From ABC News Radio:

Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony says he’s “excited” that his former band are releasing new material. Producer John Shanks recently tweeted the message “Here we go kids…VH,” signifying that the band is finally starting to record a new album. Anthony said, “I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ll do,” adding that he has “no hard feelings” about his split from the band in 2005. He was replaced by Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang.

So, does Anthony and his former band mates keep in touch? Anthony admits he hasn’t spoken to any of the members of Van Halen since the end of their 2004 tour. He also says, “the tour did not end as harmoniously as we would have liked it to and it probably should have gone on longer than it did.” Still, Anthony wouldn’t be against having his band Chickenfoot open for VH should they go on tour — “I got no problem with that,” he says.