The late, great Lemmy Kilmister had a great quote about his first experience seeing Van Halen. It was in London, 1978…
“I first saw Van Halen at the Rainbow (no, not the L.A. one, the old London one, a big theater) back in 1970-something and I thought they could have been louder. Well, I always think it can be louder! Apart from that, they were excellent: an ultimately impressive frontman (athletic in spandex extremis), the mighty Ed burning the strings off his guitar, and the rock of a rhythm section. Killer show and excellent songs, too. People said, ‘Aaargh, they got big hair!’ I said, ‘If they sound that good, I don’t care if they got five buttocks! Each!’
This quote from Lemmy is from Neil Zlozower’s coffee table photo book, Van Halen: A Visual History, 1978-1984.
Listen to a great sounding recording of Van Halen’s complete performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, June 1st, 1978, below:
Tracklist:
On Fire 00:00
I’m The One03:44
Bass Solo 08:12
Runnin’ With The Devil 09:34
Atomic Punk / Drum solo 13:40
Little Dreamer 17:56
Feel Your Love Tonight 21:23
Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love 25:15
Eruption 29:44
You Really Got Me 33:53
D.O.A. 38:13
Bottoms Up 43:54