What becomes glaringly apparent on the Chickenfoot DVD Get Your Buzz
On “Live” is what a monster talent Michael Anthony is. Anthony,
of course, Van Halen’s original bass player and high harmonist. along
with singer Sammy Hagar, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and guitar
hero Joe Satriani, is part of this DVD showcasing, in most instances, hastily
written tunes, but killer talent. Smith hits harder than he ever has, Hagar
screams like a man half his age, and Satriani is…well…as fantastic
as you’d expect. But it’s Anthony’s bass playing and most importantly, his vocals,
that lifts Chickenfoot to a better than average status here.
Songs like “Avenida Revolution,” “Sexy Little Thing,” “Get
It Up” are OK, nothing stellar really. But when we get to the slightly
singable choruses, and Anthony hits those high harmonies with Hagar, we hear
the hints of real songs — the kind of songs that set Van Halen apart from
the pack. The verses could be stronger as we watch a none-too-engaging Sammy
Hagar disengage the crowd. The strut of “Soap On A Rope” is fun, though
it really goes nowhere. There’s a Van Halen sound-alike with “My Kinda
Girl.” A brief bass solo with Satriani whammying away on “Down the
Drain” goes down nice. “Bitten By The Wolf” features some tasty
acoustic from Satriani as well.
“Oh Yeah,” complete with audience participation, may be the best
song here. Finally, Hagar actually interacts beyond just screaming and mugging.
It’s a really effective song with an inventive instrumental bridge. As for the
ballad “Learnin’ To Fall,” Hagar is in excellent voice, while the
Middle Eastern feel of “Get It Up” works its magic. To finish up,
the boys kick into a piece of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” The
encore is the Montrose song, “Bad Motor Scooter.” Hagar starts it
off, sitting center stage playing an old slide guitar as the band rolls through
a sloppy slice of The Who’s “My Generation,” complete with Smith
knocking down his drum set.
There’s a fun man-on-the-street section where Smith’s comedic talents are better
served. There are also interviews with the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir and
comedian Adam Carolla. Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tufnel interviews the always-smiling
Satriani. Visually, the DVD is well-shot and expertly directed by Daniel E.
Catullo III. Clearly, a band like Chickenfoot has the bucks to spend on splendid
lighting and staging, and they all sound as professional as possible. Really
though, it’s Anthony that steals the show. He’s a pleasure to watch
on stage, and his singing and playing are heads and shoulders above the others.
Without him, Get Your Buzz On “Live” would find Chickenfoot
hobbling across the road without a paddle to get to the other side.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
