Time to go for some classic rock and perhaps a band I struggled on featuring here. Everyone has their take on Van Halen. Whether you side with Roth or Hagar or if you think the bros while talented are complete idiots who can never keep a good thing going. The Van Halen brothers came from the Netherlands and formed their band in 72 and by 78 rounded out the lineup with bassist Michael Anthony and wild frontman David Lee Roth. The bands self titled debut was quickly a hit and the band was well on their way. By 1985 the band was tired of the antics of DLR and decided to split with him and recruit Montrose frontman Sammy Hagar. The band once again released several studio albums much to the chagrin of fans. But by 96 tensions again rose within the band and Hagar left. Roth briefly rejoined in 96, most remember that short lived reunion. Lead singer number three in Gary Cherone of Extreme last a mere three years. From there things get crazy again, reunions both with Roth and Hagar happened and longtime Bassist Michael Anthony departed only to be replaced by Eddie Van Halen's kid Wolfgang. Last year did see the long awaited new album being released. It's hard to pick a Van Halen album, so I went with
'The Best Of Van Halen, Vol. 1'. This album was released after Hagar left and DLR stepped in to record two new songs. This is a good mix of Van Roth and Van Hagar material that is sure to please all fans.
Van Halen undoubtedly has played a major role in every guitarists life. Eddie Van Halen is one of the best guitarists ever, hands down, the stuff he has come up with over the years continues to amaze today. Of course there will be the never ending debate of who fronted the band better. And that really overshadows the greatness of the band. Personally I like both eras, each seems to have its own magic and charm. Sadly the band over the years has become somewhat of an ongoing soap opera. I'm hoping for one more good album and the band can ride out on a high note.
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