Van Halen’s second show in Los Angeles (this past Saturday night) was unquestionably one of the very best of the tour. Some fans are saying it was even better than Vegas and the first L.A .show, on June 1st. Dave was funnier than ever. Ed, Al, and Wolf were amazing as usual. The crowd was wild and was extra loud all night, and even gave Alex Van Halen an extended ovation after his drum solo. The band was happy, loose, and appeared to be having a great deal of fun.
From L.A. Daily News had this to say:
The foursome did not disappoint. The goup played 24 songs beginning with “Unchained” and finishing two hours later with “Jump,” and every selection was a winner.
On “Everybody Wants Some,” Roth was at his lascivious best. On “Panama,” Alex Van Halen was hitting the drums so hard that you could feel the beats against your skin. On “Runnin’ With the Devil,” bassist Wolfgang Van Halen was standing on the stage riser for the intro riff, pounding the strings for all he was worth.
And on the extended guitar solo “Eruption,” Eddie Van Halen — Wolfgang’s father — was his usual amazing self, once again proving he is, unquestionably, among the very best in world. His fingers were like a blur, and the sounds were beautiful.
The crowd ate it up.
Everyone was singing along to “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” and “The Cradle Will Rock,” and even the selections from new CD “A Different Kind of Truth” went over well, particularly “Tattoo.”
Van Halen came, they saw, they conquered. In turn, we paid money, swilled beer and pumped our fists. A perfect night of rock ‘n’ roll from one of America’s all-time most popular bands.
Gene Simmons tweeted:
“We went to see Van Halen at Staples. Alex greeted us backstage. Good to see him again. And the band? Edward has a mastery of his instrument that has got to be seen and heard to believe. It’s hard to imagine all the sound coming out of one guitar. Amazing. We ran into Mr. Udo, who has been KISS’ Japanese promoter for over three decades. And Babyface, who came by to chat. A great night.”
Check out “Everybody Wants Some!” below. Note the extended intro, killer breakdown and fun rap from Dave in the middle, reminiscent of how the band used to play it in the early ’80’s.
