Van Halen
Starwood Amphitheater
Nashville, TN
August 2, 1998

Set List - Click here!

Review by Lane Denson - laner@bigfoot.com

As of 10:30 August 2nd, Van Halen has proven once again why they have been the definitive hard rock band for the past 20 years. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive going in due to the lackluster performance on "Live at the 10 Spot", but it's obvious that Ed, Alex, Gary, and Mike were haviing a VERY bad day in Sydney. Nashville's Starwood Ampitheatre was about 5/6 full (18,000 capacity), and almost everyone was on their feet from beginning to end.

All of the guys looked in great shape - Ed was jumping around like a madman, Gary didn't stop moving, Mike looked like he was having a great time, and even Alex took off his neck brace during the encore (and beat the hell out of the drums all night!).

Musically, everyone was in top form. Gary has really settled into the Roth/Hagar songs - he sounds much more at home than he did on the MTV show. I honestly can't name one song he did badly - vocally, "Mean Street" was incredible, as was "When It's Love", "Dance The Night Away/Feel Your Love Tonight" and "Right Now" (at the end of which, I heard a guy behind me scream "F*** Sammy Hagar") - now I like Sammy just fine, but it's obvious that Gary has filled his shoes just fine in the eyes of the fans. He really is a diverse vocalist, and a great entertainer as well - I don't think he stopped moving the entire show.

Eddie was very solid - his tone was awesome as always, and he nailed almost everything. Actually, the only thing I was disappointed in was his solo - I really wish he'd come up with some new tricks. But that's a very small gripe - Ed looked and played great - like he was 25 again.

Mike - "Somebody Get Me A Doctor". What more is there to say? He tore it up! His bass playing was rock-solid, as usual.

And Alex gave a great performance as well. His injuries haven't slowed him down a bit. His solo was pretty impressive as well. He proved tonight why he is considered one of the great rock drummers along with Peart, Bonham, and Moon.

As far as specific highlights, "When It's Love" took on a life of it's own. *Much* more agressive than on the album. "Somebody Get Me A Doctor" - great vocals by Mike, and it was hilarious seeing Gary literally dive over Mike's stack of Ampegs (that had to hurt!) "Dance The Night Away" and "Feel Your Love Tonight" were great as well. Gary did a cool outro to "Right Now" with a delayed vocal very similar to what Freddie Mercury did on "Now I'm Here"

One thing I thought was cool is that almost every album was represented. Only songs "Balance" and "Diver Down" were missing. I would like to have heard "Running With The Devil" or "Hot For Teacher", but it was a very well-done setlist.

The crowd was totally into the show after "When It's Love" - you could tell they weren't sure what to make of the new guy on stage at first, but by the time the guitar solo rolled around, Gary had them in the palm of his hand. They didn't exactly go nuts for the new material at first, but by the end of each new song there was a really good response.

I've seen Van Halen four times now, and if they're close to the end (as some would have you believe), then they sure didn't let on tonight. Here's to 20 more years of the world's greatest rock band!

EXCELLENT!!!!!! Please trust me when I say I am a fan. I have a VH logo on my forearm and my son's middle name is Edward! Set list was the same but still GREAT! If I had the chance to make a suggestion, it would be they come back and do a show like another band we know but not mention (nothing meant bad but this is a VH column) and play an extended set. I think it would go over great. A show without an opening act.

I thought my 5 year old loved the rousing chants of EDDIE! EDDIE!EDDIE! The only way I think they could top it would be come back soon. We loved you guys and got a little lump in my throat when my son asked "Is that all daddy?" I WISHED they'd come back. And by the way, if you would like to see Steven, check out harpland.com, he's the kid at the drums.

I'm so happy that Van Halen has got someone that can sing entertain and compliment the band. This guy Gary is amazing. I once again was looking to see what the singer was doing instead of just in a trance with Eddie.

This is a must see show for any level VH fan, the sound and show was the best in years. The most amazing thing is Eddie has gotten better. His solo had some new riffs that made me pick up the guitar as soon as I got home.

I also did something new this time and didn't go to the bathroom when Alex did his solo on the drums one of his best ever. I think the words I used to describe it were "He's stomping the S@#T out of those things" and Michael singing a whole song I think that was a first for me. Though I have seen him sing a line or two but not a whole song.

Ok just so I don't sound like a total Germ there was a couple of things I didn't like. The stage didn't have the fireworks and amps to the ceiling, the pat down at the front gate took too long and the who the F!#K is Eddie Van Halen shirts where upsetting. I'll still make the next concert.....

Van Halen's show Sunday night was nothing short of spectacular. First and foremost, let me give a hand to Van Halen's sound crew, the live sound was awesome! The clarity was unbelievable - I was sitting in the very back, but I heard every song crystal clear. Gary's vocals were prominent in the mix, and Mike's bass was upfront also. Ed's guitar sound was monstrous, clear and kick-ass! Most bands should aspire to have sound this good! Other than 3 occurences of minor feedback, it was near perfect.

For anyone who still has doubts about Gary Cherone, go see the show! Gary is the best voice Van Halen has ever had. I loved hearing him sing "Mean Street" and "Romeo Delight," songs I never thought I'd hear live again. Gary, what's your pre-show routine? I've never seen anyone so limber on stage.

Alex was solid as ever. How anyone can go on year after year pounding the skins like that is beyond me! Alex is a monster!

Mike's vocals on "Somebody Get Me A Doctor" were phenomenal. I believe Mike could sing anything. He's just that good.

As for Ed, well what can you say? The reason we go to see Van Halen. THE man! Ed is so good it's unreal. I'm just thankful to get to see him again. Ed is playing with FIRE, folks, you better not miss this tour!

Van Halen continues to rock like no other band. They're tighter than ever. I don't recall hearing one offbeat or miscue the entire evening. My friend who hasn't seen them since 1984 was blown away. He couldn't get over how good the sound was either. A great show guys! THANKS!

I'll put it like this: if I had won any of the $270-plus million from the recent Powerball lottery, I'd would buy a ticket to ALL of the concerts left on this tour! If anyone at last night's concert had any doubts about whether this band can still rock, they're now gone. Eddie and the boys still kick butt and take names! And, by the way, GARY CHERONE DOES - I REPEAT DOES - THE JOB FOR VAN HALEN!!

Kenny Wayne Shepherd opened up, and talk about a night of guitar-rockin'; he was AWESOME!! Maybe we'll be talking about him in 10 years like we do about Eddie. And speaking of Eddie... when we heard him final-tuning his guitar before they started, we knew it was just a matter of time. Sure enough, the man himself comes out first and the lights go out!! It was time to fasten the seat belts and sit tight, cause we were about to ride!

The band was flawless. "Unchained" was the first song. "Without You" and "One I Want" followed. There was a big pop when Gary announced they were playing "Fire In The Hole". The encores were "Josephina" (acoustic w/ Gary and Eddie, and yes, I would have dropped in shock if they played "More Than Words"), "Panama" - which started at first like they were gonna play "Everybody Wants Some", and "Jump".

There wasn't really anything different played than what has been played so far on the tour. I wish they had played more songs - they played only two hours - but...hey, doesn't everybody? Eddie looked like he was playing as if he was 20 years younger. You were just in awe of him when he played. Michael sang "Somebody Get Me A Doctor" - and brought out the Jack Daniels bass... a must for every show I believe. Alex kicked butt on his drum solo and made it look easy. But the big thing was indeed Gary. He proved without a shadow of a doubt he can carry this band on his shoulders. He worked the crowd, repeating "Nash-ville!" throughout the show.

He is Gary, not Dave or Sammy. He deserves respect for putting himself on the line to step in for Dave and Sammy. He even blows Sammy away on "When It's Love" and Dave on "Mean Streets". He worked the crowd BIG during "Panama". After Eddie's interlude, Gary told the crowd "It's up to you how we're gonna end this... either with a whimper or with a bang". It got a huge pop as the band got us to scream, shout, wave our hands, and sing along.

When "Jump" ended and the band bowed and said their goodbye, I was hoping, holding my breath for another encore.... but when the lights went on, I figured they did pretty damn good as it was.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ALBUM AND TOUR. DON'T TAKE TOO LONG EDDIE, ALEX, MIKE AND GARY. VAN HALEN ROCKS!!!!!