Mitch Malloy Still ‘Pissed’ Over Short Stint with Van Halen

Mitch Malloy has previously discussed his brief stint with Van Halen in 1996 – but in a new series of comments he said he was still upset that anyone had ever found out about it, and was also upset that he’d been left on his own to deal with the public fallout.

The singer has released a new version of “It’s the Right Time,” which he demoed with the band while they tried to work out if he was to be the band’s third frontman, following their split with Sammy Hagar. In the end, Malloy said he decided not to join the band, paving the way for Gary Cherone and Van Halen III.

Malloy has previously explained that he wasn’t attracted to the music Van Halen had been prepping for that album, and has now rebuilt “It’s the Right Time” – which contained contributions from other writers – out of the parts Eddie Van Halen had personally created.

READ MORE: Hear the Full Version of Eddie and Alex Van Halen’s ‘Unfinished’

Malloy’s seemingly cleaned-up version of the track, available below, is accompanied with a series of photos. One shows the singer and guitarist in the studio together, with a caption explaining Joe Walsh had just called to recommend a singer, but Eddie had told him: “Oh, thanks, Joe, but we got Mitch Malloy.”

A later moment shows the fax sent to Van Halen’s management, reading: “Mitch has asked me to pass along his regrets that do to his strong commitments and excitement about his solo career in Nashville he will have to respectfully pass on the opportunity to be considered as the new lead vocalist in Van Halen.

“After spending time with Eddie and the guys, Mitch feels a strong bond that he will carry with him throughout his life. Thanks again for the opportunity. Best of luck with the endeavor and please pass along our best to the band.”

Malloy commented below the video, saying: “Instead of being celebrated as Van Halen’s first choice to replace Sam, I’m left with sticking up for myself. It’s not right and it’s not fair to me. And I’m kinda pissed.

“Anyone else would not have had handled this as well as I have. Ed told me that last time I saw him. I just wish in the end he’d told the press the truth… so I don’t have to. I wish no one knew, to be honest.”

Mitch Malloy’s ‘Wicked Chemistry’ with Van Halen

Asked once again about the Van Halen III demos, the singer said they were “not inspiring enough for me to even make songs out of. But we had wicked chemistry, as you can hear. So we would have grown into a badass writing team for sure.

“I would have encouraged some of [Eddie’s] heavy side, but you never know. Of course the riffs and chords came from him. He was a master of that. I would have tried to take a nod from Dave [Lee Roth] as well as I love the first few records.”

He added: “Obviously I was never gonna sound like Dave… but that’s OK too. It would have been great, I’m sure of it. Of course not everyone would have thought so, but we would have.

“I will forever cherish every second with Ed and Alex.”

Watch Mitch Mallow’s New ‘It’s the Right Time’ Video