Van Halen 2006–present
The band recruited Gary Cherone, frontman of the defunct Boston-based band Extreme, best known for the acoustic ballad More Than Words. The result was Van Halen III. Many songs were longer and more ethereal. It was less about rocking out, more thought-provoking (How Many Say I, with Eddie on vocals). These changes alienated many fans while failing to attract new fans. Sales were poor by the band's standards (it has only been certified Gold) — despite the album peaking at #4 on the US charts. Van Halen III did produce a hit however, Without You. The song Fire in the Hole appeared on the Lethal Weapon 4 soundtrack. It would also later be revealed that Anthony was only permitted by Eddie to play bass on three tracks on the album and that Eddie played the rest. Anthony received a full credit, masking this behind the scenes difficulty.
The album was followed by a poorly attended, but well received, and widespread tour. The III Tour saw Van Halen playing in new countries, with a schedule that was impressive for a band their age. It included taking a US-style arena setup into the Oceanic continent.
Main article: III Tour Shortly afterwards, Van Halen returned to the studio. In early 1999, they started work on a new album, rumoured to be called Love Again. Working titles of songs included Left for Dead, River Wide, Say Uncle, You Wear it Well, More Than Yesterday, I Don't Miss You...Much, Love Divine, and From Here, Where Do We Go?.
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