Sandra Sperounes, The Edmonton Journal

Christmas came early for local rock fans as one of the most anticipated reunions pulled into Rexall Place on a snowy, chilly December night.

Playing the part of a sexy, smiley Santa was David Lee Roth, back in the Van Halen saddle after more than 20 years.

As he waved a giant red flag at the start of the group's two-hour set, then sauntered down the ramp to sing You Really Got Me, 12,500 fans jumped to their feet and roared at the top of their lungs.

They screamed even louder when Roth and guitarist Eddie Van Halen clapped each other on the back at the end of the song. It was one of many overt (and perhaps staged) displays of affection between the two former enemies, yet the two genuinely seemed to be having the time of their lives.

"Look at all the people here tonight," Roth yelled during I'm the One, surveying the crowd with an incredulous grin.

It felt like 1984 all over again as Van Halen cranked out classics such as Runnin' with the Devil, Somebody Get Me a Doctor, Beautiful Girls, Dance the Night Away and Mean Street.

Gosh, can you believe it -- these guys held on to their grudges for more than 20 years? It's sad. Think of all they deprived us of. Sure, Sammy Hagar capably filled in for the majority of those years -- and helmed three of Van Halen's No. 1 albums -- but there's something magical and maniacal about Roth.

Who needs pyro and cannons when you have the ultimate in bling -- Diamond Dave. He's one of the showiest and sauciest frontmen in the business, if not slower after all these years.

He didn't bust out the scissor kicks as often as he used to, but he knew how to work the crowd simply by moving his hips or stroking a top hat strategically placed in front of his crotch.

Whether Roth's growls were up to par is up for debate. As is the case with most acts in Rexall, he was drowned out by his bandmates, most notably Eddie and his squealing guitar.

From what was audible, however, Roth sounded in strong form, particularly when he tried to outrev Eddie's guitar on Everybody Wants Some. "Can't beat that," the singer quipped after one of Eddie's godlike displays of finger-tapping.

Of course, Van Halen's grudges aren't fully resolved -- there's the little matter of bassist Michael Anthony's absence. (The brothers reportedly didn't ask him to participate because he was too chummy with Hagar.)

Instead, Eddie's son, Wolfgang, is taking Anthony's place and fulfilling his duties with quiet aplomb. He contributed backing vocals, plucked out a few mini solos, but didn't try to steal Sunday's show from his father or Roth.

Yet Eddie couldn't help but play the proud father -- pulling Wolfie's hair after the two knelt on the stage during Romeo Delight. Aww.

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