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(Boston, Ma)
October 31st, 2007
"The Cradle Did Rock"
Imagine if you had the abilty to travel back in time...say 23 years. Imagine being 18 years old again and seeing your favorite band in their heyday. Don't imagine anymore - this is real.
Last night at the T.D. Banknorth Garden, legendary rock band Van Halen took 20,000 people back to 1984 in a way few had imagined possible. Sounding tighter, heavier, and louder than ever, the band thundered through an 18 song set of classics and less commonly known early songs (for the hardcore fans).
After the lights went down, guitarist Eddie Van Halen cranked out a couple power chords and screams. Immediately after a road guy announced "I give you the Mighty Van Halen", a lone spotlight shined on Eddie as he blasted the opening (and crushing) chords of Unchained. David Lee Roth's entrance was as spectacular, with customary leap of the drum riser. After such an electric opening, you might have expected things to slow dwn a bit - they neer did.
Following Unchained with Hot For Teacher, then Dance the Night Away, you could feel the collective thoughts of the 20,000 in attendance. "I can't believe I'm here ad I can't believe they sound this good"
With Alex Van Halen on drums and Eddie's son Wolfgang on bass, Van Halen sounded as if they were trying to remind the world what rock music really is. Bringing back songs like Beautiful Girls, Bottom's Up, Hear About it Later, Ice Cream Man, and And the Cradle Will Rock, the band displayed the combination of raw power and musicianship that made them the band to beat in the 80's. Perhaps they are the band to beat now as well.
Individually, they all still have it -or as in Wolfie's sake - have just got it. Yes, the 16 year old son can bring it. Yes, Alex is still Alex. Eddie is sober and maybe is playing as well as ever. And David Lee Roth reminded everyone why Van Halen wasn't Van Halen without him. Roth held the audience in the palm of his a hand thoroughout the night. Aside of "screwing up the words" a few times, his voice was strong, his kicks were high, and all the old sayings were invited. "Look at all the people here tonight"
Closing with Jump and Mean Street, there was no doubt that Van Halen was back.
October 31st, 2007
"The Cradle Did Rock"
Imagine if you had the abilty to travel back in time...say 23 years. Imagine being 18 years old again and seeing your favorite band in their heyday. Don't imagine anymore - this is real.
Last night at the T.D. Banknorth Garden, legendary rock band Van Halen took 20,000 people back to 1984 in a way few had imagined possible. Sounding tighter, heavier, and louder than ever, the band thundered through an 18 song set of classics and less commonly known early songs (for the hardcore fans).
After the lights went down, guitarist Eddie Van Halen cranked out a couple power chords and screams. Immediately after a road guy announced "I give you the Mighty Van Halen", a lone spotlight shined on Eddie as he blasted the opening (and crushing) chords of Unchained. David Lee Roth's entrance was as spectacular, with customary leap of the drum riser. After such an electric opening, you might have expected things to slow dwn a bit - they neer did.
Following Unchained with Hot For Teacher, then Dance the Night Away, you could feel the collective thoughts of the 20,000 in attendance. "I can't believe I'm here ad I can't believe they sound this good"
With Alex Van Halen on drums and Eddie's son Wolfgang on bass, Van Halen sounded as if they were trying to remind the world what rock music really is. Bringing back songs like Beautiful Girls, Bottom's Up, Hear About it Later, Ice Cream Man, and And the Cradle Will Rock, the band displayed the combination of raw power and musicianship that made them the band to beat in the 80's. Perhaps they are the band to beat now as well.
Individually, they all still have it -or as in Wolfie's sake - have just got it. Yes, the 16 year old son can bring it. Yes, Alex is still Alex. Eddie is sober and maybe is playing as well as ever. And David Lee Roth reminded everyone why Van Halen wasn't Van Halen without him. Roth held the audience in the palm of his a hand thoroughout the night. Aside of "screwing up the words" a few times, his voice was strong, his kicks were high, and all the old sayings were invited. "Look at all the people here tonight"
Closing with Jump and Mean Street, there was no doubt that Van Halen was back.