Van Halen
New York State Fair
Syracuse, NY
August 31, 1998

Set List - Click here!

Review by Dan Olivadoti - Dano7@webtv.net

I'll make this short and sweet, because I don't know how to put into words the event that just ended an hour or so ago. "The Mighty Van Halen" is alive and well, people! The naysayers who say VH doesn't rock like they used to probably wouldn't be able to answer the packed house of 16,000 screaming fans this evening who thought otherwise.

This was my first Van Halen show and it was just incredible! I don't even know where to begin with the highlights. Gary is proving to be the ultimate frontman for this band (as many of us already knew that he would be), and the crowd supported him 100%! His vocals were absolutely stunning, especially on "Right Now". I especially enjoyed his nod to the late great Freddie Mercury of Queen during that song, when he did the "around and round" vocal gymnastics that Freddie used to do during "Now I'm Here"!

And speaking of gymnastics, let's talk about Eddie! Running and leaping around the stage like it's 1978 all over again, he was in incredible form, pumping his fists and smiling all the way through the show. It is so obvious that he is teling the truth when he says he's happier than he's ever been - I swear, he even looks younger than he has in years!

Mike blew everyone away with his vocals on "Somebody Get Me A Doctor", hitting notes that David Lee Roth could only dream of even 20 years ago. And Alex once again proves that he is no mere mortal with a drum extravaganza that left jaws firmly fixed to the floor and caused tribes from nations half a world away to start running towards Syracuse!

In short, let me just say that Van Halen in their prime "Right Now". DO NOT miss them when they come to your town! You will be absolutely blown away. And I guess I can sum up the show in the words of some fans who've seen them live no less than five times pre-Cherone: "this is one of the best Van Halen shows we've ever seen" - 'Nuff Said!

Eddie, Alex, Mike and Gary-thank you for the music and the magic - here's to twenty more years of the reign of THE MIGHTY VAN HALEN!

Van Halen Kicked some major ass tonite! Michael Anthony finally got some due recognition for his vocal talents! I was a bit dissapointed that there wasn't a bass solo, but Mikey kicked ass anyways. Eddie and Alex were perfect as usual, Alex was wearing his neckbrace from the accident in Europe.

I'm a very huge Hagar fan, and the band wasn't the same without him, but in all honesty, Gary Cherone is a first class singer, and put on a very entertaining show. Gary had most of the crowd wrapped around his finger. Let's not compare Gary and Sammy the way Dave and Sammy were. Gary is here now, let him continue to kick ass and contribute the scorching voice of his, and may all the VH fans stay loyal to Van Halen and Sammy.

I've seen them all - But I've never seen a show like this!! Van Halen absolutely blew the doors off of Syracuse tonight - taking no prisoners. Relentless, pure kick ass rock and roll.

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band was also great. Kenny can rip on the guitar... But everyone was looking forward to hearing the Mighty Van Halen. Then it happened... The feedback started, and Eddie ripped into "Unchained"... It was so great hearing these guys play the old tunes - sounds like they just recorded them yesterday!!!! The Sammy era tunes, man, you would think that they were made for Gary!! He sounded great.

And what a frontman they have now. Gary is such a showman... With no attitude. His voice kicks ass, and he can belt out any tune with confidence!!! It's great to see a frontman without the attitude of "Look at me" - but with one that says "Look at us -we're the greatest F***ing rock and roll band around"!!!!

Alex is an animal!!! His solo is a must see - absolutely fantastic!!! Of course, Eddie's was super too, but that's no suprise! This man can fly, and is considered a pure god in anyone's book!!! Let's not forget Mike - who can belt out lead vocals better than most lead singers. Somebody Get Me a Doctor.... Hell, I think that I need one - I have no more voice after this show..

This night went by too quickly. This show is a must see. If you're anybody, you'll see this!! It's honestly the best show you will see!!!

Just got home from a blinding Van Halen show. I got to meet the guys before the show and can ya say, a bunch of down to earth, great human beings?! Since I first snuck out of my bedroom window at age 13 to see a Diver Down show, I haven't missed a tour yet.

Let me tell you, Van Halen is Van Halen! Gary is a VERY WELCOME addition to the band. If you haven't seen him and are hesitant, do yourself a favor and give him a try. You won't be disappointed. Alex is as powerful as ever, even with the neck still sore. Mike is singing more now and is having a blast.

Eddie, well, Eddie is Eddie. What more do ya want? Back stage/on stage, you can't wipe the smile off the guys face and the king is still the king. He admitted he still feels like he's 16 years old, with the body of a 40+ year old. And as long as he's having fun and letting us share in his gift, we'll all stay 16 right along with him.

I'll have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by tonights concert. At first, I was hesitant to go because I didn't think anyone could fill Sammy's shoes. On the contrary, Gary seemed to fit right into the lineup.

The songs played were awesome! I really enjoyed the show! However, just to be fair, I have to admit that I've seen Eddie do way better solo's before...tonight's left a lot to be desired. And while Alex's solo was very good, I would have much rather have seen the band play a few more old tunes instead of killing time with this solo. Other than these few very picky comments, this new energized band kicked ass! I highly recommend it!