Jas Obrecht has released another classic Van Halen interview! This time the veteran rock journalist shares his complete interview with Michael Anthony from 1981.
Jas shared the audio with the VHND and also released the interview via his YouTube channel “Talking Guitar: Jas Obrecht’s Music Magazine”.
Here is what Jas had to say about Mike along with the entire interview on YouTube:
In 1974 bassist Michael Anthony joined the Van Halen brothers in the band that bears their family name. By the time of our interview seven years later, he was regularly delighting concert goers with an extended bass solo that climaxed with his jumping on his bass. Most of the time, though, he played a supporting role. As Eddie said at the time of my interview with Michael, “Mike Anthony is a damned good bass player. When my brother Al and Mike are playing, it’s an open world for me. I can do whatever I want. They’re right there backing me up, feeding me.”
Michael’s harmony vocals were essential to the classic Van Halen sound. Shortly after recording Fair Warning, Michael agreed to do a wide-ranging interview on his role in the band. Our conversation took place on July 22, 1981. As you’ll hear, we discussed his musical upbringing, instruments, the evolution of his extended onstage solo, and the limitations of playing hard rock. He explains how Van Halen arranges songs in Dr. Roth’s basement and the role producer Ted Templeman plays in this process. Michael also covers his favorite recordings with Van Halen and the benefits and pitfalls of success. We wrapped up the conversation with his advice for young players. An edited print version of this appeared in the October 1981 issue of Guitar Player magazine.