On this day in 1981, Van Halen performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during the Fair Warning tour. Everyone who attended the show loved it, with the notable exception of the critic the local newspaper sent to review the show. You can read that concert reviewer below.
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, newspapers would often send critics to review concerts who didn’t even like the band. In hindsight, this made for some pretty funny reviews of legendary tours. Of course, over the years, they finally figured out that it might be a good idea if the reviewer reviewing the concert actually enjoys the genre of the music performed.
From this Cedar Rapids concert, we’ve got not one, but three great newspaper articles. These are from our friend and VH historian, Rodney “GA5150” Carr.
For your reading pleasure, we present two newspaper articles reviewing the show, and one short article mentioning the damage that Van Halen did to the venue’s dressing room, backstage. Enjoy.
