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| {{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> | |||
| | Name = Van Halen | |||
| | Motto = Setting New Standards | |||
| | Img = Van_Halen_2008.jpg | |||
| | Img_size = 250 | |||
| | Img_capt = Van Halen during their 2008 tour From left to right: ], ], ], and ]. | |||
| | Landscape = Yes | |||
| | Background = group_or_band | |||
| | Genre = ], ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |coauthors=Greg Prato |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:dzfqxqwgldte |title=Van Halen Biography |publisher=allmusic |date= |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> | |||
| | Origin = ], ], USA | |||
| | Years_active = 1972 - present | |||
| | Label = ], Yessup Recording | |||
| | Associated_acts = ], The Other Half, ], ] | |||
| | URL = | |||
| | Current_members = ]<br />]<br />]<br />] | |||
| | Past_members = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] | |||
| }} | |||
| {{dablink|This article is about the band Van Halen, for their debut album see ].}} | |||
| '''Van Halen''' is a ] band formed in {{city-state|Pasadena|California}} in 1972. They enjoyed success from the release of their ] in 1978. As of 2007 Van Halen has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide<ref name="2004tourpr"> Announcing 2004 Van Halen Concert Tour</ref> and have had the most number one hits on the ] ] chart. During the 1980s they also had more ] hits than any other hard rock or heavy metal band. According to the ], Van Halen is the 19th best selling band/artist of all time with sales of over 56 million albums in the USA<ref name="2005riaa">{{cite web|url=http://www.riaa.com/gp/bestsellers/topartists.asp|title=2005 statistics from the RIAA}}</ref> and is one of five rock bands that have had two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the USA. | |||
| In addition to being recognized for success, the band is known for the drama surrounding the exits of former members. The (multiple) exits of singers ] and ] were surrounded in controversy and mass press coverage with various contrasting press statements between them and the band. More recently, founding bassist ] was kicked out of the band for controversial reasons. Following their ] the band was on a hiatus from the public until September 2006, when new bassist ]'s place was confirmed and Roth-reunion rumours began to re-surface coinciding with the band's ] induction on March 12, 2007.<ref name="2007rockhall">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/van-halen|title=2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Profile}}</ref> After years of speculation, Van Halen began a ] with Roth in late 2007 across North America, which has been extended into 2008. An album is proposed to follow.<ref name="cnn">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/13/vanhalen.reut/index.html?iref=mpstoryview |title=Van Halen, with Roth, to begin reunion tour |accessdate=2007-08-13}}</ref> Along with this, a live tour DVD was announced at their May 13, 2008 concert at the ] that would contain recordings from several performances on their current tour. | |||
| ==History== | |||
| === David Lee Roth era (1972–1985)=== | |||
| The Van Halen brothers first started playing music together when Eddie took up the drums and Alex took up the guitar. But secretly, while Eddie would deliver newspapers on his paper route, Alex would sneak over and play on Eddie's drumset. Eventually Eddie switched to the guitar and formed Van Halen years later, excluding Alex Van Halen.<ref>Everybody Wants Some: The Van Halen Saga, by Ian Christe</ref> In 1972 the Van Halen brothers formed a band called "Genesis" which featured Eddie as lead vocalist/guitarist, Alex Van Halen on drums and Mark Stone on bass. They initially rented a sound system from ] but decided to save money by letting him join as lead vocalist even though he had previously auditioned unsuccessfully.<ref name="guitarcom">{{cite web |url=http://www.vhlinks.com/pages/interviews/evh/gu072378.php |title=Eddie van Halen |accessdate=2007-08-13}}</ref> By 1974 the band decided to replace Stone. The band then found out there was a far more successful band in England also named Genesis. It was at this point that they changed the band name to "Mammoth."<ref>Van Halen: The Early Years, movie</ref> Then ], bassist and lead vocalist from local band ''"Snake"'' was auditioned. Following an all night jam session he was hired for bass and backing vocals.<ref name="guitarcom" /> | |||
| Mammoth discovered in 1974 that their name was already being used and changed to "Van Halen". According to Roth,<ref>''Craze from the Heat'' by David Lee Roth</ref> this was his idea. They played backyard parties and on a flatbed truck at Hamilton Park. Van Halen played clubs in Pasadena and Hollywood to growing audiences, increasing their popularity through self promotion: before each gig they would pass out fliers at local high schools. This soon built them a major following.<ref name="guitarcom"/> | |||
| In 1974, the band got their break out of Pasadena, with their first job at Gazzarri's on the Sunset Strip, a formerly famous but down-at-the-heels night club. They had earlier auditioned for Bill Gazzarri, the owner, but he claimed they were "too loud", and would not hire them. However, their new managers, Mark Algorri and Mario Miranda, who had coincidently taken over Gazzarri’s hiring, did the deal. Shortly afterwards, with their managers, they recorded their first demo tape at the now defunct Cherokee Ranch Studios, in Northridge, where Steely Dan had just completed an album. They then became a staple on Hollywood's ] during the mid-1970s, consistently playing at well-known clubs like the ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/eddie-van-halen/jan-00/4788 |title=Eddie Van Halen |publisher=Guitar Player |month=January | year=2000 |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> In 1977 ] of ] saw Van Halen at Gazzarri's and financed their second ], flying the band to the ] in New York City to record "House of Pain" and "]". Eddie disliked the demo because he was not using his own equipment and had to overdub guitar parts.<ref name="guitarcom" /> Simmons wanted to change the band's name to "Daddy Longlegs" and had designed cover art (a ] wearing a top hat), but the band stuck with Van Halen. Simmons then opted out of further involvement after taking the demo to Kiss' manager and receiving the words of denial. He told Gene that "They had no chance of making it" and that he wouldn't take them. <ref> Van Halen: The Early Years movie </ref> | |||
| In 1977, ] and ] of Warner Bros. Records saw Van Halen perform at the Starwood in ]. Although the audience was small, the two were so impressed with Van Halen that within a week they offered them a recording contract.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jas |last=Obrecht|url=http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=81828&src=3SOSWXXA |title=A Legend is Born Eddie Van Halen's First Interview |publisher=Musician's Friend |date= |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> Van Halen recorded their ] ] at ] studio in mid September to early October 1977, recording guitar parts for one week and then recording vocals for two additional weeks. All of the tracks were laid down with little ] or double tracking. Minor mistakes were purposely left on the record and a simple musical set-up was used to give the record a live feel. Despite its simple components, ''Van Halen'' proved innovative in musical technique, production, and arrangement.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} | |||
| During this time, they continued to play various venues in Southern California, including some notable concerts at the Pasadena Convention Center produced by their promoter and impresario, Steve Tortomasi, himself a fixture in the local rock and roll scene. | |||
| On release, '']'' reached #19 on the ] pop music charts, one of rock's most commercially successful debuts.<ref name="bestselling70s"> according to industry sales</ref> It is a highly regarded hard rock album.<ref name="rollingstonetop500"> Top 500 Greatest Albums Ever Made</ref> The album included songs now regarded as Van Halen classics, like "]" and the guitar solo "]", which showcased Eddie's use of a technique known as ]. The band toured for nearly a year, opening for ] and establishing a reputation for their electric performances. The band's chemistry owed much to Eddie Van Halen's technical guitar wizardry and David Lee Roth's flamboyant antics, which later turned them into rivals. They returned to the studio in 1979 for '']'', similar in style to their debut. This album yielded the band's first hit single, "]." | |||
| Over the next few years, the band alternated album releases and ] to increasing commercial and critical acclaim and became one of the world's most successful and influential bands.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Their party-loving spirit and hard rocking anthem-like sound made them popular with teenagers.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} '']'' was released in 1980 and further cemented Van Halen's status. But in 1981, during the recording of the '']'' album, tensions rose. Eddie's desire for more serious and complex songs was at odds with Roth's poppy style.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Although Roth (and producer Templeman) acquiesced to Eddie's wishes, '']'' was a commercial disappointment, with no hits. In later interviews Eddie would reveal that he was drinking heavily and using cocaine during the production of Fair Warning. This may have resulted in the album's darker tone.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} | |||
| '']'' performed better. The band then earned a spot in the ] for the highest-paid single appearance of a band: $1.5 million for a 90 minute set at the 1983 ].{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Despite this return to form, Roth and Eddie's differences continued, and this caused friction with other band members. According to bassist ], after his band ] completed a tour with Van Halen, he was approached by Eddie Van Halen to replace Michael Anthony. The reasons for this were never clear to Sheehan, because nothing came out of it.<ref>{{dead link|date=November 2008}}</ref> | |||
| Van Halen's next album, '']'' (released on January 9, 1984) was their commercial pinnacle. Recorded at Eddie Van Halen's newly-built ], the album featured keyboards which had only been used sporadically on previous albums. The lead single, "]", featured a ] ] and anthemic lyrics, and became the band's first and only #1 ] hit, garnering them a Grammy nomination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yuddy.com/articles/Music/van-halen.html |title=Van Halen Bio |publisher=Yuddy |date= |accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref> Other hit singles included "]", "]", and "]". Many of the songs had popular music videos on ]. ''1984'' was praised by critics<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0pfixq95ldte~T1 |title=1984 - Van Halen |accessmonthday=08-17 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=van+halen |title=Van Halen |accessmonthday=08-17 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/vanhalen/albums/album/236834/review/6067491/1984 |title=Van Halen: 1984 |accessmonthday=08-17 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> and fans alike,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/1984-Van-Halen/dp/B000002KZR/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-9389566-7939640?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1187320083&sr=1-1 |title=Van Halen |accessmonthday=08-17 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.misterpoll.com/results.mpl?id=1302213698 |title=Van Halen favorite album and song |accessmonthday=08-17 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> peaking at #2 on the ] charts behind Michael Jackson's ''Thriller''. | |||
| However, the album was also a breaking point. In the midst of the ], the artistic and personal tensions among the musicians reached a fever pitch. Reasons for the breakup vary based on the band member interviewed, but were rooted in control of the band's sound and image. Roth was upset about Eddie playing music outside of Van Halen without checking with the band and Eddie was sick of Roth's flamboyant behavior and stage persona. On April 1, 1985, Roth left Van Halen. | |||
| === Sammy Hagar era (1985–1996)=== | |||
| Eddie invited ] of ] to replace Roth but she refused. Eddie was then introduced by way of a mutual auto mechanic to ], formerly of 1970s band ], and at that time a solo artist coming off a very successful year (his 1984 album ] had yielded hit single "I Can't Drive 55'"). Hagar agreed to join, also serving as a rhythm guitar onstage to add to the Van Halen sound. The 1986 Van Halen album '']'' was a hit, becoming the band's first #1 album on the ] charts, driven by the keyboard-dominated singles "]", "]" and "Love Walks In". The album included diverse songs ranging from the thrashiness of "Get Up" and party rock of "Summer Nights" to the more riff-driven "Good Enough" and a guitar heavy title track. To further introduce the new era for the band, a new Van Halen logo was put on the cover. The new logo retained elements of the original, but now the lines extending from either side of 'VH' wrapped around and formed a sphere. ''5150'' is generally considered the strongest album of the "Hagar era". | |||
| Following the release of the ''5150'' album, a tour was launched to support it across North America. Named the '']'', the title was a homage to the previous ''1984 Tour'' in support of the ''1984'' album. The band proved touring with Hagar was as successful as with Roth, and footage was released on VHS/DVD as '']''. In the tour Hagar wanted to minimize the use of pre-Hagar Van Halen songs in the set, other than the band's best known classics. This was a trend that continued, with the expanding repertoire of Hagar-era songs slowly whittling away at the number of Roth-era songs on the set list. | |||
| ]During Hagar's tenure, the band established a musical formula that proved commercially successful in the United States. Hagar's style enabled Van Halen to become accessible to a wider audience, with ] that were more conventional and refined. Eddie's keyboard work brought a wider variety of sonic textures within each song, and the production was altered toward the ] side, and the songs became longer: During the Roth era, Van Halen songs rarely stretched beyond three and a half minutes, and some albums struggled to cross the thirty minute mark. With Hagar, some songs exceeded five minutes in length. The result was markedly different from the hard charging, rollicking riffs of the group's earlier work. The mix of pop and hard rock styles created a new sound for Van Halen. | |||
| All four studio albums produced during this period reached #1 on the ] pop music charts and 17 singles breached the top 12 of the mainstream rock tracks chart. In addition, Van Halen was nominated for two ], winning the 1991 Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal award for the album '']''. Van Halen continued to enjoy tremendous success throughout the mid-90's. In 1995 Van Halen surprised many fans by supporting ] on their ]. | |||
| The band's commercial success and new "Van Hagar" sound did little to woo many fans who still held a strong resentment over Roth's departure and refused to move on. However Eddie repeatedly said he was happier with Hagar singing and that "Roth was not coming back". | |||
| During the recording of songs for the film '']'', escalating tension between Hagar and the Van Halen brothers boiled and Hagar departed on ], 1996. The band had recorded a song, "]", for which Eddie claimed he had to write all the lyrics since Hagar's were "too cheesy". This upset Hagar, and when they were to record a second song for the soundtrack, Hagar was in Hawaii. He wasn't keen on doing soundtrack work since it would make the music hard to obtain for fans, 'abusing' them, so the second track the band were due to record became an Eddie/Alex instrumental, ]. | |||
| The band was also working on a compilation album, which Hagar was not keen on since he felt it was not what fans wanted, nor was it something the band needed to release, since they presumably had a long career ahead of them. This led to conflicts with Hagar and the group's new manager, Ray Danniels (Ed Leffler's replacement and ]'s brother in law) who suggested the idea. Reluctant to work on compilation album songs before a new album came out, the band fell out, leaving the management siding with Eddie and Alex. Hagar was also rumoured to have concerns over comparisons on an album which featured both his work and Roth's. | |||
| Hagar claimed that he was fired; Van Halen claimed that he quit. The media storm surrounding the dramatic exit of Hagar helped him immediately restart his solo career. However, the publicity did not help Van Halen, serving to highlight the vacant lead singer spot. The band's past successes set high expectations, and fans everywhere were waiting for the band's next move. Throughout this time, Michael Anthony managed to remain on good terms with Hagar. | |||
| ===With Mitch Malloy and a temporary reunion with Roth (1996) === | |||
| {{Main|Mitch Malloy}} | |||
| When Sammy Hagar left Van Halen, they very quickly recruited ] as a replacement. They jammed and recorded demos with him. He was a friend of Eddie and knew the band, who decided it was appropriate to invite him into the band.<ref name="autogenerated1">http://www.melodicrock.com/interviews/mitchmalloy.html Accessed on 2 September 2007</ref> | |||
| David Lee Roth called Eddie to discuss what tracks would be included on a planned Van Halen compilation (work on which actually began before Hagar's departure). They got along well, and Eddie invited him up to his house/studio. Shortly afterwards, David Lee Roth re-entered the studio with the band and producer ]. Two songs from those sessions were added to the band's Greatest Hits album and released as singles to promote it. ] | |||
| In September, Van Halen were asked to present an award at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. They agreed, and on September 4, 1996, the four original members of Van Halen made their first public appearance together in over eleven years. This helped to bring the compilation to #1 on the US album charts. However, unknown to Roth, Eddie and Alex were still auditioning other singers. Following the band's MTV appearance, Malloy decided the band could not be successful with a new vocalist since people would now want Roth. He called Anthony, and quit. Millions of people viewed the show, and Roth claimed to be back in the band.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> | |||
| The band's appearance on the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards fueled reunion speculation. Several weeks after the awards show, it was discovered Roth was out of Van Halen again. Roth released a statement in which he apologized to the media and the fans, stating that he was an unwitting participant in a Van Halen publicity stunt by them and manager Ray Danniels. The next day, Eddie and Alex released their own statement, claiming they were completely honest with Roth and never suggested he was guaranteed to be the next lead singer.<ref name="rothvh2">Open letter from David Lee Roth about the </ref> However, they could not resist getting in a dig at Roth by saying in a press release, "Thank you for reminding us why we broke up with you eleven years ago." | |||
| Reportedly, Eddie was upset that Roth had "upstaged him" during the broadcast by interrupting him while Van Halen was speaking and taking over the microphone; video footage does show Eddie seemingly tense as he steps away and turns his back to Roth, but then the two hug one another to the cheers of the audience. | |||
| === Gary Cherone era (1996–1999)=== | |||
| The band recruited ], frontman of the then defunct ]-based band ]. The result was '']''. Many songs were longer and more ethereal. It was less about rocking out, and more thought-provoking ("How Many Say I", with Eddie on vocals). These changes alienated many fans while failing to attract new fans. Sales were poor by the band's standards, only reaching ''Gold'' certification, despite the album peaking at #4 on the US charts. Van Halen III did produce a hit however, "Without You", and additionally the song "Fire in the Hole" appeared on the ] soundtrack. Later it was also revealed that Anthony was only permitted by Eddie to play bass on three tracks on the album and that Eddie played the rest. Anthony received a full credit, masking this apparent behind-the-scenes difficulty. | |||
| The album was followed by a poorly attended but widespread tour. The ] saw Van Halen playing in new countries, including first ever visits to Australia and New Zealand. | |||
| Shortly afterwards, Van Halen returned to the studio. In early 1999, they started work on a new album, rumored to be called ''Love Again''. Working titles of songs included "Left for Dead," "River Wide," "Say Uncle," "You Wear it Well," "More Than Yesterday," "I Don't Miss You...Much," "Love Divine," and "From Here, Where Do We Go?". | |||
| Van Halen's new album was left unfinished when Cherone left amicably in November 1999. Citing musical differences, it is likely ''III'''s sales and critical reception had a big impact. Touring with Cherone, regardless of his charisma, had proven disappointing in terms of attendance. Unlike the previous two singers, there was no bad blood and Cherone remained in contact with Van Halen. As when Hagar left, speculation resumed on a Roth reunion. | |||
| === Hiatus from public (1999–2003) === | |||
| Eddie recovered from his hip surgery in late 1999, but from 2000 to early 2004, no official statements were made by Van Halen and no music released. However, information about members past and present trickled in. The Van Halen brothers continued writing at 5150 studios, Gary Cherone recorded an album and toured with new band ]. One of the songs that Cherone had written for the scrapped 2nd album with Van Halen entitled "Left For Dead", would see its lyrics set to a completely new musical arrangement with Tribe of Judah. Meanwhile, Hagar and Roth continued their solo careers. | |||
| In 2000, the band worked with David Lee Roth at 5150, writing new music before falling out again. Eddie kept quiet, but made a rare appearance at the ] charity golf tournament during May 2001. Any band progress would have been interrupted on October 15, 2001, when Eddie and his wife of 21 years, actress ], separated (though the couple only filed for divorce on December 8, 2005). In November 2001, Anthony claimed Roth had been working with the band again for a few months, but lawyers had shut it down. Strangely, Anthony later denied this. The band's record label (Warner, who had first signed them in 1978) dropped them this year also. More positively, Eddie underwent treatment for ] and announced his recovery on Van Halen's website in May 2002. | |||
| Eddie's only live performances during this period were joining ] to play "Never in My Life" in August 2002 and a private audience jam at NAMM January 2003. This took place at the Peavey booth (Peavey produced Eddie's signature "Wolfgang" model guitar). Word quickly spread through the NAMM show that Eddie was to play at the Peavey booth, and it filled up. Eddie showed up late, drunk. When he finally appeared, he was incoherent. Shortly after this, Peavey lost its license to produce the "official" Van Halen guitar, and Fender, which had purchased Charvel-Jackson, was awarded the license, but the guitar produced was a copy of Eddie's earlier Strat-style guitars. | |||
| In the summer of 2002, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar teamed up in the ''Song For Song, the Heavyweight Champs of Rock and Roll'' tour (also known as the 'Sans-Halen' or 'Sam & Dave' Tour). The joint tour headlining both former lead singers attracted media and audience fascination because it seemed more improbable than even a Van Halen with Roth or Hagar could be. The tour drew large crowds and featured no opening acts, Roth and Hagar would alternate opening as the first act during the tour. In an interview, Roth contrasted his personality with Hagar's, saying, "He's the kind of guy you go out with to split a bottle with a friend. I'm the kind of guy you go out with if you want to split your friend with a bottle." Michael Anthony guested with Hagar's band, ''The Waboritas'', numerous times and sometimes even sang lead vocals. During performances, Hagar would tease Anthony by asking, "Do the brothers know you're here?". Anthony never played with Roth. Gary Cherone appeared on occasion. Hagar released a live album (''Hallelujah''), featuring vocals by Mike and Gary, and a documentary DVD, ''Long Road to Cabo'', about touring with Roth. Next, Hagar joined with ] and ] guitarist Neal Schon to form a side project, Planet Us, along with Michael Anthony and Deen Castronovo (also of Journey) on drums. The band recorded just two songs and played live a few times before dissolving when Hagar and Anthony rejoined Van Halen. | |||
| While the two lead singers promoted the tour and publicly claimed mutual respect, rumours of bitter acrimony and mutual loathing between the two singers swirled. The allegations were later revealed in back stage video showing Roth and Hagar camps maintaining strict separation. | |||
| On July 4, 2004, Roth performed with the ] at Boston's annual ''Pops Goes the Fourth'' celebration. Hagar remained active, releasing five albums and creating his own merchandising brand ''Cabo Wabo'', which lends its name to his line of ], as well as his franchise of cantinas. He reunited with ] in 2003 and 2005 for a few performances and maintained contact with Michael Anthony, often playing with him. With Van Halen inactive, Anthony worked on merchandising projects such as his signature ] bass and set up . He became involved with the annual music industry ]. | |||
| Also in this period, rumors cropped up that Anthony had been fired - despite his name being included in messages 'from the band' on their website. His official website denied the rumors, though it was later revealed that on the ''Van Halen III'' album Anthony only recorded three tracks, and subsequently his position became tenuous (it relied entirely on Hagar's demands that he remain in 2004). His departure was confirmed in 2006. | |||
| === Reunion with Hagar (2003–2005) === | |||
| ] | |||
| During January 2003, the VHND (Van Halen News Desk) website reported that Sammy Hagar was working with the Van Halens. No official confirmation came for an extended period of time. In late March 2004, Van Halen and Sammy Hagar announced that Hagar would reunite with the band for a ] release and a Summer concert tour of the USA. | |||
| In July 2004, Van Halen released their second Greatest Hits compilation (a double album, unlike the first), featuring three new songs with Hagar: "It's About Time", "Up For Breakfast", and "Learning to See". These songs were newly written by the Van Halen brothers and Sammy Hagar. The songs were credited to Hagar/Van Halen/Van Halen, which was unusual since normally the entire lineup (which also included Michael Anthony) would be credited. However, the performance was credited to the entire band; Michael Anthony would later reveal in interviews that Eddie Van Halen had in fact not wanted him to be a part of the reunion and for this reason Anthony had not been allowed to perform in the sessions (explaining his lack of a songwriting credit), with Eddie playing the bass parts himself instead. Though it was the only new album since the band's first Greatest Hits, no songs with Gary Cherone from ''Van Halen III'' were included. It was certified platinum in the USA in August 2004. | |||
| The ] grossed almost US$55 million, and Pollstar listed Van Halen in the top 10 grossing tours of 2004. Most of the concerts received positive feedback from professional reviewers. On some shows, Eddie's son Wolfgang came onstage and played guitar with his father during ''316'' a song dedicated to his son, taking its name from his birthday. However, serious problems surfaced. Promoters lost money, tickets were often deemed overpriced, and few shows sold out. | |||
| Reports from the first half of the tour were largely positive. Later, however, stories of Eddie being drunk and playing poorly also circulated. At the end of the band's final show of the tour, in Tucson, Eddie smashed one of his guitars during the show and quickly walked off stage. | |||
| After the tour, things broke down. At first Hagar stated he had yet to decide what he would be doing with the band but he was in Van Halen. However, Hagar and Anthony soon admitted that Eddie had problems with alcohol during the tour that affected everyone involved. Hagar stated that he was "done with Van Halen" and wished that everyone would have "taken it more seriously". Despite this, Eddie later described himself as 'satisfied' with the tour. | |||
| After the tour ended, Hagar returned to his solo band ], and Anthony appeared with him on tour occasionally. The band quickly faded from view after Hagar left again. In December 2005 Michael Anthony revealed in an interview with ] that he had not talked with the Van Halens and was unsure of their plans. | |||
| ===Reunion with Roth (2006 - present)=== | |||
| Rumors of a David Lee Roth reunion re-emerged and on January 3, 2006, Roth explained during an interview that he spoke to Alex Van Halen the previous week and a reunion was "inevitable".<ref name="ptrdlrint"> with David Lee Roth</ref> However, he also said that Eddie Van Halen was "off in his own little world" recently. When asked if any problems occurred with Sammy Hagar during the 2004 tour Eddie Van Halen answered, "Sammy is Sammy, and for the most part that's just fine". Roth persisted with suggestions of a reunion,<ref name="dlrnydnint">{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/02-15-2006/entertainment/story/391333p-331935c.html |title=New York Daily News article}}</ref> saying. "People want the reunion," and "No one will pay respect to what any of us do until we get the reunion out of the way." In May 2006, he told Billboard.com, "There's contact between the two camps." | |||
| On June 3, Michael Anthony began a successful tour with Hagar billed as "The Other Half" (a reference to them being half of Van Halen with the other half being Eddie/Alex), with Anthony singing lead vocals sometimes. Meanwhile, on June 19 the Van Halen brothers jumped onstage with ] at ] performing "Jump" and "]". This unusual performance was their first onstage since the 2004 tour. This was followed by another Eddie Van Halen performance in July 19, 2006, at the House of Petals in Los Angeles, playing new material. He followed this with an announcement on July 27, 2006, that some of his new music would be released on the soundtrack for the pornography film ]. | |||
| In March 2006, Michael Anthony spoke to Japanese rock magazine '']'',<ref name="burrnmagma">{{cite web|url=http://93x.com/blog.asp?id=182912&SBID=4444|title=Burrn! magazine interview paraphrase}}</ref> claiming the brothers did not want him on the 2004 reunion - Hagar did (and would not play without Anthony), but he had to agree to reduced royalties and end absolutely all association with the band after the tour in terms of rights to using the name to promote himself.<ref name="rolstone">{{cite web |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/09/04/fired-van-halen-bassist-i-found-out-on-the-internet/ |title=Fired Van Halen Bassist: “I Found Out on the Internet” }}</ref> It was in this same interview he admitted he was not involved in the new songs on ''Best of Both Worlds'' and only recorded three tracks for '']''. | |||
| On September 8, 2006, ]'s Eddie Van Halen live interview broke the band's long silence. Eddie said he was willing to reunite with Roth and revealed a solo album in the works. Michael Anthony's departure was confirmed with Eddie's son, Wolfgang, taking his role. Wolfgang had played guitar alongside his father on some 2004 concerts. When queried about The Other Half tour, Eddie said Anthony could "do what he wants" now. This shocked and offended many fans.<ref name="Rolling Stone Magazine">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2006/09/14/eddie-van-halen-goes-bananas-on-howard-stern-the-full-highlights/|title=Eddie Van Halen Goes Bananas on Howard Stern: The Full Highlights |accessmonthday=1-14 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> In November, Eddie's spokesperson, Janie Liszewski, claimed the Van Halen family was writing/rehearsing for a Summer 2007 tour, which '']'' magazine's website shortly confirmed. However, the Van Halen website remained in the state it had been in since the Hagar reunion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003380053|title=Eddie Van Halen Taps Teenage Son As New Bassist}}</ref> | |||
| On December 11, 2006, Eddie Van Halen stated to ] magazine that David Lee Roth had been directly invited to rejoin the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63624|title=EDDIE VAN HALEN: The Ball Is In DAVE LEE ROTH's Court}}</ref> However, on December 28, Roth announced that he had not talked to Eddie in two years, and a reunion with Van Halen could result in a "] style fight".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2006/12/28/dave-says-van-halens-hot-for-combat/|title=Van Halen's Hot for Combat}}</ref> | |||
| News from the ] slipped out on January 8, 2007, confirming that Van Halen would be inducted. They had jointly led the ballot and been long rumoured for inclusion before this time. The Van Halen brothers, Anthony, Hagar, and Roth were to be inducted.<ref> Ben Sisario, Jan. 8, 2007, ''The New York Times'', "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Backs New Members"</ref> Billboard announced on January 24, 2007, that Van Halen would reunite with David Lee Roth for a US tour .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003537232|title=Exclusive: Van Halen Reuniting With Roth For Tour |accessmonthday=1-14 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> This was confirmed shortly after on the official Van Halen website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://van-halen.com/newsite/pressrelease.html|title=Van Halen Press Release |accessmonthday=1-14 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> | |||
| The Van Halen News Desk announced on February 15, 2007, that a Van Halen "Best Of (1978-1984)", a single-disc compilation of Van Halen's David Lee Roth era, would be released by April 3. Shortly after, information arrived in a flood. Various sources claimed the tour was shut down as was the new "Best Of" CD.<ref>{{cite news|last=Boucher |first=Geoff |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-vanhalenfeb23,1,5348898.story |title=Van Halen's road plans have taken a rocky turn |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=February 23, 2007 |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=November 2008}}</ref> On March 8, 2007 Eddie announced on Van Halen's website that he was in rehab. Along with the announcement, a change was made to the website. The logo at the top of the page changed to the Roth-era logo. | |||
| ] | |||
| As the band's Hall of Fame induction drew near, media focus shifted to that. ] would induct the band and speak on their behalf. On March 12, 2007, the band was inducted at a ceremony held at the ] in New York City. Anthony and Hagar were the only inductees in attendance (ironically, both ex-members). Velvet Revolver played "]", and Anthony and Hagar performed "]" with ]. At a post-induction press conference, Hagar said he would love to work with Van Halen again but that the Van Halens should tour with Roth first. | |||
| On April 21, 2007, Eddie Van Halen served as an Honorary Race Official for the ] Fresh Fit 500 ] race at ]. He looked fit and well, better than he had on the last tour, and on May 24 posted a note to the Van Halen website confirming that he had exited rehab successfully.<ref>{{dead link|date=November 2008}}</ref> | |||
| After nearly 10 months of speculation and numerous rumours, on Monday, August 13th, 2007, Van Halen (and David Lee Roth separately via his own website<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.davidleeroth.com/ |title=announced that the band will be going on a tour of North America beginning on September 27.|publisher=Davidleeroth.com |date= |accessdate=2007-08-14}}</ref> Roth claimed in the press release that, "the idea is that this will continue on and on and on" and also that a ] and new album were in the works. | |||
| Press reaction to the reunion was largely warm, but the re-designed website sparked controversy when Michael Anthony was removed from images of old album artwork.<ref>{{cite web |title= Van Halen's Official Site Places Wolfgang In Time Machine|url=http://idolator.com/tunes/right-now,-michael-anthony-is-being-chucked-down-the-memory-hole/van-halens-official-site-places-wolfgang-in-time-machine-289397.php |accessdate= 2007-08-20}}</ref> The album covers were reverted to normal a day later without a word after bitter reactions. The ] was originally 25 dates, but the reunion now stands to be much longer, extending into 2008 with a second leg. | |||
| Van Halen started their new tour on September 27, 2007 in ], ]. Playing to sellout crowds, the tour generated positive reviews.<ref>{{cite news|first=Brian |last=Hicks|url=http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/sep/28/reunited_van_halen_proves_they_still_have_what_it_/ |title=Reunited Van Halen proves they still have what it takes |publisher=Charleston.net |date=September 28, 2007 |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> Amid rumors of Eddie being back in rehab, multiple dates of the tour were postponed. The official reason was the need for medical procedures to be run on Eddie. <ref>{{cite web|last=Kaufman |first=Gil |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1582661/20080303/van_halen.jhtml |title=Van Halen Postpone Tour Dates Due To Eddie's Unspecified 'Medical Tests' |publisher=MTV News |date=March 3 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> | |||
| On March 5, 2008 ''World Entertainment Weekly'' to ''CBS News'' reported that the reason behind the tour stoppage was due to Eddie Van Halen needing to reenter rehab. The report also indicated that it was a ''"furious backstage bust-up in Florida with his 17-year-old son and bandmate Wolfgang"'' which motivated Eddie to seek help once again. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.keyetv.com/entertainment/story.aspx?content_id=d06d15fe-8445-4add-becf-a985fc8a0aeb |title="World Entertainment News Eddie Van Halen Back In Rehab? March 5, 2008"}}</ref> | |||
| In response to rumors about Eddie Van Halen being back in rehab ] said that "he is not in rehab." She did not, however, say if he had recently been in rehab, stating only that he wasn't currently.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=40006&cat=2 |title="Transworld News - Valerie Bertinelli Interview March 13, 2008"}}</ref> | |||
| Wolfgang Van Halen also stated that his father was not in rehab during the 2008 Kids Choice Awards, but did not say if he had recently been in rehab: only that he wasn't in rehab ''now''. Eventually, the tour started back up April 17 at the Reno Events Center in ]. | |||
| The tour ended on June 2, 2008 at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI. During the show Roth stated multiple times that this would not be their final show and that they would "see everyone next time." This show also was a special occasion being that the sign in front on the arena had been re done so it read "VAN HALEN ARENA" instead of the "VAN ANDEL ARENA" which is its actual name. | |||
| According to the Van Halen News Desk, the reunion tour with Roth was the highest grossing in the band's history, raking in almost 93 million dollars. | |||
| Van Halen's song "Hot for Teacher" is included in the video game ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Faylor |first=Chris |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52650 |title=Guitar Hero 4 Includes Song Creation and Sharing, Multiple Instruments, Van Halen, Linkin Park |publisher=Shacknews |date=May 12, 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> | |||
| The opening act of the Festival d'été de Québec in ] was performed by Van Halen on July 3rd, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|first=Julie |last=Rhéaume |url=http://www.showbizz.net/articles/20080605162702/van_halen_quebec_juillet.html |title={{lang|fr|Van Halen à Québec le 3 juillet}} |publisher=Showbizz.net |date=June 5, 2008 |language=French |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> | |||
| In a recent interview with ] about the making of his upcoming new EVH Wolfgang guitar from Fender, Eddie Van Halen had this to say regarding the subject of new Van Halen music: "I’ll be making music ’til the day I die. I’ve done all kinds of stuff, and more is coming. I can’t tell you exactly when right now. Wolfgang is in the 12th grade and he needs to graduate first. Then I’m getting married in June. We’ll pick it up after that."<ref></ref> | |||
| ==Band members== | |||
| {{details|List of Van Halen band members}} | |||
| ===Current members=== | |||
| *''']''' – lead & backing vocals (1974–1985, 1996, 2006–present) | |||
| *''']''' – lead & rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1972–present) | |||
| *''']''' – bass guitar, backing vocals (2006–present) | |||
| *''']''' – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1972–present) | |||
| ===Former members=== | |||
| *''']''' – bass guitar, backing vocals (1974–2002, 2004–2005) | |||
| *''']''' – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1985–1996, 2003–2005) | |||
| *''']''' – lead vocals (1996–1999) | |||
| *''']''' - lead vocals (1996 - see above, band on public hiatus during brief tenure) | |||
| *''']''' – bass guitar, backing vocals (1972–1974 - only a member when the band still used the name Mammoth) | |||
| ==Discography== | |||
| {{main|Van Halen discography}} | |||
| *'']'' (1978) | |||
| *'']'' (1979) | |||
| *'']'' (1980) | |||
| *'']'' (1981) | |||
| *'']'' (1982) | |||
| *'']'' (1984) | |||
| *'']'' (1986) | |||
| *'']'' (1988) | |||
| *'']'' (1991) | |||
| *'']'' (1993) | |||
| *'']'' (1995) | |||
| *'']'' (1996) | |||
| *'']'' (1998) | |||
| *'']'' (2004) | |||
| ==Legacy== | |||
| {{Refimprove|section|date=April 2008}} | |||
| The ''Van Halen'' album introduced the guitar world to the band's signature "]," a nickname given to the result of Eddie's guitar/amp combination and technique. With ] production, this tone was carefully defined. | |||
| ===Contract riders=== | |||
| Van Halen pioneered the modern rock music tour with their use of the concert technical ]. They were the first band to use contract riders to specify a "wish list", a practice now used throughout the ]. As one of the first major bands with a travelling stage show, Van Halen had extensive requirements including power availability and stage construction details. Many venues were not equipped to handle the requirements, resulting in damage to band equipment, and once nearly killing a roadie. The band's demands were not limited to technical issues; their now-infamous rider specified that a bowl of ], with all of the brown M&Ms removed, was to be placed in their dressing room. According to David Lee Roth,<ref>From "Crazy from the Heat" - David Lee Roth's autobiography</ref> this was listed in the technical portion of the contract, not because the band felt they wanted to make random demands of the venue, but as a means to ensure venue staff were correctly honouring the contract as specified. If there was no such bowl, or if there were brown M&M's left in the bowl, then the band had reason to believe the contract was not being fulfilled entirely correctly and had to check every detail prior to going on stage. | |||
| ===Material covered by other artists=== | |||
| Influential American ] trio ] recorded a 40-second version of "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" for their landmark double album '']'', though the arrangement was changed significantly to fit the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://starling.rinet.ru/music/temp/vanhalen.html |title=Van Halen: The David Lee Roth Years |publisher=Starling.rinet.ru |date= |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> Rapper ] used uncredited samples from "Jamie's Cryin'" on his hit "Wild Thing," but when asked about it later Alex Van Halen said "It was 1987, who knew?"{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. In 1989, ] sampled the riff of "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" for their single "The Fuck Shop". The dance music act ] sampled the guitar intro from "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" for their 1997 single "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub". Van Halen's arrangement of the song "]" (performed by other artists) was featured in the ] ]. Panama was also featured in the soundtrack to the video game, "Gran Turismo 4." | |||
| In 2002, Canadian ] musician ] released '']'', a concept album composed of spliced and sampled elements of Van Halen songs and interviews, constructed into a mini-narrative of the band's dissolution and breakup over Hecker's trademark drone-y ambient noise. | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{reflist|2}} | |||
| == See also == | |||
| {{commonscat}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| == External links == | |||
| * - The official Van Halen website | |||
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| * {{Discogs artist|artist=Van+Halen}} | |||
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| {{2007 Rock Hall Inductees}} | |||
| {{Van Halen}} | |||
| {{Van Halen singles}} | |||
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