Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon has posted the following thoughts on his official website about Van Halen’s new live album, Live At The Tokyo Dome:
“Ok, after all the flames have settled down from people burning up David Lee Roth’s vocals on Jimmy Kimmel, here’s my thoughts on the new Van Halen: Live At The Tokyo Dome CD.
If you are a fan of truly “LIVE” albums as I am and have stated, this album rules! Just to hear Eddie’s guitar tones on Romeo’s Delight, Beautiful Girls, Women in Love alone is worth the $16. As for Dave, well he’s included a 6 page book with lyrics to read the words he don’t sing..and to hear him tell of the spotlight operator in Ice Cream Man is priceless, not to mention all the Japanese BS he rambles.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this CD while driving my 17 yr old to school this morning remembering hearing VH when I was his age and loving it!!!
For those of us who anxiously waited in line at Tower Records to get VHII, Women and Children First, and Fair Warning…this album will tickle your fancy…for those who want perfect vocals, buy a One Direction live album!!!”
Hannon currently has some live shows scheduled in support of his latest solo album, World Peace. See the dates below.
Apr 18 Monsters of Rock Cruise Miami, FL
May 16 Red Hawk Casino Placerville, CA
May 21 Black Oak Casino Tuolumne City, CA
May 22 Cesar Chavez Plaza Park Sacramento, CA
Jun 6 Thunder Valley Casino Resort Lincoln, CA
15 Responses
The only thing that puzzles me in why they didn’t put out a live recording from the original 2007 reunion. Dave actually SANG and sounded pretty amazing when I saw him in MA…so glad I went to that show, but obviously the band doesn’t give a crap and it’s their business what they want to release.
Frank you’ve nailed it on the head! I listened to disc one last night, blasted it loud in the car and I think it’s killer. It totally captures the VH live experience. They are tight where they need to be and loosen it up just the right amount in spots, as they always have for the fun of it. Wolfgang and Alex provide a great rhythmic rock for King Edward to climb up-down-sideways on. And Eddie KILLS on this! KILLS!!!
As for David, sure he sings a bit, talks a bit, lets the crowd sing some, and speaks damn good Japanese (not that I would know the difference). This has been DLR’s live approach since 1978. Nothing has changed with regard to this. Ask ANYONE who’s seen VH in the first half of the ’80s and they’ll tell you the only differences from then to now is Dave used to scream out that high “in-take of breath” yell that he’s known for and had the kicks and jumps that would’ve impressed Bruce Lee. As our own Eddie Trunk pointed out you can Youtube VH at the 1983 “US” Festival if you’ve forgotten Dave’s live vocal approach. I’d argue he sings way better (and way MORE) on this new live CD!
Disc 2 on the drive home tonight!!
Hey frank.im mavmans friend.your comments are always welcome.see you soon.