We've unearthed photos and a promotional flyer from two of Van Halen's in-store appearances during their first world tour in 1978. First, here's a flyer from an appearance at Sound Warehouse in Dallas, Texas, from exactly 35 years ago today! The flyer states, "SOUND WAREHOUSE on Lemmon and knight welcomes [Van Halen logo]. See and Meet VAN HALEN in person. Saturday, Nov. 25 … [Read more...]
Extreme’s Pat Badger Shares His Van Halen Experiences
Matt Wardlaw from POPDOSE spoke with Extreme's Pat Badger recently from his home in Massachusetts to talk about Pat's new album, which he is currently in the process of recording. Pat shared a couple cool little Van Halen stories, which we have here: PopDose: It’s exciting as a fan to know that exists and that there’s a full professionally shot show from that tour. I think at … [Read more...]
Eight Steps to Becoming a Legendary Hair Metal Guitarist
Guitar World recently made a pretty funny list, Eight Steps to Becoming a Legendary Hair Metal Guitarist. Just try to read through this list without thinking of Eddie Van Halen! Here it is: From fashion trends to movie remakes, the '80s are back with a vengeance. But are neon-colored Wayfarers and tiger-print bikinis enough to bring back the decade’s most recognizable … [Read more...]
VHND’s All Access Photo: Club Med 1978
December 1978: Brothers Alex and Eddie Van Halen taking a much needed break after their whirlwind 1978 tour. Van Halen had performed over 140 exhausting shows over nine months. Immediately after the tour's last date in San Diego, the band took a five-day break, vacation at Club Med in Mexico. The following week, they were back in the studio, recording what would become Van … [Read more...]
Middle East Unites in World Peace, Celebrates With Van Halen!
This week's episode of South Park, titled "Ginger Cow," featured an animated appearance of Van Halen! In the episode, Religious leaders come together in Jerusalem and settle their issues, and World Peace is finally achieved! The leaders announce to the gigantic crowd, ”Today, we are all united as one! Let us celebrate, under one symbol!” And then, on a massive screen, the crowd … [Read more...]
How Mitch Malloy Almost Became Van Halen’s Third Singer (Video)
For the first time on camera, Mitch Malloy shares his story of how he was offered the singer position in Van Halen in 1996. And for the first time, listen to a sample of Mitch Malloy singing over an unreleased Van Halen instrumental. The legacy of Van Halen has never had a shortage of drama or die-hard fans...and rocker Mitch Malloy (official website) has a unique place … [Read more...]
“Dance The Night Away” Featured in Four Recent Movies, Including ‘Anchorman 2’
UPDATE: We've added 'Mission to Mars' And 'Howard Stern Private Parts' "Ooh, baby, baby!" Van Halen's timeless classic "Dance the Night Away" is being used in yet another trailer for a new movie. It's the main song in the second trailer that's been released for Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. (Watch the trailer below). It's great to see such a popular movie … [Read more...]
VHND’s All Access Photo: Tour Bus 1979
Somewhere on the road in 1979, Edward Van Halen poses with his new polaroid camera. This never-seen shot was taken during Van Halen's first headlining tour, in support of Van Halen II. “All Access” Van Halen photos is a weekly feature at VHND.com. Every weekend we feature a photo from a roadie, friend, or band insider. Many are never-seen-before exclusives. Tune in every … [Read more...]
‘Brian May and Friends: Star Fleet Project’ with Eddie Van Halen
The "just for fun" Star Fleet Project project consisted of Queen's Brian May, Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alan Gratzer (of REO Speedwagon), Phil Chen (session bassist who played with Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart), and Fred Mandel (session keyboard player who also played as additional keyboard player on Queen's Hot Space World Tour and The Works). Roger Taylor, Queen's drummer, … [Read more...]
Michael Anthony on Wolfgang Van Halen: “He’s a Great Bass Player”
For Bass Players Only’s Jon Liebman caught up with Michael Anthony before a recent concert with Sammy Hagar in Michigan and conducted a video interview with the legendary bass player. Naturally, the subjects ranged from Michael touring a bit with Sammy Hagar this year, Chickenfoot's current hiatus (they're planning to write new songs early this year), Michael's new Peavey VB-MA … [Read more...]
Video: Pearl Jam Covers Van Halen’s “Eruption” & “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love”
After seeing Van Halen on tour in 2012, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready has called Eddie Van Halen "The Mozart of the guitar.” Friday night, Pearl Jam performed a Van Halen medley during their show at Hartford, Connecticut’s XL Center. It was during a 2010 show at the very same venue that they surprised the crowd by launching into “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” At this … [Read more...]
Van Halen’s ‘5150’ VS. David Lee Roth’s ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’ – Great Rock Debates
From Ultimate Classic Rock.com: Rock and roll history is rife with intra-band family feuds, but perhaps none received quite as much publicity or caused a bigger fan base rift than Van Halen’s ugly divorce from singer David Lee Roth in 1985. Certainly, this was the battle royal of ‘80’s hard rock! After all, no other American band did quite as much as the Roth-fronted Van … [Read more...]