The first Van Halen 2007 concert review and pix
UPDATE: Some more great photos are turning up on the Getty Images website. (They have been uploading new images all morning, so you’ll probably continue to see additional shots if you periodically revisit the link.)
NOTE: We’ll continue adding to the bottom of this post links to additional reviews and images.
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Van Halen kicked off its 2007 tour in Charlotte, NC, last night, and the Charlotte Observer has published the first official review, along with some photos. The paper’s reviewer gave the band some high praise. Sounds like the guys kicked ass.
Here’s a taste of the review:
Seems like old times: Van Halen rocks arena
Any animosity wasn’t apparent on stage as Roth and Eddie Van Halen saddled up next to each other, smiling, during “Everybody Wants Some” and “Dance the Night Away.” Roth and Wolfgang Van Halen even sang “Oh Pretty Woman” side by side.
The younger Van Halen proved to be a showy player and spot-on backing vocalist, although he didn’t yet prowl the stage like a seasoned vet.
His post rehab father looked skinny, but cut, as did his brother. In fact, the original members all looked fit, though none ran around the stage like they did 25 years ago. …
What might be overlooked in favor of [Roth's] over-the-top persona is his voice, which was in peak form Thursday. He easily met and held notes that younger singers like Jon Bon Jovi just can’t reach anymore.
Wow. Sounds like we’re off to a good start.
You can read the complete review here, and check out a bunch of photos from the show here.
According to the reviewer, the group stuck to the setlist that was leaked from the tour rehearsals, which you can see by clicking on the following image:
MORE REVIEWS AND PHOTOS:
- Yahoo!
- Rolling Stone
- Winnipeg Sun
- USA Today
- Extrawack
- New York Daily News
- Charleston.net
- New York Post
- Entertainment Weekly
- Times Leader
Filed under: Van Halen
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September 29th, 2007 at 5:59 am
the only thing i’m wondering about is that ED play some kind of a new Wolfgang although he made such a big thing about the Frankenstein, but he doesn’t play it.
September 30th, 2007 at 2:17 am
I’ll be at the United Center Concert In Chicago with my 25 year old son. Jesus, I’m so excited I’ve been playing jump on my piano and even dusted off the old acoustic. Looking forward to watching EVH and crew. I hope DLR keeps his mouth shut and sings and I hope Eddie smiles, just gotta love him.
November 4th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
An incredible show in NJ at the Izod Center. DLR’s vocals stood up much better than expected and Eddie, well Eddie is back.
This was THE Van Halen. And a great set list for the fans. Just wish they could have played one more number after the encore Jump. Fire would have been the ultimate finale, but Dave probably can’t do that one at the end of the show.
They were great and the kid does vocals with his Dad very well. His bass was tough to gauge. He seemed to be playing it like a rhythm guitar much of the time. But it was no issue to the sound.
Heard the DC venue doesn’t have good acoustics and the sound suffered. The Izod Center, formerly the Continental Arena has very good sound usually and it stood up very well from what I could tell. Then again I was 20 feet to the right of the stage which was not in the direct line of fire. Didn’t need to use the sonic II earplugs, like I did in Madison Square Garden back on the Fair Warning Tour.
This is a must see. After more than two decades who knows if this will last. Sadly, it shouldn’t have taken this long. DLR looked thrilled to death with the whole thing. I’d say the ego problems and hopefully the substance ones will stay away.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
[...] Also: if you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out our roundup of opening-night reviews and photos by clicking here. [...]