The Official Washington 11/1 Meetup/Review Thread

[VanHalener]

Scott "I love in in the ass" Galupo

I sure hope he's the sheep shit eating loser I dumped my beer on.

"Cheesy lead singer?" FUCK YOU, you jealous bastard. You wouldn't know greatness if it came up and bashed your teeth in with a brick.

[DrinkingSection]

its great that VH is high flying, etc...

however, has ANYONE noticed Ed has placed himself (mic / pedals) center stage?

discuss.

i guess jimmy page did similiar, but can you imagine the conversation?

"..uh yeah Dave?, I'm going center stage now, you can wander more to stage left..."

maybe this was a talk @ kansas city....

TDS

[VanHalener]

Nice take on things riggo.

[VAiN]

Originally posted by DLD
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kubache...7602833937912/

a slideshow.....

Fucking sweet!!!!!

[wiseguy]

Originally posted by riggodrill44
My take on the concert, FWIW.


INTRODUCTION
Why does some music transcend time while other songs have relevance for 15 minutes and then pass away into the "where are they now" bin at the Target? I think it is the way the songs make us *feel* that makes us add those 20+ year old songs to our collective playlists. We want to recapture that feeling or have that feeling apply in the next season of our life. Baby Boomers do it with "Jailhouse Rock"... fondly remembering watching a black and white television with a rough looking southerner strut on stage during the Ed Sullivan Show... "A Hard Days Night"... recapturing how they felt when the Beatles stepped off the plane for the first time in America. Jimi Hendrix playing the "Star Spangled Banner" on a foggy morning to a bunch of tired hippies barely awake in a huge field in upstate New York. There is a feeling I, and evidently, many others like me, get when watching two suburban-bred Southern California guys singing about girls, partying with friends but also a twist of modern age-angst while grinning ear to ear, cutting up and displaying musical/theatrical virtuosity much copied by rarely replicated. Van Halen playing "Dance the Night Away" caused 20,000+ people to sing along and play air guitar perhaps making us feel that the girl (or guy) from across the room could feel love in the third degree.

THE DISGRACE
Just seven months ago, I witnessed a spectacle that pained me on the level of watching my favorite football team getting blown out in a Super Bowl. At the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, my favorite band, Van Halen, was ushered in to the "hallowed" Hall. But the spectacle of Velvet Revolver performing an abortion of "Ain't Talking 'bout Love" and some other song and then watching in horror as Sammy Hagar and MIchael Anthony lead a group of other musicians in a rendition of "Why Can't This Be Love" made me turn off the TV. I erased the file from my DVR. The two icons who made VAN HALEN were not present. And their reputation was tarnished by people painfully trying to honor their legacy. It was a disgrace.

THE CLOUDS PART
In August of 2007, a tour was announced and David Lee Roth and Edward Van Halen committed to performing live together. David Lee Roth. Edward Van Halen. Two icons. Reunited, almost unbelievably and touring America in the fall of 2007. The question hanging over this announcement was clearly, "Could they pull it off?". One member from the original line up would be missing. His replacement, the son of Edward Van Halen... a boy only 16 years old, would be taking his place. I bought my ticket and eagerly awaited their appearance at the Verizon Center on November 1, 2007.

I am happy to report that not only did they pull it off... they recaptured much of the feeling that made them worthy of placement in a Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.

THE CONCERT
Starting with their traditional supersonic guitar and drum noodling, the curtain dropped to the opening chords of "You Really Got Me". David Lee Roth at the highest part of the stage set waving a giant red flag. The crowd went fucking crazy. Diamond Dave and Eddie did soulfully noodle around a bit in the breakdown part of their first hit. It was followed immediately by "I'm the One", my personal favorite from the band's illustrious catalogue. This fast-tempo'd, guitar-led diddy implores you to "Show Your Love" which the crowd did. There is a breakdown near the end of the song that has a little "bop bada, shooby do wah" a capella. The band went silent while those in attendance stood and cheered wildly. This is the moment that made the hair on my arms stand on end. I was not alone. You see, "I'm the One" is a trendsetting song. You've got to be fucking good on your instrument to pull it off. You can't "fake it" like you can with the maw that record companies have forwarded to us as music in the past 20 years. And the singer has to bring an attitude to the vocals that can back up the phrase, "I'm the one the one you love, come on baby, show your love... hey, give it to me". Playing this song second is like walking into a party, socking the host in the mouth, taking his woman out to the car (with her approval), having a shag and then bringing her back in, a bit frazzled. Oh yeah, then you take a six pack of beer out of the fridge, get back in your Mustang and drive away.

I felt at this point like I could run through a brick wall.

Van Halen was all business. The first 8 songs pretty much rolled one into another. Dave did one little rap break that was less than a minute.

You Really Got Me
I'm the One
Running with the Devil (crowd singing vocals full throat)
Romeo Delight (breakdown part wanders into "Magic Bus"... Wolfie and Ed together obviously enjoying this)
Somebody Get Me a Doctor (introduced by Diamond Dave with a harmonica through a bullhorn... sounded very cool)
Beautiful Girls (Dave and background vocals sounded really good. Crowd sang along like at a keg party from 1980)
Dance the Night Away (Dave again sounded really good)
Atomic Punk (Ed breaks a string at the beginning of the solo which sets him back a little.)

I think much of the crowd was breathless by this point. My observation is that from this short list of songs it was clear that this was no Van Hagar or Van Gaylen concert. We were witnessing the REAL VAN HALEN, admittedly without Michael Anthony. But, his replacement wasn't a hired gun. He is flesh and blood. It reminded me of the Eat 'em and Smile tour when Dave and the band was all business and out to prove themselves. No one was resting on their laurels. They were rubbing your face in it.

So the opening part of the set was off the first two albums except for Romeo. The next four songs were off the "middle albums" and led up to the drum solo.

Everybody Wants Some (the breakdown was again a trip... I like... I like... I like... the anticipation was pretty fucking cool. Dave took us to a place that was the polar opposite of "Love Comes Walking In")

So This is Love (whoever the jackass is that says Wolfie ain't playing should shut the fuck up. Sit down, Waldo. He ain't perfect, he ain't seasoned... but he can play and, he's a Van Halen. I'll take my chances with him. The family name has a pretty good fucking track record... jackass.)

Mean Street (Dave appears to take pleasure at spitting out the words to this song. Eddie, of course, works out some anger issues during the solo in this tune. Fucking killer. He does miss the harmonic at the end of the intro this night)

Pretty Woman (I roll my eyes but when I look around, everyone is singing the words. Plus, they need a break as it has been 11 straight rounds of musical mayhem up to this point. Wolfie *is* singing and he blends well with Dave. I close my eyes and listen... I can't really hear a difference from my US Festival VHS)

Drum solo. I think they have a deal with the beer vendors... you have to do a drum solo so we can move more product. Seriously... why else do we still do this? This was cool in 1977. It ain't so cool in 2007. That is my opinion and I respect those who feel differently.

Over the next 8 songs, the band alternates paces. High energy and then they bring it down a little. This is also the part of the set where they introduce the keyboards.

Unchained (Crowd is going crazy for this one. Eddie is on his game as is Dave. Back up vocals sound good and again, I really can't see how people say they're piping it in. The breakdown features Dave doing a self-imitation with "hey man... that suit is you." He is interacting with Wolfie who asks if Dave will give him a break. 20,000+ respond ONE BREAK... COMING UP!!! It *feels* like old times again.)

I'll Wait (Hey... I'd rather hear Bottoms Up!, Hear About it Later or DOA, too. But, they need a break, all the girls are singing along and Eddie fucking nails the solo. He does this thing pretty regularly now where he slides up the neck and hits a high note that sustains with a WOOO... WOOO. Sounded really cool in this solo.)

And the Cradle Will Rock (another sing-a-long fest with this song. Eddie is fan-picking on much of the verse... yup... he can still do it.)
Hot for Teacher (This one brought the house down again. They're jumping around a lot on stage so things get a little sloppier musically but jesus h. christ this is a great song, especially live. I think it kind of sums up what this band has been missing the past 23 years.)

Little Dreamer (Sing-a-long city... especially the females in the crowd. Dave is up top in the white spotlight. Eddie plays the solo differently. Contrast this with that retarded Mad Anthony Express YouTube of this song.)
Little Guitars (A fine moment in the set. Dave really sings this song well. Backup vocals sound good. Pace is good. Crowd is singing along. Wolfie is playing what appears to be a 3/4 scale VH II paint style bass.)

Jamie's Crying (Eddie augments the guitar part on this and it sounds fucking killer. The backup vocals are there and Dave is nailing the words. All the guys in the crowd are chiming in during "And she knows, what that'll get her!" I felt like I was back in high school warily eyeing the girls in the parking lot as this song was pouring out of someone's Camaro.)

Ice Cream Man (Diamond David Lee Roth. At his finest. He starts out in the corner under what is supposed to appear as a streetlight. Then he walks out and tells the story. All of you who were around back then (circa 1975 - 1982) definitely can relate to the references. Deseeding pot. Pink Floyd albums. Keg parties. Girls being more proactive rather than passive. Backyard band gigs.

Panama (Great song. The whole package. Crowd is singing along. Sheep are still getting the lyrics wrong in the first chorus.)

Guitar Solo. He has to do it. It looks like he still wants to do it. I wouldn't mind if he didn't do it.

Ain't Talking 'bout Love (NEWS FLASH FOR SLASH and whoever that freak of a singer was at RRHOF... this how the song is supposed to be played, you morons.)

Encore
Jump (Dave on an inflatable microphone. Keyboards in synch with the guitar. Crowd enjoying it. Me... not so much.)

CONCLUSION
David Lee Roth and Edward Van Halen still got *it*. They have a magic that Eddie was not able to re-create after Dave left. And, Dave wasn't able to have the same counterpoint in his post-1985 world. The band, though three parts original... one part inevitable, has a catalogue of songs that take many in my generation to a place that feels really good. We fondly remember those times. They smiled the whole time, had fun, didn't take things to seriously and enabled the audience to participate in the party. I left wishing that they had played more. The crowd as at full capacity. They stood the whole time. They sang most of the lyrics along with the band.

The music they made on those first six albums transcends time. Perhaps with a new generation introduced *in* the band and *to* the band, they'll be able to apply that magic and create some new feelings in this fan. I just know that I now feel redeemed after that cold, dark night in March. When I felt let down and embarrassed to be a fan. I can now say again, firmly, that I am a fan of the greatest rock 'n roll band in my generation... the Mighty VAN HALEN.

Nicely said, 5 stars for you sir, that is if i can figure out how to perform such an act...

[Marilyn C.]

Originally posted by riggodrill44
whoever the jackass is that says Wolfie ain't playing should shut the fuck up.

Agreed.

[Nickdfresh]

Originally posted by BALLYJUNKIE
FOR THE 100TH TIME .....DAVE LEFT VAN HALEN ,HE QUIT ,HE WAS NOT FIRED !!! I WISH THESE PEOPLE WOULD GET THEIR FACTS STRAIGHT !!!

I wish you would figure how to operate your keyboard...

[ULTRAMAN VH]

Concert Review

Reunited, and it sounds so good
After 23 years, David Lee Roth returns to Van Halen, delighting band's fans
By Kevin Eck | Sun Reporter
November 3, 2007
Article tools
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Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Single page view Reprints Reader feedback Text size: WASHINGTON - Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth flashed his famous toothy grin, draped his arm around lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen and posed a question to the sellout crowd at Verizon Center.

"Are you having a good time?" Roth asked with over-the-top enthusiasm about 25 minutes into Thursday night's concert.

For fans who had waited 23 years to see Van Halen and Roth touring together, the response was nothing short of euphoria. They had been standing, cheering, singing along and playing air guitar since the moment the band hit the stage.




But that was no surprise. The real story was that the group seemed to be having a good time playing together -- no small feat considering the band's tumultuous history.

After Roth left Van Halen in 1985, he and his former bandmates spent the better part of two decades publicly sniping at each other. On Thursday, however, sniping had been replaced by smiling -- not to mention hugging and high-fiving.

And the rock elders of the group -- Roth, Eddie Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen -- were joined in the apparent joy by the baby-faced, fresh-from-study-hall addition of 16-year-old Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's son, on bass.

No observer knows for certain whether the camaraderie is sincere or just part of the show, but there is no denying that Van Halen still delivers the goods as an arena rock act. In fact, the band sounded tighter than it did during its hard-partying heyday.

Right from the opening riff of "You Really Got Me," Van Halen grabbed the audience by the jugular and never let it catch its breath. With Eddie Van Halen's guitar wizardry and a hard-charging rhythm section, the band played for two hours and 10 minutes, ripping through an old-school-only set that undoubtedly took the throng of 30- and 40-somethings in the crowd back to the good old days of their preteen and teen years.

Highlights from the set, which omitted material from the Sammy Hagar era, included "Runnin' With the Devil," "Beautiful Girls," "Everybody Wants Some," "Unchained," "Hot for Teacher," "Panama," "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" and "Jump."

Roth, Eddie and Alex Van Halen -- who range in age from 52 to 54 -- played with the energy and verve of much younger men, while commanding the stage like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members that they are.

A shirtless Eddie Van Halen, wearing green camouflage pants and red sneakers and displaying a svelte, cut physique, reminded everyone why he is regarded as one of rock's most influential guitar players. His 12-minute solo near the end of the set mixed soft, precise tones with sudden bursts of power chords before climaxing in a sea of ultra-fast playing and piercing high notes.

As for Wolfgang Van Halen, who has replaced original bassist Michael Anthony (Roth described the band as "three-quarters original, one-quarter inevitable"), his playing and background vocals were fine, but his stage presence wasn't quite there.

If there's one thing that Roth doesn't lack -- besides humility, that is -- it's stage presence. While "Diamond Dave's" face has matured and his blond mane has been tamed and neatly trimmed, the man who set the standard for charismatic frontmen in the late '70s and '80s did nothing Thursday to tarnish his legacy.

Roth, who a year ago was playing Rams Head Live, was clearly savoring every second back on the big stage, at times appearing almost as if he was trying to inhale the adulation from the crowd.

Wearing tight, black leather pants and unbuttoned shirts that revealed toned abs, Roth strutted, delivered his signature spin kicks, twirled the microphone stand and even did some nifty tricks with a top hat -- one of which is inappropriate to mention in a family newspaper.

As a vocalist, Roth will never be confused with Robert Plant, but he sang with aplomb. He occasionally talked the lyrics rather than sang them, and his voice cracked a couple of times -- most noticeably on the final note of "Little Dreamer" -- but the crowd was forgiving.

Perhaps Roth's finest moment was when he took the stage alone, strapped on a guitar and performed the acoustic part of "Ice Cream Man."

It's the undeniable chemistry between Roth and Eddie Van Halen, however, that had the band's fan base pining for this reunion, and that chemistry was never more apparent than when Eddie playfully mimicked Roth's vocals with his guitar several times during the show.

Indeed, the lasting image of the night was of the two iconic rock figures standing side by side on the stage after all these years, sporting open-mouthed grins.

It was a sight that put smiles on about 15,000 others faces, as well.

kevin.eck@baltsun.com

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Copyright © 2007, The Baltimore Sun

[Hardrock69]

I would venture to say you could try sgalupo@washingtontimes.com for an email address.

All I found was "he is a writer living in Alexandria, VA".

He writes about all kinds of artists, but writes about other things as well.

Fuck that sad bastard!