5 Years Ago: Van Halen Kicks Off ‘A Different Kind of Truth’ Tour

Van Halen kicked off their 2012 tour with a two-hour blitz of classics and new songs on Saturday night (Feb. 18) in Louisville, Ky.

For the legendary group’s first trek in four years, in support of their long-awaited new studio album ‘A Different Kind of Truth,’ David Lee Roth and the musical Van Halen family (Alex, Wolfgang and Eddie) tore through 22 songs and left the sold-out crowd completely satisfied.

An excerpt from Ultimate Classic Rock’s review: “Van Halen hit the ground running …proving that a four-year layoff has done pretty much nothing to diminish their ability to delight a sold-out arena crowd with both old and new songs.

The 22-song set list featured four songs from the band’s new album ‘A Different Kind of Truth,’ and if we had to quibble with anything about tonight’s excellent show, it would be with which tracks from that album made the cut. We were really hoping for ‘Big River,’ ‘You and Your Blues,’ ‘Blood and Fire’ and especially ‘Outta Space’ in addition to early show highlight ‘She’s the Woman.’

Any one of the tens of thousands of fans in attendance could have easily named six more songs they’d still want to hear, but nobody could say we didn’t get our money’s worth.”

An excerpt from Courier Journal’s review:

Singer David Lee Roth bounced around the stage like a big, 57-year-old kid, delivering a performance that was half burlesque, half living-room show-off, and all rock star. Alex Van Halen brought his usual thunder on the drums, and while diehards probably still miss original bassist Michael Anthony, Wolfgang Van Halen has become a serious replacement.

But the night belonged to Eddie.

Eddie Van Halen, the guitar-shredding heart of the band’s sound, was in peak form. His right hand was like a jackhammer all night as he showed utter command of his instrument, with no apparent ill effects from a 2009 surgery on his left hand. This was crucial, because while the band’s best material stands alone as seriously good, voraciously hard rock, Eddie’s guitar is Van Halen.

Eddie’s traditional solo showcase, which incorporated parts of “Eruption,” was stellar, but the night’s highlight was a pulverizing version of “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love.” The song has lost none of its ravenous, anthemic edge.

Roth was plenty happy all night, and while he’s clearly lost an octave or two, his performance was a pretty great approximation of old-school Diamond Dave. He made up for what was missing in his upper register with a swagger that was more fun than sexual, and an endearing playfulness that was long on goofy charm. He even managed a few leg kicks.

Here’s the complete set list for tonight’s (Feb. 18th) Van Halen Concert in Louisville, KY. This was the first night of their 2012 Tour.