Jacob and Josh are back! And this time, with another full band Van Halen cover of an unreleased Van Halen gem!
Premiering exclusively on the Van Halen News Desk, guitarist Jacob Deraps and drummer Josh Gallagher have released their cover of Van Halen’s 1977 demo, “We Die Bold,” with Jacob on guitar, bass, and vocals, and Josh pounding the drums. This unreleased Van Halen song has been a favorite among collectors since it started circulating in the ’90s.
Jacob says, “Hi everyone, here’s a cover of the unreleased Van Halen song ‘We Die Bold’ from the 1977 Warner Bros demo! Me and Josh decided to do something special for the 40th anniversary of Van Halen, we wanted to bring out something fresh for the Van Halen fans with the classic sound of Van Halen and better sound quality than the demos out there. Here’s our tribute to the best band of all time, we hope you enjoy!”
Vocals, Guitar, Bass: Jacob Deraps
Drums, Video Editing, Mixing: Josh Gallagher
Jacob Deraps on Van Halen’s debut:
“There was before, then there was after, and the world was forever changed. All of you, listening to and hearing music everyday, whatever style it is, you hear a bit of Van Halen in everything you listen to, even to this day. Wether it’s the sound or the playing, Van Halen set the standard for whatever came after it and still sounds up to date today.
“Happy 40th anniversary to the greatest and most innovative album of all time, my personal favorite, followed by the next five that came after…
“Now excuse me, while I crank a bit of Van Halen!!!”
Josh Gallagher on Van Halen’s debut:
“The impact this 35 minute masterpiece has had on my life is beyond words. This thing hits like a nuclear bomb exploding in red, white and black party streamers. From the jazzy yet menacing thump of Mike’s bass, the soaring harmonies of pure Californian sunshine, Alex’s apocalyptic swing, David Lee Roth…the man is an absolute superhero on this album. The Tarzan chest growls, to the banshee screams, wails and just so full of creative eclectic energy. Most singers just sing which is awesome, but Dave is one of the rare breed that adds so many more tricks and flavours to it (guaranteed to satisfy)! His wild unique individuality is everything I aspire to be as a performer. Mum, when I grow up I want to be DLR.
“And Edward Van Halen. What can I say. Put on Eruption…no, play the whole record from the start, the sexy riffs, the groovy rhythm, the guitar tone that sounds like the amp is charged with plutonium about to blow (but never does!), the songwriting, the solos! THE FIRE. It’s like he was an alien sent back in time to change the course of rock n roll forever. How this band achieved this in that time is out of this world, TOTALLY ahead of it’s time. What I would give to experience that nuke to the face in ’78.
“Happy 40th Anniversary Van Halen! Thanks for all the happiness you never fail to deliver to my life. Best album of all time.”
Jacob and Josh have been featured on VHND previously for their incredible covers of “Loss of Control” “On Fire“ “5150” “Outta Love Again” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
Keep up with guitarist Jacob Deraps via his Youtube channel, his NEW Facebook, & Instagram.
Keep up with drummer Josh Gallagher via his Youtube channel, Facebook, & Instagram.
Live shows this summer: Jacob Deraps and Josh Gallagher are getting ready to tour bars and festivals this summer up in Québec, Canada. All informations about Jacob and the band can be found on jacobderapsofficial.com