Ex-Van Halen bassist honoured by Rock Hall induction

Michael Anthony isn't letting his dismissal from Van Halen get in the way of his feelings about being elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On his website madanthonycafe.com, the bassist wrote, "I was very excited and honored to learn that Van Halen would be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this March. I want to thank Eddie, Alex, Sammy, and Dave. It has been an amazing experience and I am very proud of what we have accomplished. I'm not sure yet how the induction ceremony will work, but I'll keep everyone posted as I find out the details. A Big MA Toast to all our fans for their tremendous support over the years! Love you all and bottoms up!! -- Michael."

Last year, Eddie Van Halen announced that his 15-year-old son Wolfgang had replaced Anthony in the band. No announcement has been made about the reason for the lineup change.

While Anthony only had positive things to say, Sammy Hagar told us that the bassist wasn't in the best frame of mind this week when they learned about the Rock Hall induction: "Oh, he's totally jacked. You know, he's a little uncomfortable 'cause supposedly, you know, that Ed has made that announcement that he's thrown Mikey out of the band and added Wolfie, and all that. And, you know, that's kind of, like, degrading to Mike. He doesn't feel real confident about walking out there and accepting an award. But Mike's, you know, he's (as) excited as I am, he's just a little uncomfortable."

In related news, David Lee Roth and Eddie and Alex Van Halen have issued this statement about Van Halen being honored by the Rock Hall: "It is an honor and a privilege and we would like to thank the fans and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee." Roth is reportedly back with the band for a summer tour, but there's been no formal announcement.

The band will be inducted March 12th at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
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