Most readers who responded were happy to see this version of the band, though some complained about sound quality and David Lee Roth's antics.
The Orange County Register

Here are some comments by fans who attend Van Halen's show Tuesday at Honda Center:

From the first note, it was pretty clear that Van Halen were going to make a statement at the Honda Center last night. The message was loud and clear: "WE'RE BACK!" Within a minute of the opening song, "You Really Got Me," Roth gave Eddie Van Halen an impromptu embrace, which made it clear to all that the guys were really happy to be on stage together. It was actually quite touching to see that emotion.

Wolfgang, while obviously still new to performing live with thousands and thousands of people, carried himself with quite a lot of poise and chops. What was the name of the original bass player? Alex Van Halen was as solid as ever laying the foundation down for the band. The chops have not been lost. Roth's vocals were fairly on point, but it would have been tough for any vocalist to compete against the volume pouring from the EVH stacks on stage.

Not only can Roth still handle the call, but his swagger and youthful vigor were fun to see. He still carries a huge presence on stage, which is necessary when sharing it with one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Ah, Eddie Van Halen. Welcome back. Not only was it clear that EVH was having a great time on stage, but it was also obvious that he is still a master of his craft. It was quite a privilege to be at the show to see him play. Nothing more needs to be mentioned about such an icon.

At the end of the night, the audience watched a fantastic performance that was not overdone by theatrics. VH performed on a fairly simple stage, with tasteful lighting and a large screen for all to have a close-up experience. Nothing took away from the music. Not only was it clear that Van Halen was back, but also that they were very happy to be back performing. From one lone member of the audience at the Honda Center last night, I too was happy to have them back. Thanks for a very memorable concert.

Greg Fellmer
Ladera Ranch

What an absolutely phenomenal performance by Van Halen last night! This is the fifth Van Halen concert I've attended, spanning three shows I attended with the first generation of the band with David Lee Roth in the '70s and '80s, to a recent show I saw with Sammy Hagar in L.A. a few years back.

Musically, I think this is far and away the band's best performance I've seen in person. Eddie Van Halen is simply unparalleled as a rock guitarist. Last night, he once again showed his guitar brilliance on stage. David Lee Roth still brings powerful vocals and phenomenal stage presence to the band. The band was never the same without David Lee's persona and vocals and it was amazing to see he and the band back together. Quite simply, there's nothing like watching Van Halen with David Lee Roth as the band's frontman!

Alex Van Halen was absolutely at the top of his game with terrific percussion and a phenomenal drum solo. And, Wolfgang Van Halen looked quite at home as the band's bassist, replacing longtime band staple Michael Anthony -- quite an accomplishment in assuming that role at such a young age for one of rock's all-time Super Bands! I truly hope this new/old version of the band continues to find harmony on and off stage. Last night was just an amazing performance!!!!

Sean McGill
San Clemente

My friend and I are both 50 years old. He took his son and I brought my daughter, both 16. The fact that all four of us could agree on something is remarkable. Too many guitar solos -- we know Eddie is one of the best guitar players ever, but enough already. Wolfgang did an amazing job on the bass and looked at ease in front of the large crowd.

The first hour of the concert sounded much better the final hour. We could hear David Lee Roth sing much more clearly for the first half of the concert, then it seemed that one of two things happened. Either his mic volume was turned down or the instruments volume were turned up. We all had trouble hearing the vocals the last hour.

We all enjoyed the night, but after a 20-year wait for a reunion, it should have been better.

Jeff Powell
Trabuco Canyon

I had a floor seat for the show. The ushers, who were all the age of my grandparents, spent a lot of time walking around and checking tickets down there, which was distracting and annoying.

I was there for Eddie. I saw the David Lee Roth/Sammy Hagar tour sans Eddie at the Universal Ampitheatre a few years ago. Roth was too full of himself, Sammy was great with Michael Anthony, but without Eddie, it just didn't cut it for me.

I would have paid the same price just to see Eddie alone, because I think he is a guitar genius. Last night, he was still amazing, though he didn't seem to have the energy he once did. But he was right on with the music.

David Lee Roth needs to get over himself. He was so busy loving himself, it seemed like singing was an afterthought. His voice could have been OK, but he was butchering the songs.

Frankly, I am a Van Hagar fan.

Roth and Eddie make a point to hug and clasp hands showing that they are reunited and it feels so good. But the chemistry between the two is gone as far as I am concerned.

Wolfie plays fine, but he is no Michael Anthony, who once added a lot of fun and humor to the show. I missed Anthony, and thought the band was worse off for not having him there.

The sound system was terrible. Roth and Eddie were both drowned out by reverb and interference.

Fun? Yes. Perfect Van Halen as we once knew it? I think those days are gone.

Jennifer M. Dobbs
Redlands

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