In a new interview on Appetite for Distortion, Mr. Big singer Eric Martin looked back on his failed Van Halen audition.
Here’s what Eric said:
“Oh, man, I’m not going there. That’s the biggest thorn in my side. OK, I know what you’re going to say…
“I was invited to audition for Van Halen. I talked to him on the phone two or three times, flew down to L.A., knew people that worked for the Van Halen organization, knew [bassist] Michael Anthony actually, but yeah…
“Just to be asked to come on down… I did a record with Danny Kortchmar and Greg Ladanyi, who both produced [Don Henley’s] ‘Building the Perfect Beast,’ and all the musicians that played on that record – played on my record…
“We were in the same studio together, so Danny Corchmar was in New York, and he ran into Eddie [Van Halen], and he said, ‘This kid’s really good, we just did a record…’
“So, here’s the quote – he calls me up and he goes, ‘Hey, I’m Edward Van Halen, Danny Corchmar told me about you. I listened to your record, and man, you’re a great singer, but I hate your records.'”
3 comments
At least he was honest, would you rather be lied to?
I hate his records, too.
Eric Martin is the best and his records are great! Mr. Big. Don’t need to say anything more than, it’s best he was singing in a great band with Paul Gilbert. He could stand out more as a co-founder of Mr. Big!!!