Getting tons of reaction to Van Halen’s recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmell. The response is very different from person to person it seems. Some thought it was awful, others loved it. To me it was pretty much what I expected. Much of the talk these days when it comes to VH centers around David Lee Roth and his vocals. As I have said countless times if you ever thought DLR sang well live and like the albums then you never saw DLR even back in the day! He was NEVER a strong live singer! Look at the US festival! He didn’t even sing half of the first song! Dave was always a showman first, and on record was perfect for the band and the brilliant albums they made. If you are looking for a powerful singer in VH then that would have been the Hagar years. Incredible vocals were always a hallmark of Hagar’s ability and amazingly he can still do it. But if you are a Roth VH guy (I like both versions of the band) you know what you are seeing and hearing is not new. If you saw VH on the tour for the last album you know this is exactly what you will get from DLR at this stage in his life. As i say all the time you vote with your wallet. So if you don’t like it don’t go to the shows or buy the albums. But if you are cool with it enjoy. My point is this isn’t a case of a guy who was a once great live singer falling apart, this truly always was what he was about. Sure maybe a bit rougher and not able to hit the high squeals like he used to, but in my view he’s trying harder now at least (and thankfully lost the headset!). Alex was Alex and for those hoping for Michael to come back forget it. I love Mike but do you think EVH is ever going to fire his son? Wolf does a fine job but it is kind of silly we have 3/4 of original VH and Mike is the odd guy out. But it is what it is and they have their reasons right or wrong. Most importantly Eddie is playing great, looks good and is smiling and sober! If you saw him on the reunion tour with Hagar you know it was NOT good. To see Eddie in this form now for a few years is great to see! As for the live album I hate re recorded live records as most are. So I give them credit for releasing a live album that is truly live for better or worse. I haven’t heard the entire thing yet but will soon. This is VH with DLR in 2015. It isn’t going to suddenly get better overnight. DLR is not going to suddenly become Freddie Mercury. To me the ultimate scenario as a fan is a tour with half a set DLR, half Hagar, and Michael back in. VH has a HUGE catalog of massive hits that will never be played by them again without Hagar since DLR could never dream of singing like that. Split the sets and you get the “best of both worlds” and both singers don’t have to work as hard every night. Now that would be special! But also it’s about as likely as me replacing Letterman. So enjoy VH for what it is now and the amazing songs and one of the worlds all time greatest guitarists back in top form. But if you have been given another fair warning of what to expect live between the TV show and the new live album. If you DON’T like that then don’t buy a ticket and then complain about it. That would make no sense as a now educated consumer.
PS: I have asked VH to do TMS every single season. So far they have done a TV performance but continue hardly doing any interviews at all (notice no sit down on Kimmell). Their press decisions and refusal to do interviews with just about anyone is baffling and goes all the way back to the release of A Different Kind Of Truth. Clearly Kimmell and Ellen are way bigger mainstream shows than TMS but I doubt more rock/VH fans are watching them. EVH is pretty much our number one requested guest. I’ll keep asking but don’t hold your breath.. they seem to just not do interviews these days outside of extremely rare events
38 Responses
If you are on the fence about seeing Van Halen live this summer I would ask myself this question. Do you want to see one of the greatest most innovative guitarists of all time. with a great entertainer fronting the band. A great drummer and up and coming bass player. If the answer is yes and if you have never seen Eddie in person I would advise you to go while you have the chance. I have seen Van Halen a few times dating back to the late 70’s up to 1984 and I will go again.
Eddie, I love what you do man, but David Lee Roth kicked major ass on vocals from ’78-81. After tbat, the band concentrated on the show more than the musicianship. You can’t watch those early videos, especially from Fresno , and tell me that Roth wasn’t a great singer. Sammy is a different kind of singer and comparing the two makes as much sense as comparing Brian Johnson and Steve Perry. There are no singers in Roth’s age bracket that bring it like they did in their prime. Even Sammy my friend. Watch the new “When it’s Love” video with The Circle. He can’t hit the high notes anymore and he needs Mike more than ever.
Am I only Wolfgang fan out there? The kid IS a Van Halen. He did not fire Mike. I am a huge Michael Anthony fan, but Wolfie is a very capable replacement. I read where he worked is ass off to become a good bass player, and took singing lessons so he could do his best to try to match Mike’s harmonies. EVH also let it be known that he made a big contribution to get ADKOT off the ground. Lets cut the kid some slack here. Keep on keeping on Wolfie. You are doing a great job!!! Can’t wait to hear the new Tremonti!!
“hungry like the wolfgang”
Very Cool Rock Music Lovers have an outlet on E.T message board. I enjoy all the rambling but Tom? Your last sentence was 83 words long…glad your excited but too much info. I was fortunate enough to be in a Los Angeles studio with Steppenwolf/3 Dog Night in 1983 tour rehearsels. Someone brought up Van Halen and I learned that D.L.R. scream was done on the inhale. Old news but try it next time your singing along-not easy.
I’ve only seen Van Halen twice; the Diver Down tour, Knoxville Coliseum, and Monsters of Rock, Dodger Stadium, where I was pretty darn close the the stage. I like Sammy a lot on his own, not so much in Van Halen. The Diver Down show was just off the hook, they were like a pro sports team, and they came out aggressive, tight, professional, but also very relaxed and fun. Dave made you feel like he was talking to you personally. I don’t need to see them again. This kind of high velocity rock and roll is a young person’s gig, it is designed that way. These excuses, criticisms of the bands now shouldn’t even be happening. Grace Slick, there is someone who knew when to get out.