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Classic Van Halen 1 Live Review
Classic Albums LIVE - Van Halen 1 - The Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto, ON Canada
The evening began to a slow start, with the band finally beginning at 11pm. But don't let the slow start fool you, there wasn't anything slow about this band's electrifying Roth-era set.
The band began with what was promised, the entire Van Halen 1 album, in it's original order, note for note. Rik Emmett Band member Michael Vassos, who played EVH's licks for the evening, indeed played EVH note for note. Surprisingly, he was 'bang on' for all songs, but noticeably on 'Eruption' and 'I'm The One'. Complete with an 'Axe-Cam', this guy was nothing short of incredible. He even had the 'White Frankenstein' axe, but also played a beautiful white Kramer.
Ex-Harem Scarem lead vocalist Darren Smith did a very impressive DLR-ONLY set, and appeared to look and dress incredibly similar to Gary Cherone from the Queen Tribute concert. And that's a good thing. Smith had a unique sense of style, with the occasional high kick, and he made it quite clear that Roth n' Roll was and IS here to stay. His most noticeable moments were 'Happy Trails', 'Ice Cream Man' and 'I'm The One'.
To recreate the studio sound of VH1, they added background singers and a rhythm guitarist, but all in all, they were successful in recreating the album to a 'T'.
Other songs added to the playlist after the album's live completion, was (NOT in order)
Panama
Hot For Teacher
Dance The Night Away
Little Guitars
Somebody Get Me A Doctor
Unchained
and Happy Trails
They left a clear message to the younger crowd today, accept no imitations, including Sammy Hagar and his band of Hasbeen/Wannabees.
I met up with fellow RothArmy buddy 'Moose' and his wife, and during the 'encore' set after the VH1 album, we all rocked out in amazement, only 4 feet away from the stage/speakers. Both Moose and I were proudly wearing our 'It Ain't VH without DLR' shirts, and after Moose yelled the slogan out, singer Darren Smith answered with 'F***IN' RIGHT'. Both of us received TONS of compliments on the shirts.
Rothaholics know the truth, and it is the truth, not an opinion
But for the stubborn Sammys, here's a message for ya...
Roth N' Roll is here to stay, it will NEVER DIE.
The evening began to a slow start, with the band finally beginning at 11pm. But don't let the slow start fool you, there wasn't anything slow about this band's electrifying Roth-era set.
The band began with what was promised, the entire Van Halen 1 album, in it's original order, note for note. Rik Emmett Band member Michael Vassos, who played EVH's licks for the evening, indeed played EVH note for note. Surprisingly, he was 'bang on' for all songs, but noticeably on 'Eruption' and 'I'm The One'. Complete with an 'Axe-Cam', this guy was nothing short of incredible. He even had the 'White Frankenstein' axe, but also played a beautiful white Kramer.
Ex-Harem Scarem lead vocalist Darren Smith did a very impressive DLR-ONLY set, and appeared to look and dress incredibly similar to Gary Cherone from the Queen Tribute concert. And that's a good thing. Smith had a unique sense of style, with the occasional high kick, and he made it quite clear that Roth n' Roll was and IS here to stay. His most noticeable moments were 'Happy Trails', 'Ice Cream Man' and 'I'm The One'.
To recreate the studio sound of VH1, they added background singers and a rhythm guitarist, but all in all, they were successful in recreating the album to a 'T'.
Other songs added to the playlist after the album's live completion, was (NOT in order)
Panama
Hot For Teacher
Dance The Night Away
Little Guitars
Somebody Get Me A Doctor
Unchained
and Happy Trails
They left a clear message to the younger crowd today, accept no imitations, including Sammy Hagar and his band of Hasbeen/Wannabees.
I met up with fellow RothArmy buddy 'Moose' and his wife, and during the 'encore' set after the VH1 album, we all rocked out in amazement, only 4 feet away from the stage/speakers. Both Moose and I were proudly wearing our 'It Ain't VH without DLR' shirts, and after Moose yelled the slogan out, singer Darren Smith answered with 'F***IN' RIGHT'. Both of us received TONS of compliments on the shirts.
Rothaholics know the truth, and it is the truth, not an opinion
But for the stubborn Sammys, here's a message for ya...
Roth N' Roll is here to stay, it will NEVER DIE.
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