On the anniversary of the release of the Van Halen album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, Sammy takes you back to 1990 and 1991 when it was being written, recorded, and released and what was going on in his personal life, how songs like "Right Now" came together, and the goose bumps shared with producer/engineer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, Cream, Rolling Stones, etc) during … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen on Tokyo Dome, Wolfgang’s Solo Music, & Staying Youthful at 60
From GuitarWorld.com: Van Halen accomplished a lot during the seven and a half years between the release of the band’s debut album in 1978 and David Lee Roth’s departure from the band in 1985. However, one thing Van Halen never did during that period was release an official live album, even though almost every other rock band that was around during the late Seventies and … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen’s Revealing New interview
It's rare that Eddie gives an interview, and this new one from The Washington Times sure doesn't disappoint! Ed talks old demos, bootlegs, new material, Wolfgang's own music, the setlist, rarely played songs being worked up, David Lee Roth, a new amp with the brown sound that's got everyone excited, and more! Here's the full interview. Well worth reading! Eddie Van Halen’s … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Demos the 5150IIIS (Video)
EVH Gear has announce the deadly NEW EVH 5150IIIS Head Stealth with an in-depth demo from Eddie Van Halen himself! Eddie Van Halen is continuing to make it even easier for fans to at least come close to imitating his iconic riffs. In the new demo video above, the founder and legendary guitarist of Van Halen tests out the 5150IIIS amp head, which recently joined the EVH Gear … [Read more...]
Behind The Scenes: Making of Van Halen’s “Jump” Video
This week in 1984, Van Halen began an incredible 5-week run at the top of the Billboard charts with their colossal hit, "Jump!" Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the unforgettable video. Pete Angelus [Van Halen road manager, lighting director, 1978-84]: I think we spent less money making "Jump" than we did on having pizzas delivered to the set of "Hot for … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Shares his Musical Journey at Smithsonian Event (Video)
Eight years ago today, the legendary Edward Van Halen appeared at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., headlining an event that was part of the national “What It Means to Be American” program. The three-year initiative is aimed at engaging leading public thinkers and Americans in all walks of life to explore how the nation has become what it … [Read more...]
38th Anniversary of ‘1984!’ Eddie Looks Back on Van Halen’s Landmark Album
Van Halen's 1984 was released 38 years ago today! Van Halen’s 1984 album and tour were the pinnacle of Van Halen's popularity. To this day, the album remains an absolute classic, and the tour goes down in history as on of the biggest and most extravagant (and costly) rock tours of the decade. Even into the nineties, the staff of Guitar World magazine proclaimed it … [Read more...]
Michael Anthony Talks Van Halen in New Interview
Former Van Halen and current Chickenfoot bassist Michael Anthony was interviewed by Eddie Trunk last week. Listen to the hour-long interview HERE. Michael was his usual amiable self—laid back and candid, and shared his disappointments about being estranged from Van Halen—without sounding bitter. It’s a must-listen. Some highlights: Michael hasn't spoken to the Van … [Read more...]
Watch Joan Rivers Interview David Lee Roth (Twice)
Rest in Peace, Joan Rivers. Joan sadly passed peacefully today, surrounded by family and close friends. As a tribute to Joan, we're featuring videos of both times she interviewed David Lee Roth back in the '80s. The interviews from 10/31/85 and 10/9/86 are embedded here.. … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Interviews Les Paul
Famous musician and inventor Les Paul would have turned 101 years old today (born 6/19/1915). We look back to 1986, when Guitar World put Eddie Van Halen and Les Paul together in the same room to talk about what they knew best. From Guitar World: Almost three decades ago, Guitar World writer Steven Rosen brought together Les Paul and Eddie Van Halen for a quick chat. It … [Read more...]
Van Halen’s Early Days at Gazzarri’s—As Told by The Band, Bill Gazzarri, Rodney Bingenheimer, and Childhood Friends
In April of 1974, Van Halen hit the Sunset Strip, playing their first shows at Gazzarri's! MUST-READ: Eddie and Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, Bill Gazzarri, Rodney Bingenheimer, and childhood friends discuss Van Halen's formative years playing Gazzarri's on the infamous Sunset Strip (1974-1976). .Bill Gazzarri: Van Halen was the best band that ever … [Read more...]
Backstage with Van Halen at the CaliFFornia World Music Festival
Here's our FUN look back at the 40th anniversary of a giant rock concert in the late seventies, involving Van Halen, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Cheech and Chong, midget security guards, and a chimpanzee. Van Halen co-headlined the 1979 CaliFFornia World Music Festival, and it was amazing! All photos on this page are from the festival (excluding the Aerosmith photo). Van … [Read more...]