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David Lee Roth’s artwork
From DavidLeeRoth.com:
David Lee Roth has recently released dozens of his own drawings and artwork, which he calls “authentic originals and incompetent imitations.” He offers them up as, “An official answer to the question ‘what do you do in your spare time?’”
The Van Halen frontman always been into art. Throughout his whole life, while touring the world, you could find him doodling on just about anything – setlists, tour riders, female body parts, etc.
He was always a major part of the visual side of Van Halen, and always tried to make the stage show “look like the music sounds.” He designed stage clothes, orchestrated photo shoots, came up with the stage choreography, etc. He also had a hand in designing Van Halen’s early tourbooks and a few of Van their t-shirts. So we’re not too surprised to now have some more confirmation that he’s a truly gifted artist.
Roth applies himself well to everything he does-martial arts, reading, drawing, exploring, and entertaining–both on stage, and during interviews. He truly is one a kind and his drive and varied interests is what separates his lyrics from other singer’s. Dave’s uniqueness was one of Van Halen’s most important ingredients-it got them on the map and kept them there for years to come.
The pictures can be seen and even printed in high quality, from his website, DavidLeeRoth.com. Here are just a few, below.
Visit DavidLeeRoth.com to view the entire collection.
Filed under: David Lee Roth, Van Halen
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December 1st, 2009 at 3:10 am
Wow! First comment? Really? lol
Dave’s a pretty gifted… everything! lol
December 1st, 2009 at 3:50 am
Well, there you have it VH fans. Now we all know what the man has been doin’ for the last few months. Insperation from art will lead to another great VH album cover. Lookin’ forward to the new year.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:25 am
impressive, gotta love dave
December 1st, 2009 at 5:27 am
trippy stuff, cool
December 1st, 2009 at 5:36 am
i often wonder what was the inspiration behind the kurelec painting on the fair warning cover, i have the whole image on my wall, anyone know why or how?
December 1st, 2009 at 6:02 am
Those are killer.
December 1st, 2009 at 6:11 am
Well I guess he hasn’t been in the studio with the brothers making music?
December 1st, 2009 at 6:13 am
I’ve said it before, Diamond Dave is a freak of nature and the guru of Van Halen!! The man cared so much about how Van Halen is presented!!Even when he left it still hurt him how the band went about their business with Hagar.
I will never forget how amazing and ahead of it’s time the 1984 tour stage was!!! That would have to be the most amazing stage set up’s I’ve ever seen, way before U2′s Zoo TV tour and others!! And Van Halen didn’t have the big video screens that most artists can’t live without today! Can’t wait for the new VH album cover design. Van Halen/Roth album covers are so recognisable and iconic that it was the icing on the the cake. Van Halen always deliver a stellar production!!!
Hey VHND! Stories like this is VAN HALEN NEWS!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 6:27 am
Who needs a new VH album? Come on! Let the guys do whatever they want to do. They’re already gave us one of the best music in the world. Maybe it’s time now for them to do something else. If that will be music, welcome! If not, welcome too!
DLR is making this awesome artwork! CF is really cool! and EVH is having fun with his family. You fans, find something else to do also… My 2 cents
December 1st, 2009 at 6:56 am
Ahh we hear from The Diamond One!!! All is well with the world!!! Pretty impressive stuff!! What you need is on the menu, and you get it tonight! Buddy you got womens on your mind!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 7:02 am
Ooo… bit of ‘Ukiyo-e Pulp Fiction” from the Grateful Dead Samurai himself.
… Fan-freakin-tastic, ?????Dave??!
December 1st, 2009 at 7:33 am
Hugo!
I hear ya! But lets remember they are musicians first, it’s in the blood! Making music is what pleases them most. But it’s cool that they have other interests!
Think back, I always thought back in 1984 Van Halen needed or should have had a well deserved rest and clean up or recharge!! I blame their management and record company WB. Shame that VH didn’t have the right management (eg. Peter Grant type) to steady the ship and be in control. I think Van Halen in 1984 were suffering burn out, substance abuse, etc. They were living out of each others suit cases since 1977. They were going at such a frantic pace that artist today would quit if they tried! 6 albums and massive marathon tours in 6 years…now thats busy!! Motley Crue & Aerosmith got the help and rest that Van Halen should have done back in 1984. If only? But the good thing now is Dave’s back were he belongs, fronting THE MIGHTY VAN HALEN!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 7:38 am
Now we know he can draw, lets see if he still remembers how to sing whenever they decide to release a new album.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:07 am
A little more to the right..
December 1st, 2009 at 9:25 am
Look at all the people here tonight!
December 1st, 2009 at 9:53 am
I really like this. This is “Dave the artist”. The same Dave that I always respected for taking chances, especially on such tunes as “Damn Good”. I like it when an artist takes a chance and does something you don’t expect and it catches you off guard a little. Very cool, and good for Dave the artist.
I’d especially like to hear his explanation of the print with the bombs in it. I’m curious what the heart and horns thing is all about. If anyone wants to take a crack at giving an interpretation of that I’d really appreciate it because I think it’s cool, but it’s sailing a little over my head.
Right on Dave!
December 1st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Cool paintings
Thanks for sharing them Dave!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:13 am
Yes Pat G…dave can draw. Although I dont see any stick figures present or sqiggly lines genius…..
It’s called ART man. Sorry your brain cant get a hold of something beyond a primal scream, a bottle of jack and eddie’s guitars….
ANYWAY!
First saw some of dave’s artistic ability when I picked up his book: “Crazy From The Heat” back in 97′. I have to say, I was impressed then, and I’m still impressed now over 10 years later. The man has talent….period. And it goes beyond “the floorboards of every major arena in the free world”. The man has a life “outside” of rock and roll and It’s pretty damn impressive. I think the art work we caught a glimpse of above, are a reflection of his adventures and journeys through his life and career.
I advise those who are looking to know more about dave and what he’s done since VH to pick up his book! It truly is a great read and his amazing personality shines through.
Shine on you crazy diamond!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:23 am
Must of been some good acid!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:36 am
Pete!
Great post and right to the point!
)and the man is in constant motion. Call dave whatever you’d like…but dont call him dull! The man is truly a genius. He found a way to live beyond VH…..and I’m sure that wasnt an easy task.
Dave will always be remembered for the fact that he has always taken chances. Weather it be for the sake of rock and roll or exploring tropical islands during the worst rain season possible….the man was never a pampered rock star comfortable with just rolls royce’s or velvet ropes. He doesnt have a brand of liquor named after him (Although he should get royality checks from good ol’ NO 7!
As far as that pic pete? Not sure myself. Sometimes art is whatever the person who views it see’s.
What do I see? Could be that drawing represents dave as being a very independent and “non-settling down” type of person. You know, the whole heart being bombed (past destructive relationships?)and how the devil tail is it’s armor. Shit man….lol…we could go on forever!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:46 am
They are good!
I’m surprised they are not all self portraits! LOL
December 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
First of all… What a cool move to make it available to the public and fans. He could have sold these things for God knows what, but he basically gives them to us, the fans.
Thank you Dave.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:56 am
David Lee Roth is so awesome. The best front man ever! (And a good artist!)
I read his book also. It’s a good read.
I am sure he is on some adventure somewhere. Happy Hanukkah DLR!
December 1st, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Also thanks DLR for giving us the option to print but my printer isn’t the greatest. Maybe the Van Halen Store can market these?!
December 1st, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Those are truly amazing pieces of art from the greatest frontman of ALL TIME!!
December 1st, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Say what you want about him, but the thing I have always liked about DLR is that he always seems upbeat and happy no matter what. If only that had rubbed off on some fellow band members…..
December 1st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
DLR has ALWAYS thought of himself as an ARTIST IN THE TRUEST FORM!!! In ALL aspects of his life! He will ALWAYS be that in my heart! He has done LOTS of work, but he doesn’t sell it off for the money; to him it’s art for art’s sake! We don’t need to get our hands on EVERY little scrap of work he does too, now do we?! Once, my Bro-In-Law was in the Hard Rock in NYC, 1987, & Ed dropped a rib bone he was chewing on, on his plate! He kept it as a joke & mounted an old Kramer ad w/ it, like a circus attraction! It was funny at the time, but I don’t think we need to tear them(VH) apart like hungry jackyls just to get every molecule we can out of them! OK… I’m stepping down from the soapbox…
December 1st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I like the chick with the stillettos on.
beans burritos and barbq beef is wonderful.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Dave really is a great artist. He’s deep. His lyrics were deep. I don’t think Eddie ever really respected him or saw the “art” in what he did.
Dave brought the blues, the fun and a higher consciousness to Van Halen. He always believed in the myth of Van Halen and he was great at promoting it. If Eddie had just let Dave run with the myth of the band and concerned himself with the music (which is what he always said he wanted anyway) Van Halen would still be relevent. But Eddie gets resentful of people for no good reason and has to cut them off because he’s sure “they’re the problem”.
Van Halen is no more. I’m almost certain of it. They will not make a new record because Eddie is already resentful of Dave again. It’s obvious from the tone of his language in the recent GW interview.
December 1st, 2009 at 1:32 pm
If Eddie made all these, he would be criticized for wasting time and not making new music that he apparently “owes us”. And then he would be called a prick for possibly trying to make money on his art.
If Mike made all these, he would be called a class act.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Barn Burned down, now I can see the moon……..
December 1st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
David Lee Roth: Renaissance Man. The thing that is most impressive about his drawings is the variety in the styles and themes. He doesn’t just stick with one thing. I think my favorite is the two hands with warring fingers. Hilarious, but insightful…just like Dave.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
love it..good stuff.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
My man’s so talented;)
Lol…love em they are really beautiful!!
December 1st, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I’m not sure what you’re talking about “JIM”. As far as I can tell Dave isn’t selling anything. He’s just putting these out there for the fans to see… What a concept huh?
How come your boy Eddie doesn’t do that with some of those “10 albums worth of material” he’s sitting on? THAT’S why Eddie gets critisized.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Can someone please post the interview with Ed and Toni?
December 1st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
This just in, Eddie just kicked Dave out of the band again for creating paintings behind his back.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Diggin’ the broad on the street corner..cool stuff
December 1st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
great work dave.Top jimmy i read the article to and ed does seem very resentful toward the vh fanbase.But we do have the 2010 nostalgia tour,then ed pulls the plug.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Those are actually some very interesting an badass prints! I’m impressed count on Diamond to work magic on wat ever he touches. Dont wanat to risk sounding like the vhnd regular dick but here goes. Hey dave now slap one of those paintings on the cover of an album and get eddie to fill in the music then you sing!
December 1st, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Once again, Ed gets the shaft.
Top Jimmy hails Dave as somewhat of a hero for putting out art that the fans can see, but not purchase.
Meanwhile, Ed has designed a slew of his own model guitars over the years for the public to buy and use. He also recognized the fans liked his frankenstein striped shoes, so he made them available for the public to buy and wear. Ed’s stuff at least was related to his music/band.
—–
While I like Dave and am all for all the art stuff, Dave showing some of his art is like Eddie showing people some landscaping that he designed and worked on. It is cool and interesting but has nothing to do with Van Halen-the band.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Chickenfoot gives us music, interviews, and jumping off balconies before gigs…
Van Halen gives us Guitar Hero inspired by Wolfie, Two Burritos and a Root Beer Float, and artwork by Dave.
Out of the three listed above, Dave has the most creative and cool shit. Way to go Dave…don’t wait by the phone…you might want to play some drums with the Foot while Chad does the Pepper’s thing.
December 1st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Wrong again Jim!!! It has everything to do with Van Halen! It’s communication, it’s something cool for the fans to look at, it’s something for us to talk about and it’s something that gives us a glimpse of the artist and how his mind works. And the best part is that it isn’t silence!
And you’re damn right I think Dave’s a hero for putting out something that we can see and not buy. I don’t need to buy it and he’s not looking to make money off it. It’s art for art’s sake and he’s giving it away just because, unlike Edward who won’t even tie his shoes without trying to patent his technique. It makes Dave a hero because he absolutely DOESN’T have to do it, but he did it anyway just to give fans something to chew on which makes him great in my book. It’s the reason that Dave is Van Halen. Or to put it another way; Why is there a better Van Halen photo gallery on Dave’s website than on the Van Halen website?!? Because Eddie has forgotten how to relate to fans and to anyone outside his weird-protective-enabling circle.
So to end this rant, Dave is a hero because he’s embracing the fans even if it is in a subtle way. Edward Van Halen has become a caricature of himself. The guy who was so cool because he made a $150 slapped together guitar do things that others couldn’t do with a $1000 guitar is gone. He’s been replaced by some stranger selling $20,000 knock offs of that same $150 guitar. Something the old Ed would have thought was ridiculous. He’s out of touch with reality, he’s out of touch with fans, he’s out of touch with himself and quite fankly he’s proven himself to be completely full of shit.
At least Dave’s throwing us a bone… and a bone that isn’t overpriced.
December 1st, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I think people are obsessed with being negative about Van Halen. Even the members know. No matter what they do or dont do, they will be forever critized.I really think they should do whatever they want. New material or not. Artwork, endorsed guitars,amps,pedals,etc. I think people LOVE TO HATE THEM. People like this guy above me, another CF do-gooder. VAN-FOOT. Dave, I think your artwork is cool. I hope you read this. If you do, I hope you would agree. As a matter of fact. I think the whole band would probably would agree on this statement.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Shouldn’t it be about quality, not quantity?
It’s an argument on if the stuff Chickenfoot gave us is even better than the non-material Van Halen has given us this year. I’d make an argument that Ed’s cameo in the show accompanied by Dave’s art and the tmz or whatever run-in outside the restaurant with Ed, Wolf, and family several months back was better than what Chickenfoot has given us.
It’s certainly not any worse.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:45 pm
jim you could not be more right!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Dave Rules!!!! Can’t wait for some kick ass Diamond Dave vocals on top of Eddie’s Guitar!!! I hope it’s hard and hitting like “Me Wise Magic” Diamond David Lee Roth. Still the man I’d love to be!!!! Hell he’s 54 and is still shredded. I bet he has no problem getting chicks of any age!!! Dave’s the man. Let’s just hope Eddie let’s Dave be Dave!!!! I want David Lee Roth unleashed!!!!!!!!!!!! You’re the King!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Regarding the Guitar World interview:
Eddie basically said it’s not worth it to put out new music and he probably won’t.
Enjoy!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:23 pm
dave is one cool cat.
you can tell from his radio show
he is smart.
an intellectual actually
the artwork is killer.
hopefully they use it for the new cover of the new album
dave is just a really interesting guy
i actually thought most of his radio show was good.
before its time maybe…
December 1st, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Ed (above, not VH), you couldn’t be more wrong. I just caught the theatrical release of the Chickenfoot concert movie filmed in Phoenix. Those guys are amazing especially the energy they bring at their ages. Each of them on top of their game and their respective instruments. Hard to believe that they haven’t been playing together for 20 years.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:27 am
Way back when they split the first time, I remember catching a DLR interview where he described how VH had went off with Sammy to become “Journey junior”. What an keen asessment of what they were doing at the time.
If you ask me, Petty Van Halen is worried after “Balance” and “VHIII” that the album will tank, and that with DLR back there will be more witnesses to describe how it went wrong due to EVH’s control issues. He’s just not hungry enough anymore to rise to the occasion and work his a*s off, only to get panned by the fans and critics alike.
If you want a kick-a*s VH album again, it would probably take the IRS coming in and taking all his $$$, so he HAD to have the right mindset to do it.
Having said all that, I bet by this time next year, we’re listening to the new VH album that isn’t new any more, but we still play it because it has DLR & EVH and rocks hard. I can still hope, right?
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:15 am
dave put out some bad shite in his day so to rag on van halen for being poppy is not fair.
and if dave was such a saint why did the solo band keep falling apart…
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:15 am
Well, it would be terrible for the last ever Van Halen studio album to be Van Halen III…even for the sake of history Ed needs some new material to release with Dave.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 am
some of you people are pathetic. some of you actually think this crap is better than seeing cf news on this sight.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:03 am
I totally agree with you Rich. And from hearing “Me Wise Magic”, I know they still have what it takes to put out some spectacular music. C’mon Ed, give the people what they want… Dave, the natives are hungry…
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:17 am
This art does not appeal to me personally, but you have to admire the effort. Dave has skills, and is an artsy dude in every sense of the word.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:26 am
Ahhhhh, “Me Wise Magic”….great song!
I remember when I first heard it for the first time.
It was 1996…I was 21…and I just picked up the greatest hits FEATURING TWO NEW SONGS WITH DAVID LEE ROTH! (That’s how it was promoted at the time)and I couldnt wait to hear them! Started with “Cant get this stuff no more” thought it had a cool vibe and really dug the song. Wanted something a little “heavier”…but hence! What is this? “Me Wise Magic” was the next up and maaaaaaan did I crank that s.o.b! I LOVED it! I thought eddie sounded amazing and dave’s low vocals fit perfect! “I…know what you’re thinkin….what you’re thinkin….is easy to see….” man did I love it.
Then the chorus kicked in and even though I love the part: “Do you belieeeeeve” even “I” knew dave was singing waaaay to high for his vocal range. LOl…fortune cook cook cookieeeee”….a little cringe from me but hey! It was new VH at the time with dave and everything was ok in the world!
I still love the song and eddie’s solo still gives me goosebumps!
Hey dave fans: “I….know what you’re dreamin’….I have..those SAME dreams”
Keep the faith!
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:09 am
See, that’s exactly what makes Dave a far more artistic frontman than any other VH frontman. There was something more during the DLR era. The Hot for teacher, or Pretty Woman clips were other good examples of the DLR input to the band. The guy is a genuine artist. He has a vision, a passion about the band. He’s not there to promote his tequila or restaurant, he’s there to create an experience, and make everyone enjoy themselves. The Dave Era VH music was a unique blend of sunshine-woman-and-booze-party-hard-rock.
IMO, when Haggar joined, it became flatter, more commercial and overall, dull to me. I’ve always found Haggar boring. Yep he has a nice voice, but to me, that’s it.
Dave on the other hand has a unique personality. He was THE party animal, the ultimate womanizer. He was a caricature, a parody of himself and never took himself seriously. That’s the whole cool thing about him. He doesn’t pretend, he was a real party animal, single and always on the hunt for nice ladies, and he lived the life he was singing about.
I mean, even his interviews are always surprising. You have the detractors who say he says weird things or he is confused. But I’m sorry, he is not. He uses absurdity and has a rich vocabulary.
Without him VH would have never made it to the top. Period.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
When I was in high school I couldn’t understand why most (non-guitarist) people couldn’t see the apex of genius in Fair Warning. It wasn’t that they disliked it, but they didn’t give it the creedence that in my opinion it deserved, and then they went nuts over Diver Down, which was very disappointing to me.
It must have been the MTV connection that helped it or something, but in my August 1982 issue of Creem Magazine I read an album review for Diver Down which summed up my feelings exactly. Sadly, now I would LOVE to get a album from VH (with DLR), period. So slip back in time 27 years and read the review and enjoy…
Album review for Diver Down August 1982 issue of Creem Magazine:
“Not only is this album an insult to the average consumer who will have to pay upwards of ten dollars for it, it is an exceptionally vicious kick in the teeth to Van Halen fans everywhere; fans who – by buying their albums, attending their concerts, and wearing their merchandise – have made David Lee Roth, Alex Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen and Michael Anthony millionaires. And because I paid hard-earned money for my copy of Diver Down, I have a personal stake in the matter: I have been burned by Van Halen, and I don’t like it.
From start to finish, this album lasts less than half an hour – and if you don’t believe me, you can count up the label times and arrive at the shameful figure of 29:07 yourself. This is a disgrace. In an era where the technology exists to make it feasible for someone like Todd Rundgren to release a single album of original material which lasts over an hour (Initiation: 68:11), there is absolutely no excuse for this kind of showing. None.
And although there are twelve tracks on Diver Down, five of them are cover versions (one lasting a mere 1:39) and three of them are guitar instrumentals (none of which is long enough to synchronize a watch by), leaving but four original songs by the band.
Of the covers, the above-noted 1:39 version of ‘Happy Trails’ is the kind of self-indulgent filler that only reinforces my anger at Van Halen for taking advantage of their audience – and if you think that they would’ve gotten away with something like this on their first album, think again. And a note to historians who would like to point out ‘Mother’s Lament’ on Disraeli Gears: Don’t bother, it ain’t 1967 anymore.
‘Dancing in the Streets,’ ‘Where Have All the Good Times Gone!’ and ‘Pretty Woman’ are so close to the original versions as to be superfluous carbon copies. Unlike their reworking of ‘You Really Got Me,’ which exuded sonic flash and style, these three remakes are there…and nothing more.
‘Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)’ is the kind of campy period piece that people like to crucify Freddie Mercury for, but when Freddie has written original material in a similar vein (‘Seaside Rendezvous,’ ‘Dreamer’s Ball’), the results have been at least tasteful, with none of the cheap vulgarities encountered here (to say that it’s no ‘Take Your Whiskey Home’ is an understatement).
Instrumental-wise, we’re talking filler again. ‘Intruder’ is a pale, pale imitation of the more successful ‘Sunday Afternoon in the Park’ and the pyrotechnics which made Eddie the Creem guitarist of the year in 1981 are nowhere in sight (or sound).
As for the originals, all four songs are lame, banal exercises that don’t even rock ‘n’ roll all that much, except for” Hang ‘Em High,” which is the closest thing to “classic” Van Halen on this album in terms of sheer train-out-of–control, collision-course rock ‘n’ roll.
Everything you loved on Women and Children First and Fair Warning are missing from Diver Down: the cheap asides from Roth, the glorious stereo guitar sonics, the well-crafted lyrics (yeah, well, compared to Diver Down, anything – including an air-raid siren – would have well-crafted lyrics) and, especially, the solid hooks which permeated almost every track.
Just when Van Halen needed to come back with a killer album to cement their status in the marketplace as the current rock ‘n’ roll kings, they had to go and pull a stunt like this. Diver Down is as bad a career move as I’ve ever seen – so much so that if these guys are featured in this magazine in two year’s time, I’ll be surprised. And don’t laugh: if it happened to Aerosmith, it could happen to these bozos, too.”
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Now that we have the art for the album cover(s)…
…where’s the album!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
It never ceases to amaze me how every article comes back to people ripping on Eddie. Dave posts some really cool art, and people make a point to slam Eddie. What a bunch of pricks we have here.
The Cheeseburger Picnic has been cancelled!
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
51yearoldfan:
For someone who constantly takes pot shots at those of us for NOT liking hagar or his “side projects” you sure can be a real pain in the ass yourself at times. I thought when you age you become more humble. What the fuck happend to YOU?
You say you’re a fan of the classic era…been to the shows etc…but what do you have to show for it? You have a problem with anyone who isnt on the same wave lenth with you. Well sorry…I’m not usually on the same wave length with many people over 50. BUT! I’ve tried to respond to you with honest anwsers and honest opinions and have got NADA in return. Guess what 51yearold? Not everyone here is a fan of BOTH era’s…a fan of sam…a fan of the waborita’s…or chickenfoot! MANY of us here like to see something different once in awhile, and I think dave’s art is pretty damn intresting…not to mention impressive. I’ll take dave’s art over a fucking concert MOVIE anyday ok? The band has been around since 78′….it’s 2010 for christs sakes! What MORE do you want? A new album so you can shit all over that too?
I may be an opinionated s.o.b around here at times but I’ve always been honest. I could have easily ripped apart anything new posted about chickenfoot around here but didnt.
Kept my mouth shut and respected everyone’s opinion until someone calls me out. Well, then the fireworks begin.
But you? Man….I just dont get ya! But that’s ok.
Never quite understood my father eiether….
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:43 am
PS)chris.omeara:
I couldnt “disagree” with you more!
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:47 am
More old news this has been on his site for months!
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:47 am
Can somebody please post the interview of EVH with Tonni Iommi?
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Thank you for posting the Diver Down review, Chris. Very interesting to read.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I think Dave should go back to being a paramedic……or a crappy morning show host at this point. Lead singer of VH and cartoonist probably aren’t going to pay the bills for long.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
andym:
I guess you forgot the fact that the last tour dave was a part of grossed over 94 million dollars…
Think before you make a half assed comment my man
Have a little respect for someone who’s done more in their life than you’ll ever expierience.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
^what he said^
gotta love the Duck
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I would dig it if DIAMONDDAVELEEROTH gave a running commentary on what each picture represents&what it meant.
THAT ALSO-would be PRICELESS!!!
THANX DAVE!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Cool art Dave. That old review of Diver Down was interesting, though I always liked it. Wore out my old cassette of that, you know the ones from the music clubs with the 2 red stripes on the spine of the case, had a bunch.
Dave’s cool, sammy’s cool, Ed’s cool, etc…, just make some music.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Always a double standard with Ed.
If this was Ed’s art, he would be called a jerk for not showing it earlier and for not making it available to buy and collect, which is what the majority of fans would want.
Meanwhile, Ed arranges for his original guitar to be taken apart, analyzed, put back together and manufactured for someone to be able to purchase. Because of the extent of resources and cost needed to do this perfectly, a high cost exists. Ed gets knocked because it costs a lot. Forget about the fact that he made a documentary about it, pics for everyone to see, and made it available to own. If that was Dave, people again would be saying he’s the best because he took the time to make it available for the fans to have. Ed meanwhile gets criticized for not being in tune with fans.
Ed puts out a guitar – He’s a prick. Only it if for the money.
Anybody else puts out a guitar – Awesome. He’s in tune with his fans.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Chris:
Not sure how a Diver Down album review relates to anything in this thread…
WTF????????????
But thanks anyways.
I think the original tunes on Diver are pretty kick-ass myself.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm
To Jim: No disrespect or not to start any sort of altercation, I think that people might’ve got mad because Ed’s guitar was $25,000, that’s a brand new guitar or a down payment on a house. (In Cleveland, that IS a house!). But if you spend it on a guitar, you want it to be worth that car or that house, and almost all reviews I read by people who played thought it wasn’t worth the money.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
ducky sounds to me like if someone says something you don’t like you get defensive. quite the double standard. the band has been around since 1978 but you can’t accept the fact that they aren’t a band anymore. they did a money tour and until the next album or tour is announced there is no vh. no matter how positive you try to be, it doesn’t change anything. if it happen’s you can say you were right and if it doesn’t you can say that your content with what they did. so you cover your bases. i respect people if they don’t like sam or mike or gary but to say anything ngative about them is childish. these guys were part of the band and history because ed put them there. not anyone else. tell me one thing that these guys did that was so bad.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I for one have always been for the forgiving nature. I appreciate all aspects of the Band. If I had the money I’d gladly spend the $25,000 for Ed’s guitar. I worship Eddie!!!! I have forgiven Ed for all he has done in his past and look forward to his future. There was the dark days where Sammy was fired, the promise of Dave came and went and we got Gary I turned my back. I now can listen to that album and like it. It took time to forgive but with activity and that last tour they stole my heart again and I’m sticking with them. I mean who is the greatest guitarist of all time??? Eddie Van Halen!!!! Let’s all give Ed Dave Alex Wolf and Sammy a break. I love them all dearly. They are all amazing. Whether everyone wants to agree or not. They are all my favorites. Let’s all please get on with our lives and say a big thanks to all those ever involved with Van Halen. That’s our band let’s carry the flag and wave it high. Look if we don’t have Chickenfoot, AC/DC, or Van Halen then music sucks!! We need our band back in the spotlight. Stop bickering. I ain’t listening to shitty bands who can’t play guitar and I sure as Hell ain’t listening to rap. So just be patient. Van Halen forever!!! Everybody wants some….. More!!!! How bout you?? Eddie!!!!! Eddie!!!!! Eddie!!!! I’ll be screaming Eddie like a 12 year old kid next summer baby!!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Rick Pride, I’m too, too lazy to go and read what you said up above, but I have to speak my two cents… Maybe the genre doesn’t appeal to you, but the rap I used to listen to back in day was replete with talent. So I can’t agree with you there, but that shit they play today… IS crap.
Anyhow…
Lot’s of good tattoo art here.
Wonder if Dave would mind if I stole one of his works for my next ink??
Come on Dave, cut me a break!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Ducky said:”Hey dave fans: “I….know what you’re dreamin’….I have..those SAME dreams” Keep the faith”
Word Duck!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
As much as I would like a new VH album I can’t say that Eddie owes me anything. He has already given me the soundtrack to my life. He doesn’t owe anyone anything. If you like his music enough to visit this site at least once a day like me then he has already done you a big enough service.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 am
I love how the Diver Down review suggests that they doubt Van Halen will last another 2 years…man did they get that wrong.
See, everyone hates on Sammy for making “Loads of songs about love”, of which there were a few on 5150 and OU812 and 2 on Balance, whereas FUCK was a hard-rocking slap in the face that made VH fans realise they still had it and that Sammy was as atuned to hard rock as he was to synth rock and pop-rock.
People don’t like VH3 or some of the Sammy albums…Diver Down is a huge sleeper and a horrible example of record label pressure. There are some great tunes on there, I loved Little Guitars for ages, along with the Full Bug and Hang Em High. I always seem to skip the covers though, they don’t really do anything for me.
But I guess they do what all great bands do when they have no limits – mistakes are made. But I can say that this album was a mistake in retrospect. It was 27 years ago. And its poor reception with some fans only made 1984 that much better.
As for Dave’s artwork…I’d much rather see poetry or lyrics that he’d been working on. This doesn’t help the rumour that Ed sees it as pointless to carry on making music/albums.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 am
Dirty Duck, you rather come across as David Lee Roth’s stooge.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:18 am
Simon:
I’m just a fan man….just a fan.
Hey….did you used to hang around the classic van halen.com site? I knew a guy I used to converse with there named simon
???
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:36 am
I agree “Canes_fan5150″. I will forever play their music and if nothing is ever released so be it.
Of course I would always love to see them again live with or without new music but at least I have awesome memories of all the concerts I went to.
And if anyone doesn’t already own Steve Lukather & Friends “Santa Mental” it is a very good CD for the Holidays with Eddie!
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:13 am
51yearoldfan:
C’mon man….I never said ed or dave were saints. I think everyone who stepped foot in the VH circle or out (excluding gary)had their share of bad decisions or pot shots at each other. Always thought mike was a good guy and that he was a big part of VH. Shit man….I grew up with these guys! Sam I have my own problems with, cause I will always believe he was in VH for the prestige of it. He never cared for that band like dave did. He never promoted the band like dave did. And he sure as hell didnt make any efforts to sing the old songs, which was a big slap in the face for die hard fans. I’m sure eddie had something to do with it too but it’s hard not to get rubbed the wrong way when the new singer is not singing those songs.
Yes…I do get defensive and angry around here at times. Not because people “disagree” with me but because some around here act like dave never did anything for the band. It’s like he didnt exist after sam came on board. How can you not respect the “roots” of the band you love? At least the fans on this site who love both era’s acknowlege the orginal line up!
Keep in mind too 51yearold that many sam “only” fans arent saints either. They have their love for jimmy buffett and I have my love for the diamond one. So whats the problem? The problem is that many at this site dont know shit about this band. I mean some of these posts I read around here make me cringe. “Balance being the best VH album ever”, “Remember when they played eruption in the movie back to the future?”, “Dave brought nothing to vh but drunken nights on stage”, “Sammy is better than dave cause he sings better” ETC,ETC,ETC. Makes you wonder who really knows the history of the band and who’s just here cause they like sam’s tequila. One of the posters around here labeled me dave’s stooge…lol! Why? Cause I’m posting on a site that say’s VH news desk? Well…yeah! If it wasnt for dave I personally dont think the band would have made it as far as they did. Eddie’s a genius…no doubt about it, but you need the right frontman to hold the pieces together. I just wish more around here would acknowledge that. Have you honestly seen me CONSTANTLY takin jabs at sam? Or chickenfoot?
I’m into the music man. I dont care who likes who…who thinks who stabbed them in the back…who has a problem with who now….I just love the music. We all do here.
I’m not the only one who fires out their opinions around here. I guess I’m just any easy target. No pun intended!
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
DUCK – thanks for your interpretation man. I know with art you’re supposed to come up with your own interpretation, and that artists rarely give an explanation since they want to leave it to your imagination, but sometimes with “art” I like a pointer or two.
(MOSTLY) EVERYONE ELSE – lighten up! While art is subjective, and everyone’s opinion is valid, this is one thread where so and so vs. so and so is completely unnecessary!
Also, someone else aluded to the fact that Dave is showing you this art for free. That’s pretty cool in this “pay as you go” world, so whether you like it or not (which is cool either way), respect the man for expressing himself and sharing it with you for free.
Peace!
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
Must be a different Simon, Mr Duck.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Duck,
You said… “Sam I have my own problems with, cause I will always believe he was in VH for the prestige of it. He never cared for that band like Dave did. He never promoted the band like Dave did. And he sure as hell didnt make any efforts to sing the old songs, which was a big slap in the face for die hard fans.”
Well now…Sam did fine on Live Without a Net on Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love, I’d say. Not the original real deal, but OK. Dave never would sing a Sam era tune on the last tour. And they’re not all sappy either. 5150, Summer Nights, Poundcake, Humans Being are examples of what could have been included, but wern’t.
Point is, Sam agreed to perform Dave-era tunes. And yeah I know Sam’s performances in 2004 were awful (he did Panama, You Really Got Me Now, Unchained, Jump and ATBL) but because of Ed’s alcohol problems at the time, I’d say.
Duck, you’re good for this site. You keep things stirred up.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 am
Dooley:
I dont know if your last comment is a good thing or a bad thing
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
And one more thing. Sam and Mike actually showed up at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame when Van Halen was inducted. Yeah, the on stage performances (Velvet Revolver & Hagar/Anthony with Paul Schaffer’s band) were crappy. But Sam & Mike’s on-stage comments about Ed, Al & Dave were very cool and supportive. In that regard, they did a fine job of promoting the band.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I saw Dave solo in Sept. 06. He was awesome and having fun on stage. However when his guitarist started playing Eruption it actually offended me. I prefer Dave, did go (and still see) Sammy but you can’t even begin to try to replace Eddie.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Dooley:
One thing you’ll realize about me as time goes on, I always give respect when respect is due. Sam and mike “were” very supportive at the RARHOF and they did pay they’re respects to both eddie and dave (did they REALLY mean it? Who knows)
But when you’re right, you’re right!
What a fiasco and dissapointment that was huh?
All I have to say is that I lost ALL respect for velvet revolver after that half assed VH attempt and horrendous speech! Ugh! Man..was I in a bad mood after seeing that for a week!
I mean, how the hell can you be in a rock band and not know how play “aint talkin bout love”?
So sad….and pathetic.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Hey Duck,
Listen buddy…you, me, or anyone else could have gone on tour with Van Halen and grossed a crap load of money. All the fans that wanted to see Dave back in VH would have paid double the ridiculous prices they charged in ’07. YES, I saw 3 of the shows a few months apart on that tour and you know what, Dave was a SHADOW OF HIMSELF!!! His signature jumps mutated into leg kicks like a Rockette and his voice was terrible. And by the way Mr. Math, when you charge over $100 for the lowest priced ticket, it doesn’t take a soldout building to gross $94 million in 76 shows. For those prices, they could have played in front of exactly 12,369 people for $100 each per night to make that $94 million…not a sellout in ANY arena in ANY major city. That’s not even counting the overpriced “backstage experience” they sold for over $200. I work in the business, I know what I’m talking about.
Two of the shows I saw (one in Philly and one in AC) didn’t even sell out. I love VH as much as the next guy but Dave isn’t the savior now that he would have been 20 years ago.
51yr old fan – thanks dude…at least you get it! And I agree with you.
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Andym
Then why did you see the show 3 times if it was so bad?
The show I saw was great!
As far as arguing over ticket prices…c’mon man it’s not about being mr. math…it’s about being mr. realistic!
It’s 2009 man…..not 1990. Ticket prices are expensive…..period!
My point was that with a 94 million dollar tour…im sure dave is set financially set. Am I really THAT wrong with that comment? Sheeesh!
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Andym,
I keep reading people here on VHND.com saying that the cheap seats during the last tour were $100, or even more. Just want to point out that they were always $75 at every show. And I think MOST seats in each venue were at the $75 price.
And yes, $93 million should indeed be very impressive. If the band sucked, there’d be no way they would have grossed anywhere near that amount of money. And of course Roth isn’t as good as he was in his 20′s.
The vast majority of people who went to the tour LOVED the show. That’s an obvious fact that can be realized simply by reading the fan’s and critic’s reviews, and by looking around at the crowd during the show.
Even in their 50′s, VH still rules. Of course they are not as good as they were in their heyday. No band is that is at that age. But in my opinion, they are by far the best band you can see in concert.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Here’s where I sorta disagree. I saw two shows and was totally drinking the David Lee Roth coolaid!!! The stage awesomeness!!!! The green lasers from 1984. The disco ball. Man Dave was on top of his game. He was having fun and never takes himself too serious. I hope the next tour is just like the last in terms of Dave’s showmanship I personally thought he hit all the notes and sounded great!!! Cheers Dave!!! Nobody rules these streets at night like you!!!! I thought Eddie and Alex tore it up also. And Dave carried the giant microphone with the =VH= logo on it and he waved the red flag for Jump and then came the confetti. Awesome. Purely unadulterated awesomeness!!!! We all wish we could live the life of DLR!!!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
We need some MF DLR for 2010 before I go to the edge and stare and look down!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
dave is clearly the brains of the operation.
always has been.
too bad ed has been in charge since 1996…
December 4th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Great art – enjoy it for what it is, and cheer up. NEXT…
December 4th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Adam:
Thank you for making some valid points regarding ticket prices during that time of the tour. It truly sucks that the 3 shows that andym saw sucked. I caught the show on long island and I thought the band sounded great! One of the best shows I’ve seen in a loooong time man. And you’re right, there were more than enough positive concert reviews that proved that mant missed dave at the helm and eddie blazin’ away next to him.
Ya know….as much as I miss the old days (80′s and 90′s)times have changed….people have changed …and obviously so has dave, eddie, and alex. It’s not 1978, 1984 anymore and comparing those shows to what we saw in 2007-08 is ridiculous. We all know that the band isnt in their 20′s or 30′s anymore. I personally feel that what we saw was pretty impressive for a bunch of 50 year old men. Sure ticket prices were high, but it didnt stop people from all over the world to see it happen. Be it 2007 or 1997 people would have STILL gone to see dave and eddie back on stage….even after all those “#1′s” with sammy.
Now that’s magic….
December 4th, 2009 at 7:14 am
the point i am trying to make is the NOBODY did rock and roll like VH. the big thing i like the most is that no 2 songs sound alike. the band was a party and the shows were great. no ed no vh, no dave no vh and no sam probably no more van halen. you know when you hear alex’s drums and you know when you here mikes background vocals. in my opinion no other band comes close. so in closing to put down anymember of this band because you don’t like voice or lyrics or boozing ways is stupid. if you don’t like any member of the band just remember they all have and had an important role in the band , even wolfie.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Time out boys…get your panties out of a wrinkle. I never said that the concerts sucked. DAVE sucked! He was nothing like I expected him to be for these shows. There were countless times he missed lyrics, sang the wrong lyrics or talked over where lyrics should be sung! I didn’t expect him to be the same way he was in the early 80s by leaping all over the stage but is it too much to ask for to have the lead singer sing the damn songs??? The band was GREAT – Ed played 2,000 times better than the 2004 drinking tour. I just wish Dave held up his end of the deal last time. I think some of you guys had the same DLR Coolaid that Rick was drinking if you think he was on top of his game.
Adam, I don’t know where you live dude but in the major cities I saw on the tour list the minimum ticket price was $100. And Duck, I know tickets are expensive these days but VH knew they could name any price and people would show up. Their prices here were the same as the big current bands on tour. Pretty ballsy for a band that hadn’t put anything new out in a decade plus.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I’m not gonna argue with you over how dave sounded.
You’re the one who fronted the cash to see the show.
Maybe you just caught some bad nights for him?
Look man, the only reason im saying that is because the reviews were pretty consistent as far as being positive.
Have you ever heard of “Eddie Trunk”? He’s a music critic / rock DJ out here in NY. He’s pretty much a straight shooter and not an ass kisser. His “Madison Square Garden Review” was spot on and even went to great length’s to say how “suprised” is was with how good dave sounded. Even mentioned wondering if he was taking singing lessons.
I’m just suprised that those 3 shows dave was a dissapointment. Believe me man….i’m not arguing with ya!
You have every right to your opinion….and you paid for the show’s right? Exactly. Your dough…your call.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Dudes – for the record:
– nobody took apart ed’s original frankenstrat and reconstructed it. It was all done by Fender from pictures. It is an amazing and highly overpriced collectors item. I’ll buy one when the price is lower than $15K
- Ed said the Fair Warning was his own solo project and that Diver Down was Dave’s. That sounds about right to me, pun intended!
December 5th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
The original frankenstein guitar was taken apart, analyzed, and copied to a T. The $25k replicas are about as closest to the real thing than any other type of replica to any other object I can think of.
For $25k, I believe they sold out in less than 30 minutes. This guitar is not meant to be played. It’s for sitting in a display case to be looked at and admired the rest of your life. While most poeple including me cannot afford this, a lot of poeple can. The big time fans there were around in the early years are around the age range of 45-60 right now. They would be more likely to afford this than a 25 year old.
Someone mentioned Steve Lukather & Friends Santa Mental holiday CD. Totally worth it. Ed plays on the first track “joy to the world” and is amazing. It’s basically of Ed playing a several minute blazing solo that starts about 20 seconds in and ends about 10-15 seconds before the end of the song. All instrumental. Best christmas song ever.
Ed did this for free way back after beating cancer. Must have been back around 2003 ish.
December 5th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Fair Warning is my favorite Van Halen album. And I know I’m a little late with this post, but I’d like to defend Diver Down. I don’t see it as a lack of creativity or fault the band at all for its rushed release. Warner Brothers is mostly to blame. The guys had been touring since Van Halen 1 and were finally just getting a break after Fair Warning (4 albums and tours in barely over 3 years: Feb. 1978 – April 1981). VH recorded (Oh) Pretty Woman and it was released as a single in early ’81. It was an immediate hit so Warner pressured VH to get back in the studio and record. No time to plan and write – they recorded five covers. They also recorded Cathedrals which can be heard on live concert tapes prior to Diver Down, and Hang ‘Em High which can be heard on their ’77 demo. The original song was called “Last Night” (…where were you last night? – fun to listen to with different lyrics and virtually the same guitar solo). The album was rushed, obviously, but still a great album. Not on par with their other recordings, but still a big part of Dave era Van Halen. Personally, I think the criticism at the time inspired Eddie to write some of his best work: 1984. Nearly a full album of new material with the exception of House of Pain. And House of Pain is quite different than the demo version prior to Van Halen 1. All of this is not to say I don’t like Diver Down. I love it and every true Van Halen fan should own it.
December 6th, 2009 at 8:25 am
True on that VH Dude. You are exactly correct.
December 7th, 2009 at 6:50 am
Right on VH DUDE!!
December 7th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Rickie, you should read guitar world march 2007 Chip Ellis(The guy who was in charge of the making of the Frankenstrat replica)talks about everything that went into making the replica! lay off the kool-aid bro!
December 7th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
What cool aid dickhead? It is Chip Ellis at the 3:30 second mark of the link I gave you. HE SAID (do you understand? HE SAID IT) that he did it all from pictures. Wake up and get literate you jack wade.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Oh wait a minute…I see my comment with the link is “awaiting moderation” Once the VHND Gods approve it. You will see a youtube link with the interview with Chip Ellis. It is a fact – the replicas were made from pictures only.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
wow are you a real asshole, RickieVanWalen. Here is the first question and answer from the magazine
Guitar world: After you got the initial work order, how did you begin work on the replica guitar?
Chip Ellis: We brought the original guitar into the custom shop, took it apart and made patterns from the body. And then he goes on about how Ed let him hold onto the guitar for a little while.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Just saw the video and he does say it was built from photos but in the article he says he had the original guitar for a while! weird I smell bullshit somewhere along the lines. You’re still an ass though!
December 7th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I don’t know where you get your facts from cool aid boy but listen to what Chip says with EVH sitting right next to him.
Go to youtube and search “Eddie Van Halen’s Frankenstein guitar replica (part 3)” then go to the 3:20 second mark and eat shit.
You have seen this video right? Do you believe what Chip says right in front of EVH or what you think somebody said he said in some dumb magazine your moma bought for you.
Here is some quotes from the clip:
Interviewer: You did this without that guitar?
Chip: Yes
EVH: Yes
Interviewer: You did the entire thing from photographs
Chip: Yes
Interview: You never had the real guitar?
Chip: that is right
EVH: How did you do it with only photgraphs
Chip: It wasn’t easy
December 7th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
You too sinner. I am a EVH guitar fanatic. I own quite a few of them. I still love you though dude and I am an asswipe from time to time.
Guitar World has been full of crap for over a decade now.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
The guitar was taken apart. Pictures of each part were taken throughout the process. Exact measurements were included and noted in each picture.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Jim
I think it is best that I ignore you. I can feel my IQ droping even as I type this.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
VHDuDE: Right on!
Rickievan Walen:That was entertaining as hell!!LMAO!
Bottoms Up!!