Meaning: This quote by Gary Cherone, the musician who briefly fronted the rock band Van Halen, sheds light on the internal dynamics within the band during a tumultuous period. The quote suggests that there was a power struggle between one of the band members, Dave, and the rest of the group. The implication is that Dave's ego and sense of self-importance led to tension and conflict within Van Halen for a decade.

To further understand the context of this quote, it's essential to delve into the history of Van Halen and the dynamics among its members. Van Halen emerged as a prominent force in the rock music scene in the 1970s, with their energetic performances and the virtuosic guitar playing of Eddie Van Halen. The band achieved massive success with hits like "Jump," "Panama," and "Hot for Teacher," among others. However, behind the scenes, interpersonal dynamics and clashes of egos often plagued the group.

The reference to Dave in the quote likely pertains to David Lee Roth, the original lead singer of Van Halen. Roth was known for his flamboyant stage presence and charismatic persona, which played a significant role in defining the band's image during its early years. However, Roth's larger-than-life personality also led to conflicts within the band, ultimately resulting in his departure from Van Halen in the mid-1980s.

Following Roth's exit, Van Halen recruited Sammy Hagar as their new lead vocalist. Hagar's tenure with the band saw continued commercial success, marked by albums such as "5150" and "OU812." However, by the mid-1990s, tensions between Hagar and the Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex, reached a breaking point, leading to Hagar's departure from the band.

It was during this tumultuous period that Gary Cherone, previously known for his work with the band Extreme, briefly stepped in as Van Halen's lead singer. Cherone's time with the band was marked by the release of the album "Van Halen III," which received mixed critical and commercial reception. The quote attributed to Cherone likely reflects the challenges he faced in navigating the internal dynamics of Van Halen, particularly the perceived ego clashes that had plagued the band for years.

The mention of a "catfight" in the quote underscores the intensity of the conflicts within Van Halen. It suggests that the power struggle and discord within the band were not merely minor disagreements but rather deep-seated and enduring tensions that persisted over a significant period.

In summary, Gary Cherone's quote provides a glimpse into the internal strife that characterized Van Halen during a tumultuous period, shedding light on the challenges faced by the band members in managing their interpersonal dynamics. The reference to an ongoing "catfight" and the notion that Dave believed himself to be bigger than the band offer insight into the complex power struggles and egos at play within one of rock music's most iconic groups.