Rocker Sammy Hagar was far from surprised when pal Michael Anthony was thrown out of the Van Halen reunion line-up - because band leader Eddie Van Halen wanted the bass player out of the group years ago.

Anthony, who still performs regularly with former Van Halen frontman Hagar, has been replaced by Eddie Van Halen's teenage son Wolfgang for the upcoming tour. And the "Why Can't This Be Love" singer reveals Anthony's departure has been planned for years.

He tells website KNAC.com, "On the last reunion... they wanted to throw Mike out then. Why? I don't know. I still can't understand why Ed has it out for Mike.

"Mike is the nicest guy in the world, and he's an unbelievable player. He's also an incredible singer and a professional. Mike is a guy who goes out every night and does a perfect job.

"I don't know what happened between them somewhere when I wasn't around."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)