First off, was pretty much opposed to CVH getting back together. What was a great idea in 1996 has, to me, sounded like something more and more over the last 9 years as an undertaking that should best be left alone. Particularly since the 2004 Van Hagar shows. Knew from seeing Dave in 1999 and 2002 that he was still up for it, but Ed's state last year kinda raised questions in my own mind about it. Plus, I wasn't really bowled over with what Dave did w/the Boston Pops recently, or the Diamond Dave CD.
Was asking myself if I really wanted to see a CVH reunion where Dave wasn't gonna be able to kick as high, or do leaping splits from the drum riser...I mean, it's not just Eddie's abilities that had me concerned. Plus, Dave's voice isn't 100% what it used to be. Not shot and washed up, but he ain't gonna be doin' no Outta Love Again anymore either, understand?
And a lot of it had to do with seeing the band in 1984, and still remembering the show (despite being buzzed on cheap homegrown and peppermint Schnapps) and how overwhelmingly excellent they were, and not wanting to see them reform and not live up to that expectation. Hell, the 1984 tour wasn't even their best series of shows, and they were still THAT fucking good...
But having caught Dave again recently, I didn't find myself having a problem with his lower-key performance style in the context of a CVH reunion anymore. By lower key, I don't mean that he was boring, either. Just in terms of the amount of screams and physicality of it. I had a great time at a good show. And as the band were playing, I remember thinking that it may or may not have sounded better if Ed, Al and Mike were there now, but my reaction to it wouldn't have been that much more positive...Brian Young was doin' fine, the whole thing sounded great, Dave was working the lower registers of his voice more than I'm used to, but his enthusiasm was, as ever, infectious. I mean, even if it was just another show for him and his enthusiasm was manufactured (am talking worse case-scenario/devil's advocate here), so fucking what? Everyone that I saw totally dug it, everyone's hands were in the air, everyone knew all the words and had fun. Didn't see any signs of Roth phoning it in at all...and this was a gig where people were paying $10 a pop to get in and eat ribs, drink a few and see a bunch of other bands where Roth was the headliner. Roth didn't appear to be taking the audience response for granted, or come off as cocky, or whatever.
So, why the fuck NOT have CVH reunite? It might not turn out to be the most earth-shattering concert experience ever, but it doesn't HAVE to be in order to get off. Hell, I'll even go one better; CVH don't even need to make a new album of killer material to go out on the road, either. I know, I know...said I wouldn't wanna be bothered with going to see CVH doing oldies-only. Well, fuck it. I changed my mind. Let 'em reunite, rehearse thouroghly (THAT is still a prerequisite - don't wanna hear Ed fumbling around with RWTD RHYTHM parts for fuck's sake!), hit the road and swing on through that back catalog one more time. Like I've said: If you can go to a Roth show and not have a good time, you've got problems. Don't think ANYONE, even the most die-hard Eddie acolytes who parrot all of Ed and Al's bs about hating Roth, would fail to have a good time at a CVH reunion show.
Sad part is, it probably won't happen anyway, and I am in sympathy with those who say they go to Roth shows these days thinking this will be the last one. He ain't gonna be doing it forever.
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