In 1979 David Lee Roth met Helmut Newton, inciting an ego-fueled power struggle that ultimately split the group apart. Here's a new article on some never-heard, behind-the-scenes drama that went on in Van Halen. Well get you started by featuring the article's intro here on VHND, but be sure to click over to Medium.com to read the entire article. It's a fascinating read. … [Read more...]
Van Halen in Halloween Costumes: On Stage & Backstage, 1980
Many fans have seen the above picture of Van Halen, dressed in Halloween costumes backstage at the Coliseum in Macon, Georgia, from October 31st, 1980. Classic! But here's some never-before-seen photos of Van Halen performing on stage that night—still in costume! Did you know that you can finally get the much sought after “1980 INVASION” Van Halen tour … [Read more...]
40 Years Ago: Van Halen Conquers ROKLAHOMA!
Forty years ago today, (Saturday, Sept 6th, 1980) Van Halen played the very first "Roklahoma" (Different from the "Rocklahoma" festivals held in Oklahoma today). Roklahoma was a rock festival held for a few years at Owen Field at the University of Oklahoma. The bands kicked off at noon and were, in order of appearance, Sammy Hagar, Pat Benatar, Van Halen, and the Doobie … [Read more...]
VHND’S All Access Photo: Michael & Fans
Michael Anthony jumps out of the tour bus and poses with some young fans during Van Halen's "1980 Invasion" world tour. Michael Anthony just turned 60 yesterday! Happy Birthday, Michael. “All Access” 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 weekend … [Read more...]
David Lee Roth Interview with Allan Handelman, 1980
Allan Handelman sets up the interview: It's was Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll. Recorded at the Hampton Coliseum in Virginia during the tour to support their third album, Women And Children First. It was out of control madness that turned out to be a radio classic. David is still a regular guest on my show with over 8 appearances over the years. This one (the first one) was a … [Read more...]
RARE 1980 “You Really Got Me” & “Cradle” TV Lip-Sync
Here is a rare treat. Two little-known clips of Van Halen lip-syncing for TV in Europe in 1980. We featured the "And The Cradle Will Rock..." video years ago, but never the "You Really Got Me" one. Keep in mind that seeing Van Halen on TV was something that almost never happened back in 1980. And when you did actually get to see a great rock band on TV, it was often a … [Read more...]
Classic Van Halen Interviews Featured on “In The Studio”
While the quintessential American hard rock band Van Halen is on the road once again, this time supporting their new album, “A Different Kind Of Truth,” the syndicated radio series "In The Studio" felt it's a good time to examine the early years of the band. Van Halen’s 1978 debut quickly became a benchmark for every hard rock band ever since , and six years later they even … [Read more...]
Alex Van Halen’s 1980 Drumkit at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
From RockHall.com: Van Halen's Seat Of Power Posted by Howard Kramer Van Halen burst on the rock scene in 1978 like a larger-than-life, hard rocking, non-stop party, and channeled that energy into a seminal debut. Ostensibly, the band had two frontmen: leonine lead vocalist David Lee Roth and volcanic guitarist Edward Van Halen. Both possessed the charisma and talent to be … [Read more...]
The story behind the classic 1980 David Lee Roth poster by Helmut Newton
When Van Halen's Women And Children First was released on March 26th, 1980, a three-foot black and white poster of David Lee Roth, bound to a chain-link fence, was included in the first million pressings. The photograph was taken by famed fashion photographer Helmut Newton. It was used for shock value. Many fans are unaware of the story behind this very rare, classic … [Read more...]
I’ll Never Forget Attending Van Halen’s ‘1980 INVASION’ Rehearsal!
We are proud to feature a very unique story from Chris Moore, a VHND reader who was lucky enough to be able to attend a rehearsal(!) for Van Halen's Women and Children First tour. As this week in the anniversary of the kickoff of that tour, it's a perfect time to share Chris's story... "When I was in middle school & high school, I played in a band with Michael Anthony’s … [Read more...]
RARE “Cradle Will Rock” TV lip-sync performance
Here is a rare treat. A little-known clip of Van Halen lip-syncing for TV in Europe in 1980. Keep in mind that seeing Van Halen on TV was something that almost never happened back in 1980. And when you did actually get to see a great rock band on TV, it was often a lip-sync performance, which was standard practice, since the TV studios usually didn't have the facilities to … [Read more...]
“Tora Tora” played backwards
Van Halen's 1980 masterpiece, Women And Children First, (The real "Van Halen III"), contains the song "Tora Tora", which, as you all surely know, was a song consisting of Ed tinkering around on the guitar, recorded backwards. Thankfully, a VH fan has uploaded this "backwords" song backwards, so we can now listen to it forwards - the way Eddie played it. … [Read more...]