On this day in 1982, Van Halen performed the second of two sold-out performances at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The lucky crowd witnessed The Mighty Van Halen at the height of its powers. This particular show is historic, simply because it's the only pro-shot concert to ever surface from the 1982 North American tour. The only reason this footage exists is that … [Read more...]
Not Everybody Wants Some!
Check out this letter written by a disgruntled parent who took their daughter to the Van Halen concert in Shreveport, Louisiana on this day in 1982. Priceless! Thanks to fellow fan Rodney Carr for digging this out of his collection. Here's a few ways we think the parent could have signed off on their letter: "And I almost forgot to mention that the singer … [Read more...]
Thinking of my Dad on Father’s Day
Edward Van Halen posted the following on Facebook today: "Thinking of my Dad on Father's Day and how much fun Alex and I had recording with him!" For more on Ed and Al's father, see our article Jan Van Halen's Story. … [Read more...]
Book Excerpt: ‘Runnin’ with the Devil’
Can't wait for a taste what's in Van Halen manager Noel Monk's forthcoming book? Check out the entire prologue now – exclusively on the Van Halen News Desk! 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 next week, on June 13th! It' the new tell-all book written by Noel … [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...]
Tribute to Eddie Van Halen’s Favorite Guitarist, Allan Holdsworth
British jazz fusion stylist Allan Holdsworth — the a guitar hero's guitar hero — passed away yesterday at age 70. Eddie Van Halen proclaimed Holdsworth "the best, in my book,” “the man,” and "so damned good that I can't cop anything.” Early on, Ed would often cite Eric Clapton as his main influence, but as the years went on, he mentioned Holdsworth just as often. The … [Read more...]
Martha Quinn Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love With David Lee Roth
"I was so intent on not being razzle-dazzled by him" — Martha Quinn Martha Quinn was one of the iconic five original MTV VJs. She looks back at the early days of MTV in a new interview, as the history-making cable channel that launched her career (not to mention the careers of hundreds of pop artists) celebrates its big 35th birthday. Quinn was just 22 years old at the time … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday, ‘Diver Down’! David & Eddie Discuss the Classic Album
On this day in 1982, Van Halen released "Diver Down!" Here's what David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen had to say about every song on the classic album upon it's release. Roth's quotes are from Cream & Van Halen's are from Guitar Player. Eddie: "When we came off the Fair Warning tour last year [1981], we were going to take a break and spend a lot of time writing this and … [Read more...]
Tribute To David Bowie: Van Halen Covers “The Jean Genie” & “Where Have All The Good Times Gone”
Music legend David Bowie died Sunday after a battle with cancer. Ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony expressed his condolences today on his Facebook page, and in doing so, revealed that David Bowie's treatment of a Kinks song was the reason Van Halen covered the song. So surprised and saddened to hear about David Bowie's passing. He was a big fashion and musical … [Read more...]
VHND’s All Access Photo: Alex Chained
Alex Van Halen chained up! What do you think he did to deserve this? Another never-seen shot from Neil Zlozower. “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 for more! … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Responds to Gene Simmon’s Claim About Supposedly Wanting To Join KISS
Kiss's Gene Simmons claims that he once had to talk Eddie Van Halen out of leaving Van Halen and joining Kiss. Gene has repeated this story a few times over the last 20 years, but we've never heard what Eddie Van Halen has to say about this story...until now! The Van Halen News Desk has dug up a rare interview in which Eddie was asked about this rumor! This interview, embed … [Read more...]
Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley Address Rumors That Eddie Van Halen Wanted To Join KISS
Gene Simmons has always boasted that Edward Van Halen asked if he could join Kiss in 1982. This crazy-sounding rumor has always baffled many. Would Eddie really want to join KISS at the time Van Halen's fame was skyrocketing and Kiss's fame was waning? In the new issue of Guitar World magazine (April 2014), Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley and bassist Gene Simmons celebrate their … [Read more...]