I plan to get back to some good, old-fashioned Bush bashing soon, but first this news update on Van Halen as reprinted from TMZ.com:
Van Halen has finally found its new bassist -- and it looks like the rock gods are keeping the band a family affair. TMZ is first to confirm that Van Halen has hired 15-year-old Wolfgang Van Halen -- the son of guitarist Eddie Van Halen and estranged wife Valerie Bertinelli, and nephew of drummer Alex Van Halen -- as the new bassist for the band. Wolfgang replaces longtime bassist Michael Anthony, who left the band earlier this year. Van Halen spokesperson Janie Liszewski tells TMZ that Wolfgang, known as "Wolfie," has already joined his dad and uncle for rehearsals in the studio. Wolfie played dates with his father during the band's 2004 tour, and the song "316" on 1991's "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge," was named for Wolfie's birth date that same year.The band is still without a lead singer, despite rumors that David Lee Roth might rejoin.
When I look at the up side of this, I realize Eddie Van Halen just saved me the $100+ I might have spent on a concert ticket to see their rumored reunion with David Lee Roth. On the other hand maybe if they give Wolf a beard and moustache I won't know the difference.
* Hysterical quote from the VH Links: "Van Halen ain't over until the fat kid plays bass."
Another poster made the great point, how eager do you think David Lee Roth is to step on stage with a 15 year old? If they go to the same mic for a Lennon-McCartney moment, isn't that gonna look weird? And if these 50 year olds look old already, how much older is Wolfgang going to make them look? And why is Alex enabling all of this?
I find it interesting how even though Jimmy Page is a horrible guitar player next to Eddie he's written the book on how to run a class rock n' roll band right into his 60's whereas Eddie's been nothing but fumbles since 1986.