Crawdaddy! Magazine featured Van Halen’s 1984 in their latest “Weakest Cut” column. A fun read, but they made the mortal sin of declaring "Drop Dead Legs" the weakest cut. Blasphemy! Any VH fan worth their salt knows "Drop Dead Legs" is nothing short of a slice of heaven... From Crawdaddy.com: The Weakest Cut: 1984 By: James Greene Jr. Our musical heritage is littered … [Read more...]
Rare Eddie Van Halen instrumental; “Donut City”
Last week, the VHND featured an unreleased instrumental written by Edward Van Halen entitled "Ripley" that was written for the 1984 movie, "The Wild Life." The movie's soundtrack contained just one song by Eddie Van Halen, "Donut City": … [Read more...]
Unreleased Van Halen instrumental; “Ripley”
UPDATE: We just learned that Alex Van Halen is indeed playing the drums on "Ripley." That is one of the few tunes—and possibly the only tune— from the "Wild Life" sessions that had Alex playing. The others were Ed programming a LINN DRUM machine! "The Wild Life" movie score is legendary to Van Halen fans, as Eddie Van Halen wrote the score for the movie (Universal Pictures, … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen’s extended 1984 keyboard solo
Here's a blast from the past that most Van Halen fans have never heard! "1984," the little synth ditty that opens the 1984 album, was performed every night on Van Halen's 1984 tour, right before the band launched into "Jump." Presented here is the only known recording of Eddie performing an extended version of "1984." Listen carefully, and you'll hear bits of other VH … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Playing “Crossroads”
This little clip should make your day. If you've never heard this (and even if you have), then you are in for a treat. Sometime in 1984, Eddie Van Halen sat for an interview with veteran rock journalist Lisa Robinson. As the conversation progressed, talk centered on guitar styles and influences. Ed responds by ripping out an impromptu, note-for-note, perfect rendition of Eric … [Read more...]
Van Halen Jamming “Girl Gone Bad” Instrumental at 5150, recorded in 1983
Here's a blast from the past for you! It's a 1984 recording of Eddie Van Halen noodling around in the 5150 studio. Precious few tapes have ever emerged from the studio such as this one. Although this has been circulating amongst VH collectors for 10 years or so, we're sure there's plenty of regular VHND readers who've never heard it. Enjoy! … [Read more...]