Van Halen To Try For Singer # 4 On CBS Rockstar Show

TMZ ^ | 2-12-2006

[My Favorite Headache]

Van Halen: The Next 'Rock Star'? February 12, 2006

Sources tell TMZ Van Halen is in the market for a new lead singer, and the marketplace will be the upcoming reality show 'Rock Star: The Series.'

Last October, Van Halen reps vehemently denied the band would use 'Rock Star' in a talent search for a new lead singer. The reps are now singing a different tune. Van Halen publicist Larry Solters told TMZ: "I'm not denying it. I'm not going to answer any questions about it."

Last year, the band INXS used 'Rock Star' to find a new lead singer. J.D. Fortune won the competition, and the band is now making a comeback with a hit new album and a sold-out tour.

As for Van Halen, the group has had three lead singers since it hit the scene back in 1978: David Lee Roth, who left the band in 1985, Sammy Hagar, who split in 1995, and Gary Cherone, who did just one album and tour with the band in 1998.

The next season of 'Rock Star,' produced by Mark Burnett for CBS, is scheduled to air during the summer. Neither Burnett nor CBS would comment on the Van Halen buzz.

[ShadowDancer]

Yep, they did write them but they should then leave the ones he sung alone. They were great songs but they were also great because of his voice, you don't try to replicate that. It ends up sounding like karaoke. Let them get a new lead singer and if he's good and the song writing talent is still there, it'll show.

[MotleyGirl70]

Eddie Van Halen is an idiot. He loses the hottest wife, ruins his liver, smokes himself silly and can't keep a lead singer.

He's become a real jackass in his older years too. His attitude and personality rot.

[melt]

Eddie Van Halen had throat cancer a couple of years ago. The last time I heard him speak, he was pretty hoarse. At least they didn't take out his voicebox.

[Viking2002]

It's Dave Or The Grave. Edweird's ruined that band and it's legacy. Even the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame committee won't touch 'em. They're probably waiting for Ed's liver to detonate, then they'll invite the alumni.

[1L]

Their best album was Hagar's first one with the group. Roth was OK, but Hagar was more talented and whoever was writing and arranging the music did much better when they started using synths extensively. Yes, I know so-called hard core VH fans hate synths, but the harmonies are so much better and Eddie's licks can be showcased as well.

[MotleyGirl70]

VH was great with Roth. Roth on his own, was mediocre. Hagar is great as a solo artist. Hagar with VH was mediocre.

I was never a Van Hagar. Dave's solo career was better than Sammy's.

To wit...

"Eat 'Em and Smile."

[oceanview]

everybody has a price.

[MotleyGirl70]

I was never a Van Hagar fan.

[new cruelty]

For me, their best album was Fair Warning.

[Doohickey]

Van Halen produced better albums. Van Hagar put on better concerts.

[Veto!]

I sort of forget Van Halen, but watched Rock Star show last summer and was totally smitten with J.D. Fortune, who won the gig with INXS. JD's song "It ain't pretty" opens every "Las Vegas" TV show==maybe he's on it, but I've never seen it. .....

Anyone know how INXS and JD are doing now? He was absolutely utterly dreamy, had everything going for him including but not limited to great looks and talent. Can I use the "S" word on FR on Sunday? Made me feel young again.....PLEASE someone, bring back the '60s.

(Ms.) Veto!

[RockinRight]

Eat 'Em and Smile, I'll admit, was Dave's best solo album. However, I thought Hagar's VOA and Three Lock Box were both pretty good, better than anything Dave did.

[My Favorite Headache]

Not throat...tongue cancer and he got it from years of smoking...which he has since gone back to. His voice has always sounded like a frog with a cold.

[new cruelty]

I was looking about for some evidence as to which performer had better album sales- Sam or Dave (I like both artist's music) and I ran across this from Wikipedia-

Hagar has never been openly political for the most part. However, the title track off his album, VOA is a patriotic, pro-American tune, and he, and his brother, have suggested in interviews that Sammy supports the Republican Party. He also shows up on newsmeat.com as a Republican donor, and has acknowledged that he is a close friend of Congressman Dana Rohrabacher.

[ThreePuttinDude]

Won't you tell me

[MotleyGirl70]

Van Halen produced better albums. Van Hagar put on better concerts.

I never saw Van Halen in concert, but I've seen David Lee Roth twice in concert--both were great. I'm not a Van Hagar fan, however I did see Sammy in concert and I was thoroughly surprise at how much I like him solo.

[ShadowDancer]

Well then, that seals it. He's the best ever.

[nickcarraway]

They might as well Jump?

[new cruelty]

guess he's not called the red rocker for nothing. :)

[Dick Vomer]

It's Dave or the Grave. There is no Van Halen without David Lee Roth.

yep... hagar was ok...but it wasn't Van Halen...the red rocker and eddie were a group....

Van Halen was and is the Van Halens and Roth....

oil and water.....