Van Halen - Billboard Live
March 12, 1998

Review by Jon Schell
Pictures by David Russell

Saw the new guy.

Wow.

You know, it's funny how when you're 13 or 14 and your favorite band are like gods to you. They seem bigger than life, idol's that can't be touched, and while watching them on MTV, you only dream about someday seeing them in some small club, knowing that that will never happen since their fan base requires nothing short of arenas or stadiums.

Well, whoever was listening to my prayers answered me Thursday night when I saw Van Halen from 2 rows back at the location that used to be Gazarri's, legendary in Van Halen history.

How can you not go nuts when Ed starts out the show with "Romeo Delight?" The show was incredible. They played for about an hour, with an intensity and energy at which I was amazed. And much of this, I might add, came from Gary. Holy SHIT does this guy have energy. Sweat was just pouring off his face in the second song! He was constantly jumping around, dancing, twirling the mike stand...It was contagious. You could not help jumping and screaming in joy right along with him.

They did 3 new songs ("Without You", "Fire in the Hole" and "One I Want." ) and classics that we haven't heard in years! "Mean Street", "Unchained", "I'm The One", "Feel Your Love Tonight." Eddie's guitar just went through my whole body. If I were a poet, describing how truly wonderful this moment was would cause you to weep, but all I can really say is, damn man, you shoulda been there.

Cool moments:

The band stopping as Gary pretended to forget the beginning lyrics of "Mean Street." Tacking on a verse of "We Can Work It Out" by the Beatles to the end of "Without You." Gary climbing the PA speakers like a crazy mutha. (Little Extreme reference for ya there.)

Myself, the band and the entire crowd singing, "Bop ba de, shoo be doo wah!"

I can't tell you how wonderful this was. Australia, enjoy, 'cause you're going to have yourselves one HELL of a treat.

- Jon Schell