UPDATE: This article was originally published before the new video premiered today. Now that we've seen it, there's something important Van Halen fans should know: Despite being billed as an "EXTENDED CUT," this isn't simply a longer version of the 15-minute video released last month. It's 32 minutes of additional footage from the conversation, with no repeated dialogue … [Read more...]
Archives for 2026
One This Day: Van Halen Launches First Tour with David Lee Roth Since 1984!
Photos by ROBERT YEAGER Nineteen years ago tonight, Van Halen launched their first tour with original singer David Lee Roth since 1984! The 2007–2008 tour became the highest-grossing tour in the band's history, with arena sellouts across the country and more than $93 million in ticket sales. Nearly a million fans traveled from around the world to see the landmark … [Read more...]
WATCH: Alex Van Halen & David Lee Roth Reunite for TEDxFargo Conversation
For the first time in more than a decade, Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth are back on stage together — and now we can finally watch it. The complete TEDxFargo conversation featuring Alex, Roth and acclaimed artist Robert Vargas has been released online. The 15-minute talk, titled "Beyond Boundaries: How Human Experience Informs Art and Music," was filmed July 30 at … [Read more...]
On This Day in 1978: Eddie Van Halen Records ‘ERUPTION’
It was exactly 40 years ago today that Eddie Van Halen recorded the wildly innovative instrumental, "Eruption." The date of Sept. 8th, 1977 was uncovered by Van Halen biographer, Greg Renoff, during his extensive interviews with Van Halen producer Ted Templeman. Here's an exclusive excerpt about the day "Eruption" was recorded, from the pages of Renoff's Van … [Read more...]
Van Halen’s ‘A Different Kind of Truth’ Returning to CD & Vinyl!
It's official: Van Halen's final studio album, A Different Kind of Truth, is finally coming back into print! Rhino will re-release the album on October 23, 2026, on CD and as a 2LP set pressed on 180-gram black vinyl. The vinyl edition comes in a double gatefold package, with new lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering. A limited-edition clear vinyl … [Read more...]
Alex Van Halen Knighted in the Netherlands
Alex Van Halen has received one of his native country's highest honors. The legendary Van Halen drummer was appointed Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion (Ridder in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw) Tuesday in Nijmegen, the Dutch city where Alex and his brother Eddie spent much of their childhood before their family moved to America. Nijmegen mayor Hubert Bruls … [Read more...]
40 Years Ago Tonight: Live Without A Net is Recorded
On August 27, 1986, Van Halen took the stage at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Connecticut for a show that would become one of the most iconic concert videos in rock history: Live Without a Net. It was the band's second night in New Haven during the massive 5150 tour — and fortunately so. The first night's filming had audio problems, … [Read more...]
VIDEO: The Hilarious ‘True Story’ of How Van Halen Landed Ted Templeman
Here's some classic Van Halen humor that's well worth revisiting. Back in 2006, the cult comedy web series Yacht Rock turned its attention to Van Halen with Episode #9, "Runnin' with the Devil" — offering a completely fictional (and hilarious) account of how the young band convinced producer Ted Templeman to produce their debut album. For those unfamiliar with Yacht Rock, … [Read more...]
40 Years Ago Today: My First Van Halen Concert
Forty years ago today, on August 12, 1986, longtime Van Halen fan and drummer Kurt Ekstrom attended his first Van Halen concert — a night he still remembers vividly four decades later. Kurt has written numerous articles for Not So Modern Drummer and has appeared on the Drum History Podcast to discuss Alex Van Halen's drums and gear. With the 40th anniversary of that first … [Read more...]
David Lee Roth Added to Alex Van Halen’s TEDxFargo Appearance This Thursday
UPDATE from Robert Vargas: The complete video will be posted on YouTube/TedxFargo platforms in a few weeks for the public to view. Three icons. One stage. One conversation you won't want to miss. David Lee Roth has been added to this Thursday's TEDxFargo event, where he'll join Alex Van Halen and artist Robert Vargas on stage. The event has been on fans' radar since … [Read more...]
Sammy Hagar Has A Message For David Lee Roth After Tour Date Cancellations [Updated Twice]
UPDATE AGAIN: Only ONE David Lee Roth has not been cancelled. That is August 7th at STURGIS. Original article: David Lee Roth's remaining summer tour dates have been canceled, with the exception of one scheduled appearance in Sturgis, South Dakota. Sammy Hagar has reached out with a message for his fellow former Van Halen frontman. News of the cancellations … [Read more...]
40 Years Ago Today: Van Halen Conquers the Texxas Jam
Sammy & Eddie at Texxas Jam, by Rick Gould On this day in 1986, Van Halen headlined the 9th annual TEXXAS JAM at the Cotton Bowl in front of 72,000 rowdy fans. The bill included BTO, Keel, Krokus, Dio, and Loverboy. VHND contributing writer Kevin Dodds was there, and we think you'll enjoy his recollection... '5150' Time at Texxas Jam! By Kevin Dodds Van … [Read more...]