According to the recently published article of Losos, the iconic producer of Van Halen, Ted Templeman released his recent memoir named ‘A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music’ and exposed the real reason of why he did not sell David Lee Roth out for Sammy Hagar.
As you might already know, Ted was the really close friend of Sammy and when Ted signed with Van Halen, everybody thought that Sammy would take the role of David Lee Roth in the band. But it didn’t happen.
In the article, Ted also mentioned his feelings about legendary Van Halen singer, David Lee Roth and confessed that he was really nervous about working with him.
Here is what he wrote:
“As a performer and vocalist, he underwhelmed me. His stage presence was awkward, and his singing wasn’t great. I was actually a bit nervous that Mo was going to be turned off by the singer’s antics and perhaps might pass on Van Halen.
I could make the guitar player a solo artist if the worst came to pass. I found myself mulling over dumping the singer for a stronger vocalist, like Montrose’s lead singer, Sammy Hagar. I thought, Hell, he might be the perfect singer for Van Halen.
Truthfully, Roth made me nervous too. I thought, ‘what am I going to do with this group if we sign them and the singer can’t hold up his end of the bargain?’
To be sure, he was distinctive as a singer; his train-whistle screams were identifiable in a good way. But every time I heard him get pitchy or completely miss a note, I worried that the public was going to be turned off by this band because of his limitations.”
However, after listening ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love’ and understanding the deepness of Roth’s talents, Ted’s ideas have completely changed.
Click here for the source.
2 comments
I can’t stand any Pro Sammy jive. DLR VH for life. No Van Hagar in this house
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