In a stunning revelation that has left rock music aficionados buzzing, Glenn Hughes, the former Deep Purple vocalist, has disclosed that he had a conversation with the late guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen about potentially fronting the iconic band Van Halen after David Lee Roth’s departure in 1985. This unexpected twist in rock history sheds light on what could have been a remarkable collaboration, had circumstances been different.
A Chat with Destiny
Speaking exclusively to The Classic Rock Podcast, Glenn Hughes opened up about the candid discussion he had with Eddie Van Halen regarding the possibility of stepping in as Van Halen’s lead vocalist. Hughes shared:
“Well, Eddie was newly sober at that time… And we spoke about it. I had no idea. Eddie had been a friend of mine from the beginning.”
The notion of Hughes, known for his distinctive voice and impressive vocal range, joining forces with the legendary band is undeniably intriguing.
Hughes acknowledged that his own battle with drugs and alcoholism hindered the potential collaboration.
“Look… Wow… Would it have worked? I’m not sure. Unless I was completely sober — and I’ve been sober now for 24 years. Yeah, it would have been interesting, wouldn’t it? You never know.”
A Missed Opportunity
Interestingly, this revelation isn’t the first time Hughes has hinted at this unique opportunity. In a 1996 interview, he had previously mentioned that Eddie Van Halen had confided in him about the audition process for finding a new lead vocalist. Hughes revealed:
“Eddie Van Halen told me last year… He said to me that, when they were auditioning Sammy Hagar, that if I would’ve been clean and sober I would’ve gotten the gig.”
The words carry a sense of what-ifs and the potent impact that personal choices can have on a musician’s career trajectory.
Notably, during the same year that Van Halen was conducting auditions, Glenn Hughes had taken up lead vocals for Tony Iommi’s Black Sabbath album, ‘Seventh Star.’ This adds an additional layer of what could have been, given Hughes’ already demonstrated versatility as a vocalist.
A Legendary Legacy Continues
As Glenn Hughes prepares to hit the road for Planet Rock’s Rocktober tour in the UK, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Deep Purple’s ‘Burn,’ fans can’t help but reflect on the paths not taken in rock history. The ‘Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the album Burn’ tour will be a testament to his enduring influence in the world of rock music.
Featuring special guests The Damn Truth, the tour promises to be a celebration of both nostalgia and Hughes’ ongoing contributions to rock music. This revelation of an alternate history serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal struggles and the music industry, shaping the destinies of legendary artists and the bands that could have been.