Conversation so far:
When did Michael Anthony get into music?
Anthony took an interest in guitar as a teenager, but picked up the bass instead since most of his other friends already played guitar or drums.
What was Michael Anthony's first release?
Where did Michael Anthony learn how to be a bass player?
What other bands did Michael Anothony play with before Van Halen?
His first band was called Poverty's Children. Other bands he played in included Black Opal, Balls, and Snake.

Question: did he have hits early in his career?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Michael Anthony have hits early in his career?