Van Halen
Trump Marina & Casino
Atlantic City, NJ
August 22, 1998

Set List - Click here!

Review by Chris von Berg - ville91@aol.com

WOW! What a show! This was the third time I saw VH this year. I saw VH in Philadelphia back in May and again in July in North Carolina. These shows just keep getting better and better. Anyone out there who thinks Gary could not fill the shoes of the previous lead singers is crazy. Man can Gary belt out all the tunes.

The show ran along the lines of the other shows as far as the set list is concerned. But, the recent addition of Jamie's Cryin' is incredible. This show was smokin'. The show lasted about two hours and it looked like the band was enjoying every minute. Eddie looks great and sounds the same.

I have been lucky enough in my life to say I have seen all three versions of Van Halen (David, Sammy and Gary). I must admit that of the three Gary probably puts on the best show with Sammy a very close second place. If you like Sammy, you'll love Gary, his voice is even better than Sammy.

On a side note, my buddy and I were sitting in the 5th row center stage. But, sitting in front of us for the entire show was "The Donald". Yes, in person, Donald Trump was at the show. He even got into the music. He was toe tapping and even stood and jammed. Well, he jammed his own way.

In closing, go see Van Halen, you will not be disappointed or let down. The mix of old and new is awesome. I say thank to the band for many years of ROCKIN'. I can only hope more are to follow.

** Donald Trump's Security gave me a set list, but not all songs were played.

Woo hoo!! Van Halen put on one of the best performances of the tour last night. The Trump Marina is a very small venue, so anyone with a brain seized the opportunity to see Eddie and the boys in a very intimate setting, and nobody was disappointed. The set list was identical to that of the show in Holmdel, NJ on 8/16/98.

Although I wish the boys would mix it up a bit more and add "Hot For Teacher", "Everybody Wants Some", "Hang 'Em High" and the like, this show was fast-paced, in your face, and powerful enough to get Donald Trump on his feat. (The Donald sat 2 rows away from me.)

I'm a bit sad that this it for the NYC area shows. I have seen all 4 and must say that the first one in May and the one last night were the best.

I spoke to a few "insiders" who said that VH will begin work on a new album right after the holidays and will tour again next summer. OH YEAH!!!!!

I have pix from this gig if anyone is interested. Thanks Van Halen!!!! See you next year!

WELL, WELL, WELL! What can I say that hasn't already been said? Last night, in Atlantic City, I saw my 11th Van Halen concert and needless to say it was mind blowing. It was also my 4th time seeing VH on this tour.

The set list hasn't changed too much, but the energy level Eddie and the boys have is incredible. Just seeing Ed play the old songs (I'm The One, Jamie's Cryin', Romeo Delight, etc.) is something to behold. I believe he's playing these songs better now than 20 years ago! If you haven't had a chance to see the 3 tour yet, do so soon!

VH III live...was I ready? Not really. I DO NOT like the new album. I recognize the superior musicianship of these guys, but the new LP was NOT what I have faithfully supported with my hard earned money and loyalty for 20 years.

So what? An album is an album. This is live, and the band is absolutely incredible. Not because of Gary Cherone, but because they are HAPPY. I have not seen VH live with this much energy, happiness, and enthusiasm since, probably, the OU812 tour. These guys want it BAD.

Hi-lites? I was beaming w/pride at Michael Anthony handling the vocal chores on "Somebody Get Me A Doctor" (knowing his dream has been to lead sing a VH song). I was thrilled that they returned to playing the blazing, intense songs that we've missed for years...and the new tunes are MUCH better live than the CD.

And DON'T leave your seats for a beer or a break....everytime you blink, Eddie is throwing in an intro, guitar lick, or snippet from an older selection that you haven't heard in years before he moves along to the next song in the set.

Seats weren't filled. I fear that the new album has done some damage... but for those willing to extend some faith, the live experience is beyond worth it. There is not a live act that can touch the magic that occurs when Ed, Mike, and Alex plug in. I'm no Gary fan. An 80's/90's singer whose career got crushed by the Seattle movement is hardly worthy, in my opinion, of carrying the torch in front of the greatest American rock band ever....a band that defies and rises above trends. But no matter how biased I am against his adding to the VH legacy, he certainly enhances, and in no way detracts from, the VH live show.

Pass on seeing them live and you are a cynical, ignorant fool....and I ALMOST was!

I have seen Van Halen on every tour since the Fair Warning tour. Last night I saw Eddie completely on fire and the whole band enjoying themselves. That makes it so much more fun for the audience. They came out with Unchained, Without You, and One I Want. The crowd was absolutely in a frenzy. Highlights of the show included Jamie's Cryin' and as always Eddie's masterful solo in the middle of Year To The Day. I saw VH at the Spectrum in Philly last May and although they left out a few songs from that show, they were much tighter last night.

Gary Cherone has really worked his way into the band. He is accepted by the audience and his influence from Freddie Mercury of Queen is noticeable but just gives him the right touch to lead the band in a more polished direction. It's great to hear Michael Anthony sing on Somebody Get Me A Doctor. He has always been a great team player and it's great that he can step up and get some real recognition.

As a guitar player, nothing is more humbling than to watch Eddie play live. I live for every minute of it and can't wait until the next time. Van Halen really rocked the dock last night and it was worth every minute. This is still the greatest rock and roll party around. Let's go for 20 more!! VH rules!