Van Halen’s Michael Anthony Captured Video of Lahaina Just Before Wildfires Decimated Maui Town
RIP Michael #RIPMichael
The post Van Halen’s Michael Anthony Captured Video of Lahaina Just Before Wildfires Decimated Maui Town appeared first on Consequence.
Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony was an eyewitness to the violent winds that brought the Maui wildfires through the now-decimated town of Lahaina.
Anthony was vacationing with his wife in nearby Kaanapali when the wildfires began to sweep across the western portion Hawaiian island. The bassist shared a video they shot while driving through the streets of Lahaina mere hours before it was engulfed in flames.
The footage is eerie, to say the least, as Anthony’s vehicle creeps through the old Maui town. It captures the soon-to-be-destroyed businesses and residences still standing as palm trees bend and sway in the high winds, which start to rip shingles off rooftops. Along with the clip, he posted the following on Instagram on Friday (August 11th):
“So sad, and in disbelief about what is happening on Maui right now, especially in old town Lahaina! My wife Sue and I have been in Kaanapali the last 10 days, and we witnessed a lot of what has happened. We left early yesterday morning for the airport and lucky we got out before everything shut down. Here’s a video we shot as we drove down Front Street in old town Lahaina, three hours before the fires started to destroy everything…Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Maui Ohana… #lovemaui #lahainafire.”
In reply to Anthony’s post, his former Van Halen bandmate Sammy Hagar commented, “Glad you made it out my brother! We will be doing plenty together to help the locals and one of my favorite pieces of paradise.”
Hagar, who owns Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill at Maui’s Kahului Airport, also pledged further support in his own Instagram post:
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak that my family and I are feeling for the people of Maui. We called the island our home for over 20 years and remain forever attached to the community.
My deepest gratitude to our staff at Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill, who left their own loved ones and homes, and are going above and beyond to take care of all of the people stranded at Kahului airport.
Since day one, our Beach Bar & Grill has given back to the island that has graciously made us part of their community. We will continue to show our love and support for our island family and we are actively working to be a part of the island’s relief efforts. Maui nō ka, Sammy & family.”
The reported death toll from the Maui wildfires has reached 96 as of this article, making it the deadliest US wildfire of the past century.
Watch Anthony’s footage of Lahaina and view Hagar’s Instagram post below. Donations to Maui relief efforts can be made via Red Cross or Maui United Way.
Van Halen’s Michael Anthony Captured Video of Lahaina Just Before Wildfires Decimated Maui TownJon Hadusek
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