Before there was Steve Vai, there was another Steve on David Lee Roth's radar when it came to choosing a guitarist for his solo band. During a recent podcast interview, former David Lee Roth bassist Billy Sheehan talked about the formation of the Eat 'Em and Smile band and the guitarist Roth initially had in mind before hiring Vai. Below is an excerpt from Greg Prato's … [Read more...]
David Lee Roth Wanted To Manage Tesla, Says Bassist Brian Wheat
Tesla bassist Brian Wheat says David Lee Roth not only wanted Tesla to open for him back in 1987, he also wanted to manage the band. After a series of dates supported by Cinderella during the second half of 1986, Roth tapped Tesla to open for the Eat 'Em And Smile band in January and February of '87. Roth had picked the band after seeing the video for "Modern Day Cowboy", … [Read more...]
Part Two: Greg Renoff Interviews Donn Landee
Part two of Van Halen author Greg Renoff's interview with legendary Van Halen engineer Donn Landee has arrived! Renoff shared part one of his interview for Tape Op magazine with VHND readers back in September. Now he's back to make good on his promise to deliver part two. Below is an excerpt from part two of Renoff's two-part interview posted to the Tape Op magazine … [Read more...]
Steve Stevens Reminisces About Working with Van Halen Members
From his first meeting with Edward Van Halen at 5150 Studios in 1987, through his final 2013 interaction with Eddie and Wolfgang on Tour in Australia, Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens recently shared his career experiences with Edward and Van Halen band members. Stevens, who appeared on Final Resonance TV hosted by the Van Halen News Desk's Jeff Goebel, first met Eddie at … [Read more...]
Sammy Hagar Announces ‘Best Of All Worlds’ Tour With Joe Satriani
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer SAMMY HAGAR is embarking on the long-awaited “THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS” 2024 tour. Hagar will be joined by rock heavyweights and longtime bandmates MICHAEL ANTHONY (bass, backing vocals), JASON BONHAM (drums) and revealed on Nov 14 on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show that JOE SATRIANI, one of the best guitar players in the world, will complete the … [Read more...]
Sammy Hagar Recalls The Work Hard, Play Hard Van Halen Years
Sammy Hagar says the success of his tenure with Van Halen was due to an intense work ethic led by the Van Halen brothers Eddie and Alex. But that didn't mean the band didn't find time to play as hard as they worked. During an interview with Fox News Digital, Hagar looked back on all four studio albums he recorded with Van Halen, the last being … [Read more...]
The Instant Magic Of Van Halen’s ‘5150’
In a new video to mark the release of The Collection II box set, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony reminisced about the first Sammy-era Van Halen album - 5150. Hagar posted the video (above) along with a few additional comments: "Very rarely do you meet with someone, and something creative and magical happens. This is what happened when Sammy entered 5150 studio and started … [Read more...]
Why Trevor Rabin Of Yes Had To Say ‘No’ To Producing A Van Halen Album
Trevor Rabin says he could have produced a Van Halen album in the 80s but declined the offer due to commitments with his band Yes. In a recent episode of the Paltrocast, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was asked by host Darren Paltrowitz if he has ever worked with a member of Van Halen. "They asked me to produce them years ago when Sammy [Hagar] was in the band," … [Read more...]
Van Halen Remastered Boxed Sets Now Shipping!
Sammy & Mike are enjoying the new Van Halen Boxed Sets. Van Halen Store is finished shipping the Boxed Sets to all the people who pre-ordered, and now they're shipping them to all the NEW orders! So order yours RIGHT NOW! They'll ship it immediately, and you'll be among the first to own them. (The official release date is this Friday, Oct. 6th). And just a heads … [Read more...]
David Lee Roth Almost Teamed Up With Ronnie James Dio On Animated Musical Project
Credit: Neil Zlozower Wendy Dio, the widow and longtime manager of rock legend Ronnie James Dio, recently said her late husband had considered creating an animated movie in the 80s, using the voice of David Lee Roth for the main character. The main character was a demonic beast named Murray. Here's the excerpt from Wendy's recent appearance on The Metal … [Read more...]
Van Halen Celebrates Sammy Hagar Era With Remastered Box Set! [Updated]
Boxed Set Introduces Four Newly Remastered VH Studio Albums With Sammy Hagar, Plus Rarities Recorded Between 1989 And 2004 5-LP And 5-CD Versions Arriving On October 6 PRE-ORDER NOW direct from VanHalenStore.com Los Angeles - Van Halen will release a new boxed set this fall spotlighting the band’s second incarnation, with singer Sammy Hagar, guitarist Eddie Van … [Read more...]
Sammy Hagar On Van Halen Manager Ed Leffler: ‘He Kept The Band Together’ (AUDIO)
Sammy Hagar says late Van Halen manager Ed Leffler was the glue that kept the band together. When Lefller passed away, everything fell to pieces. Leffler managed Van Halen from 1986 to 1993, when he lost his battle with cancer. During an appearance on The Bob Lefsetz podcast, Lefsetz asked Hagar how Leffler's death affected the band. "It totally broke up Van Halen," Hagar … [Read more...]