40 years ago today, "Why Can't This Be Love" climbed to #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 — becoming the first major hit of the Van Hagar era. Do you remember what it felt like hearing the "new" Van Halen for the very first time in 1986? Here's the "Why Can't This Be Love" entry from the book Van Halen: Every Album, Every Song, by Morgan Brown: Track two [of 5150] is a … [Read more...]
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day
It's 'National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day.' What can you to be a good neighbor? Go ahead, surprise 'em! … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday to a Drumming Legend!
Happy Birthday to Alex — the heartbeat of Van Halen! Born May 8, 1953 in Amsterdam, Holland, Alex helped build one of the greatest rock bands of all time alongside his younger brother, Eddie. From backyard party gigs in Pasadena to selling out arenas around the world, Alex’s drumming became a defining force behind the band’s sound. Fans often focus on Eddie’s guitar … [Read more...]
40 Years Ago: 5150 Takes Van Halen to No. 1
Dreams Realized On April 26, 1986, 5150 officially reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It was anything but inevitable. By 1986, the band had already built one of the most powerful runs in rock. Six albums deep—all of them charting, and all of them shaping what Van Halen was. Yet none had taken that coveted top spot. Then everything changed. New lineup. New … [Read more...]
Gregg Bissonette Takes On Van Halen’s ‘Unchained’
Gregg Bissonette—best known to Van Halen fans for his time with David Lee Roth—is taking on one of Alex Van Halen's most iconic drum performances: "Unchained." In this new clip from Drumeo, Bissonette digs into the Fair Warning classic, locking into the groove that helped define Van Halen's heavier, more rhythmic edge in the early '80s. His performance highlights what makes … [Read more...]
Van Halen ‘Live in New Haven 1986’ Coming to Vinyl & CD June 5
Van Halen fans are getting another shot at Live in New Haven 1986—this time as a widely available release. A crystal-clear vinyl edition of the album was released today as part of Record Store Day and quickly sold out at many independent record stores. Now, a standard black vinyl version is on the way, set for release on June 5, along with the first-ever standalone CD … [Read more...]
Van Halen ‘Live Without A Net’ Watch Party
Van Halen’s classic concert film Live Without a Net is set to premiere on YouTube Friday! The 90-minute concert video will premiere on Van Halen's official YouTube channel at 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific Friday, giving fans everywhere a front row seat to watch it together in real time. We've embedded it above, and we're inviting everyone to crack open a cold one, and get … [Read more...]
David Lee Roth Makes Surprise Coachella Appearance, Performs ‘Jump’ With Teddy Swims
David Lee Roth made a surprise return to the spotlight at Coachella, joining Teddy Swims onstage for a high-energy performance of Jump. Swims, who kicked off his main stage set with a promise of special guests, used a doorbell sound effect to introduce each collaborator. The crowd first welcomed Joe Jonas and Vanessa Carlton before the biggest surprise of the set … [Read more...]
Alex Van Halen Shares Personal Video Tribute to Donn Landee
Following the news of Donn Landee’s passing, Alex Van Halen has shared a brief, personal video tribute; a clip of himself hanging out and reminiscing with Donn Landee, offering fans a rare, candid glimpse of the legendary engineer in his later years. It's embedded here: The accompanying caption said it all: “Rest in Peace Donn Landee.” All of the recent … [Read more...]
Donn Landee, The Man Behind Van Halen’s Sound, Has Passed Away
Photo Credit: Warner Music Group Legendary recording engineer and longtime Van Halen collaborator helped shape the band's iconic sound from the very beginning. We are sad to report that the music recording world has lost an icon. Donn Landee, the recording engineer who played a pivotal role in crafting Van Halen's groundbreaking sound, passed away from natural causes … [Read more...]
5150 Expanded Edition is Out!
The 5150 Expanded Edition is out today featuring the 1986 live concert from New Haven and the Blu-ray debut of 'Live Without a Net,' along with rare b-sides, extended versions, and a deluxe 24-page book! Check out the live video for "Best Of Both Worlds" from New Haven, embedded above. And watch Sammy and Michael discuss making 5150, embedded below. "One of the the … [Read more...]
40 Years Ago: Van Halen Launches New Era With The Release Of ‘5150’
“Hello, bayyyyyy-beh!” 40 years ago today, Van Halen Mach II was born! 5150 ushered in a decade of #1 albums and sold-out tours with vocalist Sammy Hagar. Where did Van Halen get the idea for the "5150" title? 5150 is the California statute for holding those with grave mental disabilities involuntarily for 72 hours and sometimes longer pending further psychiatric … [Read more...]