Van Halen
 

Thought I would start with a basic background of the origins of the band.

Band Members:
Eddie Van Halen(guitarist)
Micheal Anthony(bassist)
Alex Van Halen (drummer)
David Lee Roth (vocalist)
Sammy Hagar(vocalist- post Lee Roth)

Alex and Eddie were born in the Netherlands. Alex and Eddie started playing music at a very young age, they both started playing the piano at the age of 6. They eventually moved to California where they both took up paper routes. After a few years of saving, Eddie bought drums and Alex bought a guitar. After a while Alex thought it was clear that Eddie was a natural at the guitar (mostly because he could never put it down) so they traded instruments. In thier college years they picked up Michael Anthony from the band "Snake". They had the makings of a good band.. but they were missing something.... A GARAGE! Thats were Lee Roth came in, Eddie and him hated each other from the get-go but Roth was a rich individual with a garage and amps, so he delt with it. They made a group decision to name the band "Mammoth" and they started getting gigs all over San Fransisco, Eddie had unique playing styles so Alex advised him to turn his back to the crowd whenever he played a solo. And as all great bands they eventually grew to be booked almost every night, then they came to a realization. They went to register their band officially only to find that the band name "Mammoth" had already been taken. So of course Roth being the suck up he is suggested that the band be named Van Halen to appease to Eddie. By this time they were overly popular and couldnt handle all the gigs that were being thrown at them. Then a stroke of luck came... GENE SIMMONS, he saw the band and registered them with Warner Bro's Inc. From then on they made a few CD's such as Van Halen 1, Van Halen 2, Women and children first, and Diver Down, but didnt really take off until 1984. 1984 was one of thier top hits, Eddie amazed the public of that day with a synthesizer (*heroic music* HIS BACKGROUND IN PIANO). and thats the beginning of Van Halen from birth to start off. I'll include the next steps in the making of the band in my album reviews... soon to come.

Suggested starting albums:
Van Halen
1984
Women and Children First

PS: I'm a little rusty on their later albums so dont freak out if i get something wrong.

Running With The Devil is a classic track, although Eruption spawned a million guitar shredders and that is an unforgivable sin!

how is other people being influenced by his awesome skill and unforgiveable sin?

...because guitar shredders bore the arse off fans who appreciate guitar but cannot play a note.

Ah, Its been a while since that was my point of view.

Everyone enjoys a good shred every now and again though.

Great thread! I've lately been digging into all the old Roth-era albums. Loaded up the iPod with 'em all.

Man, those were really good years for rock in general. Good stuff!

I remember the day I was in the record store and the clerk put Van Halen's debut on the turntable, before "Running With The Devil" even finished I had a copy of this album in my hands. It just sounded so different than any other album at that time I had to check it out. I got the chance to see them live the year they released Van Halen II, and while I understand Jackhammer's shredder comment, to see Eddie play live while the band was new and kickin' ass was an experience I'll always treasure. I have to admit that I don't own any of the Sammy Hagar era Van Halen, I liked Hagar when he was in Montrose and some of his solo work, but early VH with David Lee Roth was the best lineup.

Van Halen I
1984
Van Halen II
Women & Children First

My favorite VH in order.

I would say that my favorite was definitely the FIRST album, followed by the second. There were bits and pieces over the remainder of Roth's career, but there was definitely a fresh edge the first couple albums. I love the first one from start to finish.

At this moment 4 posts and about as many words. Elaborate on your posts or you just look like a post count whore. :bonkhead:

Has anyone else heard the copy of David Lee Roth's unaccompanied vocal track from "Running With the Devil" that made the rounds about 6 months ago? So damn funny.