“There’s a little bit of Van Halen in everybody, and we’re just there to bring it out.” Talk about the perfect t-shirt. Those words came straight from the man who has brought the undeniable Van Halen beats we’ve been rocking to for over four decades - Alex Van Halen. They’re from a 1981 interview that has never been heard before until now thanks to the podcast The Tapes … [Read more...]
‘Van Halen: The Japanese Singles 1978-1984’ Vinyl Box Set Coming Soon – Exclusive Contest
Warner Records is releasing a new Van Halen vinyl box set comprised of 13 singles the band released in Japan between 1978 and 1984. 'The Japanese Singles 1978-1984' will be made up of thirteen 7” vinyls, complete with replicas of the original sleeve artwork. The release date is Nov. 1, 2019. WIN A TEST PRESSING: Van Halen Store has a very cool EXCLUSIVE CONTEST for this … [Read more...]
Watch ‘IN YOUR FACE – The Neil Zlozower Story’ – For FREE
Watch the ENTIRE film here, for free! The award winning documentary, "IN YOUR FACE - The Neil Zlozower Story" is finally available to be seen for FREE. (It was formerly available on various platforms for paid viewing, but now it's for FREE, exclusively on YouTube. Watch the entire film above. It's a MUST-SEE for everyone who loves rock ’n’ roll, and particularly rock … [Read more...]
Dweezil Zappa Shows Off Eddie Van Halen’s ‘Rasta Guitar’ (2 Videos)
Watch the two videos below for the first ever close-up look into Eddie Van Halen's rarely-seen "Rasta" guitar! Dweezil Zappa recently stopped by Norman’s Rare Guitars in Tarzana, California, showing off a very special, rarely-seen guitar, formerly owned by Edward Van Halen. Known only as the rare "Rasta" guitar, Ed painted it during the 1981 "Fair Warning' tour in rasta … [Read more...]
Funny Van Halen Newspaper Articles From This Day in 1981
On this day in 1981, Van Halen performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during the Fair Warning tour. Everyone who attended the show loved it, with the notable exception of the critic the local newspaper sent to review the show. You can read that concert reviewer below. Back in the '70s and '80s, newspapers would often send critics to review concerts who didn't even like the band. … [Read more...]
‘Sunday Afternoon In The Park’ Video Cover
Enjoy this unique Van Halen cover on a beautiful Sunday afternoon! This video comes from Jeff Miller in Boston. "Here's my drum and bass version of this weirdo tune on the amazing Fair Warning album by Van Halen. "After seeing Wolfie's 'Sunday Afternoon in The Park' Instagram vid, I got a little crazy and had to do something. So I made this, I hope you like it, and I'd be … [Read more...]
Concert Video: Van Halen Live in Memphis, 1981
Enjoy this audience shot concert footage of Van Halen live at the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee, September 1, 1981! This is a nearly complete Fair Warning show. Sure, it's one camera, and distorted sound, but beggars can't be choosers - it's some of the only Fair Warning concert footage we have. This upgrade from 2012 is from a better source than what's circulated … [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...]
Front Row for the Fair Warning Tour
On this day in 1981, The Mighty Van Halen rolled through Portland, Maine, while on the Fair Warning tour. Here's a little story from VHND reader Joe Royland who got to witness that tour from the front row at age 16! I was 16 years old, and this was maybe the third concert I'd ever been to, and first by myself. It was at the former Cumberland County Civic Center here in … [Read more...]
Van Halen ‘Mayhem in Amsterdam’ (Video Upgrade)
Update 1/18/17: An even clearer version of this 1981 Amsterdam footage has surfaced, embedded above. Enjoy! This is fantastic! Here's some high quality footage of Van Halen clowning around in the streets and famous canals of Amsterdam Holland, back in 1981. This is the highest quality and most complete version of this rare footage that we never seen. Van Halen's North … [Read more...]
Unearthed: Video Interview with Alex Van Halen & Michael Anthony, 1981
Watch this newly unearthed video interview with Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony filmed at a hotel in Madrid, Spain, during a promotional tour in 1981. The usual shenanigans ensue! … [Read more...]
Photos: Van Halen Kicks Off ‘Fair Warning’ Tour
Van Halen kicked off their Fair Warning tour on this day in 1981. Here's 5 photos from that very night—at the Halifax Metro Center in Nova Scotia, Canada—along with the local newspaper ad, concert ticket, and backstage pass. Thanks to Eddie Dugan for sharing his photos. This 10-month opus (also dubbed the “W.D.F.A. Tour”, for “We Don’t Fuck Around”) was then considered … [Read more...]