Michael Anthony Takes The Lead Vocals On Van Halen Classics

It looks like a whole new cross-section of Van Halen tunes might be entering the Circle's setlist — with the great Michael Anthony finally tackling some early David Lee Roth-era tunes in concert.

During Sammy Hagar's residency show on February 12th at the Strat Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, Michael Anthony treated the Las Vegas crowd by taking the lead on two early Van Halen classics — “Runnin' With The Devil” and “Ain’t Talkin' 'Bout Love.” Ultimate Classic Rock reported, “As Anthony delivers lighthearted renditions of the songs, encouraging the crowd to join in, Hagar acts as cheerleader and backing vocalist for his former Van Halen bandmate.”

Although Michael Anthony is as well-regarded among fans for his legendary backing vocals as his bass playing, he told us that as a rule he's really not interested in singing lead vocals on his own: “I can sing, but I consider myself a bass player. I'm, y'know, a musician first. If the opportunity came up for, y'know, maybe a one-off gig to do something like that, I might do it, but I like to play bass, y'know? I'll sing backgrounds, but a lead singer, y'know, you've got to have that mentality and personality. I'd rather be the bass guy.”