VAN HALEN Removing Bassist From Songwriting Credits?

August 21, 2007

The Pulse of Radio (formerly Launch Radio Networks) reports: VAN HALEN may have restored former bassist Michael Anthony's photos to the album cover art on the band's official web site, but it seems the group is still trying to remove Anthony from its history. According to AntiMusic.com, Anthony's name has been taken off the writing credits for some of the group's music. An email to the site from a VAN HALEN fan explained, "On every single VAN HALEN song (with exception to the three new songs on the 'Best of Both Worlds' compilation),credits have always gone to Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony and the lead singer who is featured on the song...However, during the credits of the film 'Superbad', which features the song 'Panama', the song is only credited to the two Van Halens and (David Lee) Roth! Anthony continues to get snubbed by his former band as they attempt to erase him from the history of the band."

AntiMusic checked the ASCAP database and learned that Anthony's name has been removed from the songwriting credits of the album 1984, on which "Panama" originally appeared, although apparently he still gets credit on other VAN HALEN releases.

Anthony was reportedly forced to sign a reduced royalty contract in order to take part in the 2004 reunion tour with singer Sammy Hagar, according to Wikipedia.org. Anthony also apparently did not play on the three songs recorded for the "Best of Both Worlds" collection.

A furor erupted online last week after photos of Anthony at the band's official web site were either removed or replaced by an image of guitarist Eddie Van Halen's son Wolfgang, who will play bass on the group's upcoming tour. The photos were restored less than two days later.

VAN HALEN announced the details of its long-awaited reunion tour with original singer David Lee Roth on August 13. The tour kicks off on September 27 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Pre-recorded tapes will reportedly be used to recreate Anthony's backing vocals on the tour.

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