Here’s a video that we’re rarely given the chance to see. This is part of Van Halen’s soundcheck in Greensboro, NC on April 21st. Filmed soundchecks are very few, and this one is extra special, as the fan-filmed footage is now synched with a separate IEM (inner ear monitor) audio recording, which is a high quality SOUNDBOARD audio!
It’s always interesting to hear Van Halen songs played as a power trio without the vocals, which highlights the unbeatable musicianship of the three Van Halens and also gives us the chance to appreciate Wolfie and Ed’s background vocals.
In this video, Ed, Al, and Wolf tear through two songs that haven’t been added to this tour’s setlist so far, the mind-blowingly epic “As Is”, which has yet to be heard in concert, and the masterful “Light Up the Sky”, which hasn’t been performed in concert since 1980. This recording is an incredible, rare treat for VH fans! Let’s hope the band will soon unleash these gems in concert. Maybe during those upcoming Japanese dates?
Interestingly, in the new issue of Guitar World, Ed said, “The next couple of songs that we’re trying to work in are “Light Up The Sky” and “As Is.” We’ll figure out the right time to do them. It’s fun.”
Credits to:
5150rocker and eruption1962 for the video
Rerun and bpadrick for the audio
eruption1962 & bpadrick for sharing
VHFrance for audio-video synchronization