Van Halen started life as a paid bar band that gained a considerable live following in the 1970's. Frontman David Lee Roth grew up in an affluent California family which helped the talented Van Halen brothers and their bassist/backing vocalist make it in the Sunset Strip scene.
A considerable part of the Van Halen sound was the futuristic, tehnique laden approach of Eddie Van Halen (guitar, keyboards), although their music remained routed in their classic rock covers band material. Van Halens image, album covers and iconic videos were pieced together or driven by David Lee Roth, who was also a quotable tv and radio personality.
Van Halen is also a prime example of branded music entertainment; the band and its singers have collectively produced guitars, picks, amplifiers, t-shirts, cooking items, bikes, sunglasses, hats, videos, books and a specialist fans-only magazine called 'the Inside', all designed to extend and, some would say, water down the Van Halen name.
Fans are usually in favour of the bands earlier albums, in particular the guitar opus Fair Warning and their chart topping 1984 disc, titled "1984". In 1985 the bands singer and biggest personality was replaced by a mediocre classic rock/80's pomp rock vocalist called Sammy Hagar, who had released excellent and not-so-excellent material since the early 70's.
A considerable part of the Van Halen sound was the futuristic, tehnique laden approach of Eddie Van Halen (guitar, keyboards), although their music remained routed in their classic rock covers band material. Van Halens image, album covers and iconic videos were pieced together or driven by David Lee Roth, who was also a quotable tv and radio personality.
Van Halen is also a prime example of branded music entertainment; the band and its singers have collectively produced guitars, picks, amplifiers, t-shirts, cooking items, bikes, sunglasses, hats, videos, books and a specialist fans-only magazine called 'the Inside', all designed to extend and, some would say, water down the Van Halen name.
Fans are usually in favour of the bands earlier albums, in particular the guitar opus Fair Warning and their chart topping 1984 disc, titled "1984". In 1985 the bands singer and biggest personality was replaced by a mediocre classic rock/80's pomp rock vocalist called Sammy Hagar, who had released excellent and not-so-excellent material since the early 70's.
by Shifty 333 June 22, 2010
An utterly obnoxious 80's arena rock band who had more lead singers than groupies. Origionaly fronted by David Lee Roth, he was replaced by Sammy Hagar, who was later replaced by the former frontman from Extreme.
I remember when Van Halen was cool, then I listened to real music and realized they really really suck
by Keith Kellis May 11, 2005
Edward Lodewijk "Eddie" Van Halen (born January 26, 1955), is an Dutch-American rock guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter and producer of Dutch descent, most famous as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the hard rock band Van Halen; an American hard rock band formed in in 1972. They enjoyed success from the release of their self titled debut album in 1978
by myspace.com/johnlawson85 January 23, 2009
solid guitar player/songwriter.. started the early 80s trend of build it your self guitars.TO THOSE HERE WHO HATE ED VAN HALEN.YOU ALL PROBABLY LIKE THE NEWEST LIMP BIZKET CD...
by Anonymous November 04, 2003
The best damn guitarist on this Earth. On par with Jimi Hendrix. Eddie's brother Alex plays drums and his son Wolfgang plays bass for their band, conveniently named Van Halen.
Step 1: Go to a music store
Step 2: Ask for "Eruption" by Van Halen
Step 3: Listen
Step 4: Thank me by sending a cyber high-five.
Eddie Van Halen was in a band called Van Halen (funny that).
Step 2: Ask for "Eruption" by Van Halen
Step 3: Listen
Step 4: Thank me by sending a cyber high-five.
Eddie Van Halen was in a band called Van Halen (funny that).
by Bossdrummer June 25, 2013
A world class original, Eddie Van Halen raised the bar on what a human can do with six strings and a pick-up on wood.
by rick September 19, 2003
One of the greatest albums of any musical genre to ever grace the shelves of music stores. First album by American rock group Van Halen, featuring;
Eddie Van Halen - guitar, backing vocals
David Lee Roth - vocals
Alex Van Halen - percussion
Michael Anthony - bass, backing vocals
TRACK LIST:
1. "Runnin' With the Devil" (Van Halen) – 3:35
2. "Eruption" – (Van Halen) - 1:42
3. "You Really Got Me" (Ray Davies) – 2:37
4. "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" (Van Halen) – 3:49
5. "I'm the One" (Van Halen) – 3:46
6. "Jamie's Cryin'" (Van Halen) – 3:30
7. "Atomic Punk" (Van Halen) – 3:01
8. "Feel Your Love Tonight" (Van Halen) – 3:42
9. "Little Dreamer" (Van Halen) – 3:22
10. "Ice Cream Man" (John Brim) – 3:19
11. "On Fire" (Van Halen) – 3:00
Eddie Van Halen - guitar, backing vocals
David Lee Roth - vocals
Alex Van Halen - percussion
Michael Anthony - bass, backing vocals
TRACK LIST:
1. "Runnin' With the Devil" (Van Halen) – 3:35
2. "Eruption" – (Van Halen) - 1:42
3. "You Really Got Me" (Ray Davies) – 2:37
4. "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" (Van Halen) – 3:49
5. "I'm the One" (Van Halen) – 3:46
6. "Jamie's Cryin'" (Van Halen) – 3:30
7. "Atomic Punk" (Van Halen) – 3:01
8. "Feel Your Love Tonight" (Van Halen) – 3:42
9. "Little Dreamer" (Van Halen) – 3:22
10. "Ice Cream Man" (John Brim) – 3:19
11. "On Fire" (Van Halen) – 3:00
wow... Van Halen I... not one bad track on the entire album... NOT ONE BAD TRACK! kick ass album right here. Eruption... *gasp*... simply beautiful. *rant rant rant*
by jeffersonaeius September 04, 2006