Today marks the 25th anniversary of Gary Cherone's announcing his departure from Van Halen -- November 5th, 1999 -- citing musical differences and personal issues he was going through.
When he was hired in 1996, following the departure earlier that year of Sammy Hagar -- who'd replaced original singer David Lee Roth in 1985 -- Eddie Van Halen told us he felt "like the circle was complete."
Known for his work in Extreme, Cherone recorded one album, 1998's Van Halen III.
It wasn't a big seller, but did achieve gold status on the strength of the song "Without You." They toured the world, but attendance was down. Work was under way on a second album, but Eddie says Warner Brothers Records wanted Cherone out.
The split was amicable and Van Halen went on hiatus for five years until reuniting with Sammy Hagar for a tour in 2004, which turned out to be his final time with the band.
Roth returned to the band in 2006 along with Eddie's son Wolfgang taking over on bass for Michael Anthony, who Eddie was upset with for his friendship and musical collaborations with Hagar, which continues to this day.
Cherone and Extreme reunited in 2004 and are still together.