It's always interesting to see how people react to Eddie Van Halen for the first time. Even more interesting when it's a millennial who's preferred music genre of choice is hip hop. Like in this video, posted by Hectic Reacts, the first edition of the channel's Shreddin' Saturday. Hectic says Eddie's 13-minute Eruption solo was "By far, the most requested solo I'm supposed to … [Read more...]
Archives for 2018
Original Warner Bros. Press Kit Bio (1978)
Here's a little gem from our archives here at the news desk. It's the original bio introducing Van Halen to the masses. This was part of the press kit, provided by Warner Bros. Records, hyping the band's debut album. While press kits and bios are highly common, these pages were typically trashed soon after they were received, whether or not a story was written. Some … [Read more...]
Remember Your First Time?
Good or bad, there's always something memorable about your first time, isn't there? Whether or not there were other people around. Maybe what you were doing. Whether it was in your bedroom or the back seat of a car. If you were in a car, did you just jam it in, or did you take your time, unwrapping it slow? We're talking about your Vhginity, of course. LP or cassette? Or, … [Read more...]
40 Reasons Van Halen’s Debut Is The Greatest Hard Rock Album Of All Time
Forty years later and we’re still livin’ life like there’s no tomorrow. On February 10th, 1978 Van Halen released their debut album. Rock and Roll would never be the same again. With Jaw-dropping guitar riffs, mind-bending solos, undeniable hooks and fist-pumping choruses the album delivered on an all-out assault on the ears. Four decades later the album remains the favorite … [Read more...]
Interview: Michael Anthony on the Early Days of Van Halen
"40 years ago today, four guys set out to rock the world!! I want to thank all of you for rocking and supporting us all these years!" — Micheal Anthony, on his Facebook and Instagram today Also, here's a new interview with Michael on the early days of Van Halen: Van Halen exploded onto the scene with their self-titled debut in 1978, which turns 40 today! Jesse … [Read more...]
40 Years Ago: Van Halen Erupts Onto the Scene With Thunderous Debut Album
It's 1978. Jimmy Carter is president, Leonid Brezhnev is the Russian premier and the Cold War is still raging. Disco is dominant, Saturday Night Fever is still raking in millions at the box office as Christmas fades, and the radio industry has a hard-on for Stevie Nicks bordering on priapism as Rumours continues to top the charts. In late January, though, things begin … [Read more...]
Is Van Halen’s First Album Their Best?
The good folks at Ultimate Classic Rock have put together an excellent roundtable discussion on Van Halen's debut album. We'll put the beginning of their article right here, so you can get started, and then be sure to read the rest at UCR! —VHND From Ultimate Classic Rock: To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Van Halen's debut, we asked our writers to tackle five burning … [Read more...]
Van Halen 40th Anniversary: ‘In The Studio’ Interviews
One of the greatest debut albums in rock history turns forty and Redbeard at InTheStudio interviewed the original band members Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and Michael Anthony to recall those halcyon days marauding like Vandal hordes from Pasadena to Hollywood's Sunset Strip forty years ago, resulting in Van Halen containing "Runnin' With the Devil","Ain't … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Sues To Stop Videographer From Selling Unauthorized Footage
From TMZ.com: Eddie Van Halen ain't talkin' 'bout love, but he is talkin' 'bout a videographer who's allegedly trying to make a quick buck by selling old band footage ... according to a new suit. The Van Halen guitarist claims he invited videographer, Andrew Bennett, to film music rehearsals with his son, Wolfgang, and his bro, Alex Van Halen, back around 2006 with the … [Read more...]
New EVH Gear Unveiled at NAMM 2018
Tone Talk's Marc Huzansky gives us an exclusive tour of the EVH Gear booth at Winter NAMM 2018 along with EVH Gear product manager Matt Brown. EVH Gear us unveiling new products at Winter NAMM 2018 in Anaheim California: Eddie Van Halen's guitar and amp-making elves have been busy in the workshop and have unveiled an update to the 5150 III 6L6 amp line, the Wolfgang … [Read more...]
40th Anniversary ‘Eruption’ Cover By Mike Himmel
The video above is without a doubt one of the best "Eruption" covers we've ever heard! Guitarist Mike Mike Himmel tells the VHND, “I’m a lifelong Van Halen fan. Eddie has continued to be a constant source of inspiration after all these years. I’ve always wanted to uncover the mystery wrapped in a riddle with his style and tone. "The 40th Anniversary of Van Halen's 1978 … [Read more...]
Is Eddie Van Halen the Greatest Rock Guitarist Since Hendrix?
From Guitar Connoisseur Magazine: The history rock music will forever be highlighted by a select few who managed to achieve far greater heights than their contemporaries. Jimi Hendrix is one, with the sheer brilliance and expertise par excellence, had no boundaries or restrictions to limit his potential and the magic he was capable of with the guitar With no rules to … [Read more...]