(hennemusic) When Van Halen found itself at a crossroads in 1996, with Sammy Hagar on the way out and before his soon-to-be replacement Gary Cherone was on the way in, the band auditioned and hired Mitch Malloy for the gig.Malloy was offered the VH gig after three days of jamming and hanging with the band at Eddie's 5150 studios. Ultimately, though, manager Ray Danniels brought in Gary Cherone from another band he was handling – Extreme – to usher in the "Van Halen III" era.
Mitch's 5-song audition was recorded with the band, and featured versions of "Panama," "Ain't Talkin 'Bout Love," "Why Can't This Be Love," "Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)" and "Jump."
Now, fans can hear a Malloy-led Van Halen run through the band's "1984" smash, "Panama," as the audition audio has surfaced online. Listen here.
