In a new conversation with The Metal Voice, Billy Sheehan, best known as the David Lee Roth bassist, has talked about his contact with Van Halen and revealed unheard facts about it.

While he talks about his offers, Billy said that he offered three times for the position as bassist. He also stated that Michael Anthony, who played bass on American rock band Van Halen between 1974-2006, was an awesome player.

“I was offered the position as bassist three times through the years and I consider it a great honor. However, I am torn because I love Michael Anthony and I think he is the best bass player for Van Halen.

“And as much as I would have loved to do that, I want to see Michael in the band. I’m not sure why they asked me to join the band; Michael is an awesome player and singer and who knows what the situation was.”

Billy explained the times when he made offers.

“The first time was the tour of ‘Fair Warning’; we talked about it then, then I spoke about it with David Lee Roth, but I mostly spoke about it with Eddie Van Halen in Toronto, Canada.

“And then the second time was 1984. Eddie showed me the stage set-up; we talked about it then.

“Then the last time was when I got together with Eddie and Alex Van Halen at their house.”

Source.