uncertainty to a project that has drawn strong interest from fans since the death of guitarist Eddie Van Halen in 2020.
Drummer Alex Van Halen has been working to shape a final record from material recorded before his brother’s passing. The music was originally meant to follow the band’s 2012 comeback album, A Different Kind of Truth. In recent interviews, Alex has said he wants to finish what they started, though details remain limited.
Searching for the Right Voice
Alex at one point explored using artificial intelligence to help complete the recordings. He later decided against that approach. Instead, he reached out to guitarist Steve Lukather, a longtime friend of Eddie. Lukather quickly clarified that he would not be adding new guitar parts, suggesting his role would be more advisory than creative.
The larger question now centers on who, if anyone, will handle vocals. Both former frontmen, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, are believed to be out of consideration. Rodgers confirmed he was approached but chose not to take part.
“Thanks to Van Halen for inviting me to work on a track with them,” Rodgers wrote on X. “But I am in my acoustic, zen phase of life.”
Rodgers, best known as the lead singer of Bad Company, also used his message to address health concerns that kept him from attending the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction last year.
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Michael Anthony Weighs In
Former bassist Michael Anthony has shared his own thoughts on how the music should be handled. Anthony played on every Van Halen studio album except the most recent one, after being replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang. Though he has supported the release of archival recordings, he believes adding a new singer may not be the right move.
“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,” he told Cleveland radio station WNCX.
Anthony also warned that bringing in a vocalist could slow the process.
“We’re not forming a new band,” he said. “Then you’ve got to work on lyrics and all that stuff. And who knows when anything would be put out at that point.”
Rodgers’ mention of being invited to sing on “a track” suggests the band may have considered using different singers on separate songs. At the same time, Anthony’s comments show how complex the decision has become, especially since some recordings date back to sessions he originally played on.
Alex Van Halen has made clear that he wants to complete the work he and his brother began. Whether the final release includes a new voice or stands as an instrumental tribute remains undecided.
