VAN HALEN EXPERIENCE:
Van Halen is a rock band from Pasadena, California. They formed in 1972. The band’s first self-titled album released in 1977 brought them quick notoriety and success. Van Halen is known for initially creating a blend of rock and heavy metal music. The guitar playing of Eddie Van Halen began a trend in rock music toward virtuoso guitar playing. The band has gone through 4 different lead singers, David Lee Roth being the first and the current singer. Sammy Hagar took over the role in 1985, and the band’s sound changed as well to more pop and less metal or hard rock. Hagar’s arrival also brought about the band’s first #1 album on the Billboard charts with Love Walks In. After Hagar’s departure, a friend of the band, Mitch Malloy, joined Van Halen as singer very briefly. In 1996 Roth rejoined to do two new tracks on a compilation CD, but the reunion quickly fell apart in another dramatic departure. The next lead singer for Van Halen was Gary Cherone, singer of the band Extreme. He lasted from 1996-1999 but record sales were poor as old fans were alienated and new fans were hard to come by. A reunion with Hagar in 2003 and then yet another Roth reunion in 2006 finished out Van Halen’s dramatic line-up history.
Van Halen is considered one of the most influential rock bands in history, especially with respect to Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing. He popularized “tapping”, a soloing technique that has been a major influence on subsequent rock guitarists. Van Halen is also credited with establishing large and technically complex performances with lighting and very specific equipment requirements. The current “tech rider” or specification sheet that musicians provide for shows is something that Van Halen made common. Van Halen’s music has had great influence on television and movies with important soundtrack work and notable references to the band appearing in pop culture for the last three decades.
Van Halen has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. They are #19 on the list of all-time top selling bands. Only four other rock bands have sold more than 10 million copies of two different albums. The founding members of Van Halen have also been inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame. Van Halen never disappoints with its arena rock presentation, light show, legendary sound, and incredible stage antics. Buy Van Halen tickets and experience a truly legendary band perform!