Exclusively Van Halen: The Supergroup That Almost Happened with #EddieVanHalen. 2/21/25 episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 21, 2025 · 18 MIN

Exclusively Van Halen: The Supergroup That Almost Happened with #EddieVanHalen. 2/21/25

from The Johnny Beane Podcast · host Johnny Beane

The Supergroup Eddie Van Halen Almost Created When David Lee Roth left Van Halen in 1985, the band's future was completely up in the air. Eddie Van Halen and his bandmates reached out to several singers to fill the role, but none accepted. These rejections led Eddie to explore new possibilities to keep his music career alive—one of which could have changed rock history forever. However, before this ambitious plan could materialize, Van Halen found their next frontman, Sammy Hagar. Before discovering Hagar, Eddie was uncertain about where his career was headed. With no clear path forward, he envisioned forming an '80s supergroup that could have been groundbreaking. In a 1996 interview with Guitar World, Eddie revealed details about this bold idea, explaining that he had spoken to some of rock’s biggest names about joining forces. “My plan at the time—and I wouldn’t necessarily have called it a solo record because Mike [Anthony] and Al [Alex Van Halen] would have played on it—was to get Mike Rutherford [Genesis], Pete Townshend, Phil Collins, and Joe Cocker, all of whom I had talked to,” Eddie said. He even had a specific vision for the project, including an early version of Right Now, which later became a hit for Van Halen. “I had written ‘Right Now’ back then, and I wanted Joe Cocker to sing on it. It would have been f— great. That’s what I wanted to do—write a record where I did all the music and had a different singer on each song,” he added. Despite the incredible potential, the project never got off the ground. Eddie admitted that logistical challenges—such as conflicting schedules, contractual obligations, and record label interference—made it nearly impossible. “Logistically, it would have been a nightmare—people on tour, contractual agreements, companies pissing and moaning—and we’d probably only be finishing it now,” he reflected. “It would have been fun.” Though Van Halen ultimately thrived with Sammy Hagar, it's fascinating to think about what could have been if Eddie’s supergroup had become a reality. While we’re grateful for the music Van Halen created with Hagar, this glimpse into Eddie’s musical vision leaves us wondering about the alternate history that never happened. Exclusively Van Halen" is the ultimate destination for all things Van Halen. Step into the world of rock and roll legends as we delve deep into the history, music, and trivia surrounding one of the most iconic bands of all time. Join us as we explore Van Halen's storied career, from their electrifying performances to the making of their timeless hits. Get to know the band members, their inspirations, and the stories behind the songs that have rocked generations. But that's not all – tune in for exciting giveaways where you can win exclusive Van Halen merchandise and more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the magic of Van Halen, this show promises to keep you entertained, informed, and rocking out from start to finish. Get ready to jump into the world of "Exclusively Van Halen" and experience the music like never before. We talk all things Van Halen! Check out the Latin Percussion Alex Van Halen Signature Cowbell - http://sweetwater.sjv.io/7aXxey This affiliate link helps support these shows! #GuitarLegends #exclusivelyvanhalen #eddievanhalen #vanhalen #johnnybeaneTV

The Supergroup Eddie Van Halen Almost Created When David Lee Roth left Van Halen in 1985, the band's future was completely up in the air. Eddie Van Halen and his bandmates reached out to several singers to fill the role, but none accepted. These rejections led Eddie to explore new possibilities to keep his music career alive—one of which could have changed rock history forever. However, before this ambitious plan could materialize, Van Halen found their next frontman, Sammy Hagar. Before discovering Hagar, Eddie was uncertain about where his career was headed. With no clear path forward, he envisioned forming an '80s supergroup that could have been groundbreaking. In a 1996 interview with Guitar World, Eddie revealed details about this bold idea, explaining that he had spoken to some of rock’s biggest names about joining forces. “My plan at the time—and I wouldn’t necessarily have called it a solo record because Mike [Anthony] and Al [Alex Van Halen] would have played on it—was to get Mike Rutherford [Genesis], Pete Townshend, Phil Collins, and Joe Cocker, all of whom I had talked to,” Eddie said. He even had a specific vision for the project, including an early version of Right Now, which later became a hit for Van Halen. “I had written ‘Right Now’ back then, and I wanted Joe Cocker to sing on it. It would have been f— great. That’s what I wanted to do—write a record where I did all the music and had a different singer on each song,” he added. Despite the incredible potential, the project never got off the ground. Eddie admitted that logistical challenges—such as conflicting schedules, contractual obligations, and record label interference—made it nearly impossible. “Logistically, it would have been a nightmare—people on tour, contractual agreements, companies pissing and moaning—and we’d probably only be finishing it now,” he reflected. “It would have been fun.” Though Van Halen ultimately thrived with Sammy Hagar, it's fascinating to think about what could have been if Eddie’s supergroup had become a reality. While we’re grateful for the music Van Halen created with Hagar, this glimpse into Eddie’s musical vision leaves us wondering about the alternate history that never happened. Exclusively Van Halen" is the ultimate destination for all things Van Halen. Step into the world of rock and roll legends as we delve deep into the history, music, and trivia surrounding one of the most iconic bands of all time. Join us as we explore Van Halen's storied career, from their electrifying performances to the making of their timeless hits. Get to know the band members, their inspirations, and the stories behind the songs that have rocked generations. But that's not all – tune in for exciting giveaways where you can win exclusive Van Halen merchandise and more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the magic of Van Halen, this show promises to keep you entertained, informed, and rocking out from start to finish. Get ready to jump into the world of "Exclusively Van Halen" and experience the music like never before. We talk all things Van Halen! Check out the Latin Percussion Alex Van Halen Signature Cowbell - http://sweetwater.sjv.io/7aXxey This affiliate link helps support these shows! #GuitarLegends #exclusivelyvanhalen #eddievanhalen #vanhalen #johnnybeaneTV

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Exclusively Van Halen: The Supergroup That Almost Happened with #EddieVanHalen. 2/21/25

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This episode was published on February 21, 2025.

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The Supergroup Eddie Van Halen Almost Created When David Lee Roth left Van Halen in 1985, the band's future was completely up in the air. Eddie Van Halen and his bandmates reached out to several singers to fill the role, but none accepted. These...

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