SINGER Mitch Malloy has released a song he says he recorded with Van Halen almost 30 years ago.
In an accompanying statement, the 63-year-old North Dakota native says it is he – and not Gary Cherone – who was the band’s third vocalist. He says he turned down the opportunity to take up the post on a fulltime basis and includes his faxed rejection of their offer in the music video for the “lost” song.
There’s no reason to doubt the late Eddie Van Halen is playing on the lilting mid-tempo rock track with an uplifting chorus.
“Van Halen’s third singer was actually Mitch Malloy in 1996,” the video notes say. “Mitch asked the band to not disclose this. It was later discovered and incorrectly documented and after more than a decade of silence forced Mitch into correcting the record.
“This song was written by Mitch Malloy and Eddie Van Halen. It’s Mitch Malloy in Van Halen. It’s not an official release and it’s not for sale. It’s a gift, from Mitch.”
In the comments section on YouTube, Malloy – who was in Great White from 2018 to 2022 – continues: “I should be able to benefit from the art I worked my entire life to perfect. What person doesn’t get promoted for their accomplishments?
“In America, that’s how it’s supposed to work. Instead of being celebrated as Van Halen’s first choice to replace Sam, I’m left with sticking up for myself. It’s not right and it’s not fair to me.
“And I’m kinda pissed. Anyone else would not have handled this as well as I have. Ed told me that last time I saw him. I just wish in the end he’d told the press the truth. So I don’t have to. I wish no one knew, to be honest. But since they do, they should be able to hear the result. You’re welcome.”
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