Michael Anthony (musician)
Michael Anthony Sobolewski is an American musician who was the bassist and backing vocalist for the hard rock band Van Halen from 1974 to 2006. He performed on Van Halen's first 11 albums and was their longest-tenured bassist. Following his 2006 departure, Anthony has collaborated with fellow former Van Halen bandmate Sammy Hagar for the supergroups Chickenfoot and Sammy Hagar and the Circle. In addition to his music career, he markets a line of hot sauces named Mad Anthony and related products. Anthony was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen in 2007.
Anthony in 2013
Anthony (left) with Chickenfoot in 2009
Van Halen was an American rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973. Credited with restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene, Van Halen was known for their energetic live performances and for the virtuosity of its guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Final lineup of Van Halen in 2015. From left to right: Wolfgang Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and Eddie Van Halen
Van Halen performing at La Cañada High School in 1975.
Flyer handed out at La Cañada High School show. Ed playing an Ibanez Destroyer.
The introduction of Sammy Hagar (pictured in 2005) as vocalist continued the band's worldwide popularity.