Former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony has issued the following statement regarding this week's announcement that VAN HALEN will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

"I was very excited and honored to learn that VAN HALEN would be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this March. I want to thank Eddie [Van Halen], Alex [Van Halen], Sammy [Hagar] and Dave [Lee Roth]. It has been an amazing experience and I am very proud of what we have accomplished.

"I'm not sure yet how the induction ceremony will work, but I'll keep everyone posted as I find out the details.

"A Big MA Toast to all our fans for their tremendous support over the years! Love you all and bottoms up!!"

Source Michael Anthony

Former SOUL SIRKUS bandmates Jeff Scott Soto (vocals; JOURNEY, TALISMAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Neal Schon (guitar; JOURNEY) and Marco Mendoza (bass; WHITESNAKE, THIN LIZZY) reunited on Friday, January 5 for a jam at the annual ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) benefit concert run by Tony LaRussa (coach of the 2006 World Series champions, St. Louis Cardinals) and his wife in Walnut Creek, California. The band was rounded off by Jonathan Cain of JOURNEY on keyboards and David Dzialak (JEFF SCOTT SOTO band) on drums. Also onstage with the quintet was legendary saxophone player Mark Russo.

The set comprised of an instrumental from one of Neal's solo albums, "Boulevard of Dreams", a SLY & THE FAMILY STONE medley ("Stand", "I Want to Take You Higher", "Dance to the Music"), JAMES BROWN's "I Feel Good", "Purple Rain", and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", before the group was joined on stage by JOURNEY bassist Ross Valory for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Separate Ways". Also on the bill was Marty Casey ("Rock Star: INXS" second runner-up) and LOVE HAMMERS and an all star band including Billy Cobham, Stef Burns, Mark Russo and other world-renowned players.

Source BMM