Michael Anthony Sobolewski

Bassist and founding member of hard rock band Van Halen.[37]

What is Michael Anthony Sobolewski known for?

Michael Anthony Sobolewski, better known as Michael Anthony, is a revered American bassist renowned for his contributions to the hard rock and heavy metal music industry. Born on June 20, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, Anthony found his footing in music at a young age, inspired by his trumpeter father. His family moved to Arcadia, California, in 1966, where he was nurtured musically and academically at Arcadia High School, graduating in 1972.

Anthony embarked on his musical journey in 1967 and, by 1974, emerged as a member of the phenomenal hard rock band, Van Halen. His tenure with the band spans impressive 32 years (1974-2006), contributing to Van Halen's first 11 albums, earning him the title of the band’s longest-tenured bassist.

Following his departure from Van Halen, he joined forces with his former Van Halen bandmate, Sammy Hagar, to form supergroups such as Chickenfoot and Sammy Hagar and the Circle. In a distinct venture, he markets a line of hot sauces named Mad Anthony.

Anthony’s contributions to the music industry are recognized far and wide, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen in 2007. Alongside his musical career, Anthony demonstrated promise in baseball and track in his youth.

Before his monumental career with Van Halen, his early musical endeavors included playing in bands such as Poverty's Children, Black Opal, Balls, and Snake. Despite being naturally left-handed, Anthony chose to play right-handed. Additionally, he held a fondness for the bass, inspired by Jack Bruce of Cream, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, and Harvey Brooks of Electric Flag.

He kick-started his journey with the bass guitar by converting a Fender Mustang electric guitar into a bass guitar. Eventually, his father gifted him a Victoria replica of a Fender Precision Bass with a Gibson amplifier, which became cornerstones of his music career. His final pre-Van Halen gig was with Snake, where they performed cover songs of ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Foghat, among others.