Michael Anthony Apparently Shocked When Roadie Wanted to Retire: “Why Should You?”

Since the late 1960s, Michael Anthony explored a career on stage. Throughout the years, he performed with bands like Chickenfoot and Sammy Hagar and the Circle. But for most, they remember the bassist for his time with the legendary rock band Van Halen. Spending over 30 years with the band, the musician continues to honor his father’s legacy. His father helped nurture his love for music. But having such a deep connection to music, one roadie explained how Anthony was shocked when he wanted to retire. 

Videos by American Songwriter

Having spent a great deal of time on the road, Anthony knows the pressure that comes with performing in front of thousands. But even before a band takes the stage, an entire production team works tirelessly to put the stage and concert together. By the time a group or musician takes the stage, the crew around them already worked several hours. And the worst part, when the last song ends, the process starts over again. 

For Kevin Dugan, who is now 70 years old, he decided his time on the road had ended. Having been the right-hand man to Anthony, the roadie recalled what it was like to inform the musician about his departure. He told The New York Times, “When I first told Michael that I wanted to get off the road, he said, ‘I’m not going to do that, why should you? I’m still going to be out there.’”

[RELATED: Ex-Van Halen Bassist Michael Anthony Hints That Chickenfoot, His Supergroup with Sammy Hagar, Will Be Releasing New Music Soon]

Michael Anthony Seemed To Forget What The Life Of A Roadie Was Like

Taken back by Anthony’s response, Dugan, who often worked 14 hour days, said, “I said, ‘Michael, are you trying to compare your day to my day? You come out and do the show. You leave in a limo, go back to the five-star hotel or go back to a private jet … and fly home. Your day and my day are worlds apart.’”

While loving the memories he made along the way, Dugan saw the life of a roadie a young man’s game. Remembering what it was like to work, party, and drink, he insisted, “I’ve pulled way back on drinking on the road. I cannot fathom working with a hangover. I did that for a lot of years. And when you’re middle-aged, you can bounce back from a hangover. But now it takes too long.”

(Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)