UPDATED 9/26/14: A month ago, Jason Becker, the famous guitarist afflicted with ALS, challenged David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, and John Mayer to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Mayer filmed his ice bucket challenge, and Roth publicly made a donation and urged others to do so. No one heard from Ed Van Halen. A week later, Jason said, “It doesn’t matter. Eddie has done so much … [Read more...]
Photos: Van Halen at the Philadelphia Spectrum, Aug 1978
In 1978, the members of Van Halen were thrilled to be opening for the legendary Black Sabbath. "The Sabs," as they called them, were part of their musical youth. To share the stage with them was a dream come true. Ozzy Osbourne, Sabbath's singer at the time, remarked many years later that Van Halen had a profound effect on him. "One of the reasons I left Sabbath was because … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen’s “Spanish Fly” Guitar Solo Covered on PIANO! (New Video)
Updated 4/20/16: NEW, better video below! This is amazing! Watch the video below of famous keyboardist Derek Sherinian cover Eddie Van Halen's acoustic guitar instrumental "Spanish Fly." Hearing this on a piano is like hearing it in a whole new light. It really shows what an incredible piece of music this is! Eddie Van Halen got the idea for this instrumental after … [Read more...]
Video & Photos: Van Halen at Monsters of Rock Festival, Castle Donington, England
Updated 8/18/19 with more photos On this day in rock history, Van Halen performed for 65,000 sweaty heavy metal fans at the 'Monsters of Rock' Festival at Donington Park in Castle, Donington, Leicestershire, England. This show was the first Monsters of Rock show out of five the band played to wrap up the 1984 tour. This was also Van Halen’s first U.K. appearance since 1980. The … [Read more...]
Backstage Van Halen Photos From 1979
Legendary rock photographer Ross Halfin has shot Van Halen many times over the years. Here's his backstage shots from Newcastle upon Tyne’s City Hall, June 26th, 1979. The band was three months into their second world tour—their first full tour as headliners. Van Halen II had already gone platinum, and their third work, Women And Children First, would come out just nine months … [Read more...]