When the 40th anniversary of Van Halen's debut album rolled around last week, rock historian Eddie Trunk could not hide his frustration over the fact that the band didn't do anything, or at least give some indication about future plans. (Although, the next day, on the actual anniversary, both Michael Anthony and Eddie acknowledged the anniversary on social media). Listen to … [Read more...]
Van Halen 1978 Archive
Famous Guitarists on the Astonishing Impact of Van Halen’s First Album
"The first time I heard Eddie Van Halen, I was absolutely floored," says former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick. "I was also petrified." TeamRock.com has put together an impressive collection of new quotes from guitar players talking about Van Halen's first album: When the debut album by Van Halen was released in early 1978, it was a bolt from the blue. For the older … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
Happy Birthday, David Lee Roth! Watch the Earliest Van Halen Video Interview Ever!
To celebrate David Lee Roth's birthday today, we've got a newly surfaced video interview of Van Halen in 1978! And it's the coolest thing ever! This was filmed in London for the Australian TV show, Countdown. This is the earliest Van Halen video interview that has ever surfaced, and it's a absolute gem. Enjoy! … [Read more...]
Former Van Halen Manager Writes Tell-All Book
A new tell-all book has been written by Noel Monk, Van Halen manager from 1978-1985. It's the only Van Halen book chronicling the early years written by a member of the Van Halen camp. And by their manager, no less! Runnin' with the Devil: A Backstage Pass to the Wild Times, Loud Rock, and the Down and Dirty Truth Behind the Making of Van Halen is being released in less than … [Read more...]
‘Van Halen Rising’ Author Greg Renoff Interviewed on EVH Gear TV
Greg Renoff, historian and author of the best seller "Van Halen Rising - How A Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal" was the special guest on EVH Gear TV last Friday. Here's the episode, in case you missed it. Greg and host Eric Broadbent share a fun talk about the early and formative years of their favorite band. Get your copy of Van Halen Rising … [Read more...]
Van Halen & Journey: Sharing Stage, Rivalry in 1978
Michael Anthony, Steve Smith, Neal Schon, and Eddie Van Halen on tour together in 1978 First, we at VHND want to congratulate JOURNEY for their recent Rock And Roll Hall of Fame induction. Well deserved! Before supporting Black Sabbath, Van Halen opened for Journey and Montrose for a few months. (Montrose was touring as an instrumental band, after Sammy Hagar departed). … [Read more...]