Happy Birthday today (June 20) to former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony. He’s 64.

Van Halen formed out of Pasadena, California in 1972 with the classic lineup of David Lee Roth on vocals, Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, and bassist Michael Anthony. The band was one of the most successful rock acts in the world by the early 1980’s. Their biggest selling album would be 1984 which would go on to sell 12 million copies in the U.S. alone and feature several hit singles including “Jump”, “Panam”, and one of the greatest drum songs of all time,”Hot for Teacher”. Sammy Hagar would front the band for another successful era from 1986 through 2006. Michael Anthony was let go from Van Halen in 2006 and replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen. Van Halen were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Michael Anthony has performed  with Sammy Hagar in various projects in recent years including Chickenfoot and The Circle. The Circle is a supergroup that also features Sammy Hagar (vocals), Vic Johnson of the Waboritas (guitar), and Jason Bonham (drums). The band plays Sammy Hagar solo material, along with Montrose, Van Halen, Chickenfoot, and Led Zeppelin songs. Cheers to this rockin bassist on his birthday!

Check out Michael Anthony’s official website here.

More From Q 105.7