Van Halen
Darien Lake
Buffalo, NY
August 25, 1998

Set List - Click here!

Review by Evhen Loj - evhen@juno.com

FANTASTIC, best describes what I and others were fortunate enough to witness this evening! This was my first Van Halen concert I was able to attend, and I'm overjoyed!

It seemed that many people were skeptical and unsure of what to except before the concert. Leaving, I'm sure their questions had been answered. This third incarnation of Van Halen is indeed the way to go.

As a whole, the concert was a great mix of all eras. I personally thought that was one of the high points of the concert. Another high was the energy that was being produced up on stage. Everyone on stage seemed to be having a great time. Adding all the more to the experience. Then from there, the crowd picked it up and feed it back to the stage. You know your in the big time when all you have to do is play a little riff and people go nuts. Fire In the Hole and When It's Love were my favorites on the evening.

There were a few mistakes that stuck out. But, nothing enough to adulterate a great show. "Nobody is perfect." Nor would I expect them to be. The biggest disappointment stemmed from the crowd. Simply put there weren't as many people as I would have expected for a Van Halen concert. "Sad, but true." At least there is next time.

As a whole, I'd give it a 8.5 out of 10. Thanks for a great show guys!

I just saw the greatest show on earth!!!!!!!!!!!!! This band puts on a terrific show from the opening note to the closing song. This was my first Van Halen show but, will not be my last!

Well, well, well! I am amazed! How could anyone have been skeptical of this year's VH Tour? Don't laugh... I heard plenty of people talking, PLANNING to be disappointed!

In all honesty, I had to feel kind of sorry for Gary Cherone.... there were plenty of expectations, and in some people's eyes, Gary had some big shoes to fill. It was so unfortunate that he is straining so hard during this part of the tour, to sing. He is obviously a dynamic singer. He is really energetic and is always moving around on stage. But he is probably singing in a higher range than he is used to, louder, and more forcfully than his poor pipes can handle, and it has definitely taken its toll. I think he is probably more of a visually interesting act than he is a singing superstar.

So, earlier this summer I saw a band, that I love, and the lead singer sucked! It ruined the entire show for me. While Gary didn't suck, he could definately use a few weeks off to regain his singing strength. But there was NO WAY any lead singer problems could possibly ruin this show. DA BOYS were incredible. These guys are loving life! They are full of fun and energy, and are completely entertaining. Amazing! Alex is always cool, and I think he is underrated as a drummer. I could barely see Michael, but as usual, his singing, as well as his playing were right on. I also noticed that he looked good, slim and healthy... it was great. And oh man, Eddie... last time I saw Eddie, he needed hip surgery, and his head had been shaven by Jim Kelly (please don't mention the SuperBowl to me!) Now Eddie's hair is shoulder length, and he's doing splits, five feet in the air. Amazing!

The set was really fine, they even seemed to be doing sort of a jam thing, a la The Dead or The Allmans.

The people of Buffalo and Rochester, gathered out at the Performing Arts Center in Darien, N.Y. were treated to rock and roll greatness once again! It was a fabulous show... see it. Don't let The Doubters influence you!

I've seen quite a few Van Halen shows, from the second album tour right through the Balance tour and I must say that last night's show was one of the best ever! If anyone has any doubts about the new line up all I can say is get out and see a show.

Gary brings a whole new energy level to the band. His stage presence was commanding and he did an admirable job with the older material. Eddie's playing was the best I've ever seen. All of the guys were on and seemed to really be enjoying themselves.

The set opened up with Unchained and covered songs from all eras. Alex's drum solo was magnificent, and Michael Anthony did an awesome job on 'Somebody Get Me a Doctor'. Eddie's solo spot was vintage Eddie and left the crowd screaming in awe. I cannot wait to see these guys again!!! You must see this show!!!

Whoa! That is not enough to be said but I am in total amazement and cannot speak. Gary blew me away! The energy was definitely there and you could feel it. The set list was basically the same as last night but with the addition of "One I Want," "Dreams,"and "When It's Love." There was no "Feel Your Love Tonight" or "Romeo's Delight."

It was a beautiful summer night as Van Halen took to the stage with the opening chords of "Unchained." The band was everywhere on stage running, jumping, and spinning. Gary is the best singer and entertainer of the three forms of VH that I've seen and can stay with them until the end of time. Rock On guys!