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...]
1984 Throwback: Watch Skydiver-Version Video Of Van Halen’s ‘Jump’
Who knew when David Lee Roth sang "Go ahead and Jump" some people would take it literally. We have to give credit to Van Halen historian Greg Renoff for tipping us off to this video. On what is the 40th anniversary of the week Van Halen's "Jump" hit #1 on Billboard, Greg stumbled on this gem filmed back in 1984 by a group of Skydivers from Texas. It features a cast of … [Read more...]
Idaho Glass Artist Reimagines Iconic Van Halen Guitar
Eddie Van Halen's creative inspiration has reached artists of all kinds, not just musicians. Case in point: Idaho glass artist Cameron Davenport, who has reimagined Eddie's iconic Frankenstrat guitar into glass. In the video above posted to YouTube by Idaho news outlet KREM 2 News, Davenport shares the process behind creating the famous red-black-white guitar, which is in … [Read more...]
When David Lee Roth Reached For Risk-Taking Heights With ‘Skyscraper’ Album
Thirty six years ago this month, David Lee Roth's single "Just Like Paradise" from 1988's Skyscraper album was soaring up the charts, peaking at #6 on Billboard in March of 1988. While the song was a huge commercial success, the album would fall short of Roth's expectations. But what if it had? In a new article for Ultimate-Guitar, rock journalist Greg Prato explores the … [Read more...]
Exclusive: Childhood Friend Recalls Eddie Van Halen’s Early Years
Credit: Neil Zlozower In an exclusive interview with the Van Halen News Desk's Jeff Goebel, Eddie Van Halen’s childhood friend Tom Broderick revealed private moments with Eddie and Van Halen from 1968 to 2019. Tom’s older brothers Rob and Rick were the first to meet Eddie doing paper routes in the Pasadena area they lived at. Rob, a drummer, even jammed with Eddie in … [Read more...]
Jason Becker & Friends Release New Song ‘Some Assembly Required’
Jason Becker has released a brand new song with the help of some fellow talented friends called "Some Assembly Required". From Jason Becker's YouTube Channel: Guitar Heroes appear On “Some Assembly Required” To benefit The Jason Becker Special Needs Trust Nita Strauss and fiancé Josh Villalta have assembled an all star cast of musicians to play on a new track, “Some … [Read more...]
Bill McClintock’s Latest Mashup: Van Halen Meets The Miracles
Do you believe in Van Miracles? Our favorite mix masher Bill McClintock has returned with a brand new mashup! For his latest project, McClintock took music of The Miracles "Love Machine" and combined it with the isolated vocals of David Lee Roth from Van Halen's "Unchained" (with a few nods to "Beautiful Girls"). Mix in Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo from "Feel Your Love … [Read more...]
When Van Halen Dropped The Game Changer
46 years ago, Van Halen dropped the Game Changer. Release Date: February 10, 1978 Recorded: September – October 1977 at Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood Length: 35:13 Producer: Ted Templeman Succeeded By: Van Halen II Track listing: 1. Runnin' With The Devil 2. Eruption 3. You Really Got Me 4. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love 5. I'm The One 6. Jamie's Cryin' 7. … [Read more...]
Van Halen ‘Hot For Teacher’ Video Location Tour
Credit: Neil Zlozower The Van Halen News Desk's Jeff Goebel recently made a trip to Los Angeles, California, on the trail of the hottest site in Van Halen history - the "Hot For Teacher" video filming location! In the video below, Goebel takes us on a tour inside John Marshall High School located in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles. Goebel and his guest gives us … [Read more...]
Rick Beato Celebrates Eddie Van Halen with Guest Guitarists
Credit: Neil Zlozower Rick Beato recently interviewed two of the most celebrated up-and-coming guitarists in the world, Mateus Asato and Matteo Mancuso, on his YouTube Channel. It was only a matter of time before the name Eddie Van Halen came up. In the clip below, the three reflect on Eddie's impact and unique style. During the discussion they listen to the “Ice … [Read more...]
Making Sense Of Van Halen’s Years-Long Internal Conflict
Credit: Neil Zlozower The story of David Lee Roth and the Van Halens is one for the ages, really. The most explosive rock and roll music you'll ever hear. Impossible to ignore. Unfortunately, neither is the often explosive drama. In case you hadn't heard, Roth has been making headlines lately by firing shots at the Van Halens, particularly Wolfgang, via his podcast … [Read more...]
David Lee Roth Has A Different Kind Of Story Behind Why Van Halen’s Final Studio Album Isn’t On Streaming Services
David Lee Roth says there's more to the story behind why Van Halen's A Different Kind Of Truth is no longer on streaming services. During an interview on Sirius/XM in October, Wolfgang gave his explanation as to why, stating: "The contract ran out on putting it up on streaming services. So, we've been working on getting it back, but there are some people involved who do not … [Read more...]