Van Halen transitioning from David Lee Roth to Sammy Hagar is one of the most infamous band changes in rock history. Apparently, it was a change so monumental that many in Van Halen’s orbit thought the band should change their name.
Former bassist Michael Anthony said in a new interview, “We had everybody – Warner Brothers, our management, our lawyers – going, ‘Oh, my god. David Lee Roth’s gone.’ They thought that that was such a strong identity. Warner Brothers wanted us to change the name of the band.”
Anthony added, “I remember Eddie and Alex [Van Halen], we were was Warner Brothers, and they were yelling, ‘Hey, hey, this is our last name. This is our careers, and we’re Van Halen.’”
Perhaps the band’s label, management, etc. would have a leg to stand on if the Diamond Dave’s name was actually David Van Halen. Considering, the band’s name came from Eddie and Alex Van Halen and they were still in the band, it seems crazy they wanted the band to change their name. It literally makes no sense.
Labels and management: Gotta love ’em, right?
