LIGHTNING SPEED Guitar on 80s Hit Left Singer WONDERING-Where the HELL Do I Sing? -Professor of Rock

Coming up it’s a fiver countdown starring one of rock’s mightiest bands ever Van Halen with a fun Sammy Hagar interview to go along with it. Van Halen was so great they had 2 distinct eras the David Lee Roth era and the Sammy Hagar one.. and though fans fight about which was better they were both powerful in their own way because both included the greatest ever… Eddie Van Halen. and both are covered here as we look at their best-hidden gems including a song that Eddie Van Halen was so excited about writing he called and woke Sammy Hagar up at 4 in the morning and coaxed him to write it half asleep over the phone… Some funny stories coming up next on Professor of Rock including great tracks like Mean Streets, 5150, and Little Guitars.
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#80smusic #classicrock #eddievanhalen
"Van Halen has given us over 40 years of incendiary rock tracks, and there are many songs that don’t get as much attention as their countless greatest hits.
In this episode we invite you to join in on the fun of showcasing 5 hidden Van Halen gems that deserve to be remembered, cherished, and cranked up to the highest level NEXT on Professor of Rock.”
Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time, make sure to Subscribe below if music is running through your veins Be a part of exclusive interviews and stories of the rock and roll era. and join us on Patreon to help us craft this channel and for more content.
This week on our hidden gems series, we take a swing at one of the greatest bands in history and one of my personal favorites ever. The Mighty Van Halen. Losing the great one King Edward doesn’t get any easier. But his genius lives on through the incredible music he left us. So let’s get into our Van Halen Hidden Gems fiver…. Make sure to tell us your VH hidden gems fiver in the comments
#5- Cabo Wabo - We launch it off with a barn burner from the band’s 1988 album 0U812. The 7-minute 'party crash on the beach called “Cabo Wabo” the 2nd VH album fronted by Sammy Hagar at lead vocals.
#4 - Take Your Whiskey Home - It begins with Diamond Dave & EVH staging the image of the two of them sitting on the front porch just kickin’ & singing the blues. “She said, I think you’re headed for a whole lotta trouble…if you “Take Your Whiskey home.”
#3 - The title track from 5150 showcases some of the many elements that make Van Halen the pre-eminent act they are- regardless of whether it's DLR or Hagar at the microphonic helm. On “5150", we hear some of the tastiest EVH shredding.
#2 - From the 1982 album Diver Down DAVID LEE…. “Little Guitars”. Eddie kicks off this gem with a lightning-quick acoustic flamenco( flavored riff with elegance, passion, and amor. An 80s “Malaguena” if you will. The interlude- was performed by only one musician…the genius Edward Van Halen.
#1 - Drumroll please…. “Mean Street”- Not to be confused with the 1973 Martin Scorsese film Mean Streets starring Robert DeNiro. This Van Halen hidden gem came 8 years later, with a slightly different title, as the first cut on the band’s 4th studio LP Fair Warning. Fair Warning may have been the weakest seller of the DLR era, but "Mean Street" is one of the most chilling in the Van Halen arsenal.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST Van Halen song from the band's tenure?

[@Code.Name.V]

Ain't Talkin' Bout Love

[@ComfortablyNumb1969]

Hard to pick just one, but VHs version of Pretty Woman with that killer intro!

[@TheSlowoldman]

I said it before, Beautiful Girls is VH to me.... maybe because it was released about the time I really took a notice of girls....and forgot about baseball.

[@davidlaw689]

Dreams

[@surlechapeau]

tie- "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love" and "Jump". Jump is just so damn catchy!

[@Code.Name.V]

Sundown, you'd better take care Gordon Lightfoot and Rest In Peace on a Carefree Highway.

[@catherine6653]

Sad news yesterday 😥

[@petercena9497]

🇨🇦 A Canadian institution R.I.P.

[@hbofbyu1]

There are so many songwriters who list Gordon Lightfoot - along with The Beatles - as a prime influence in their music.

[@robster7316]

The end of an era with his passing. Sad day.

[@RBS_]

....I knew it was comin'... but now, that it's HERE!?? ...I'm gutted....just pulled SEVEN 'Gord' CD's to listen to, this morning...." Don Quixote" is me FAVE *GORD* Album....

[@christhompson2006]

The Fair Warning album is one of my favorites by Van Halen. Especially "Dirty Movies".

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love that song!

[@RBS_]

.....I was gonna say that One, but I was worried YT would censor me...I'm known for, 'colorful language', ha-HAA!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Hidden gem.

[@BoredOuttaMySkullBoi]

A mastermind of guitar. Rest easy, Eddie.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's the best.

[@Code.Name.V]

He made it look easy.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I still cannot get over how sad I was on that day. R.I.P. Eddie 😢

[@liquidmagma]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Same here. We were all protective of Eddie for some reason.

[@badgerpa9]

I liked Van Halen with David and Sammy and liked both of their solo work. I had a big crush on Valerie so I always thought Eddie was the luckiest guy in the world. Man that was a long time ago.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I used to watch Valerie’s cooking show all the time growing up. She made my mouth water.

[@thetitleisours1]

Always got a kick out of "Ice Cream Man". Just humorous lyrics and catchy rhythms. One of my hidden favorites. Their albums bring me back to more carefree days with less worries

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song for sure! Thanks Kirk!

[@kcronin7211]

That's a blues song - John Brim. Also covered by Tom Waits in 1973, among a bunch of other folks. I do agree VH put their signature stamp on it and brought it to a whole new audience though!

[@michaelbeale518]

I love Ice Cream Man. I sang it at a karaoke bar in the late 90s.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We always play that song at the nursing home where I work. The residents get so jaunty hearing it!

[@thetitleisours1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Nice! :)

[@randallpelaez901]

Hidden gem on Fair Warning, “Hear About It Later”…most underrated song on the album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song for sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good one!

[@johnnyd3155]

Love that song!

[@5000rgb]

And "Push Comes to Shove". In a lot of ways I think Fair Warning is their best album.

[@DougMorris71]

Yes!

[@dad4ever-c90]

Mean Street really rocked hard! The Fair Warning album was always my favorite. Although not as commercially successful, it suited my far from mainstream taste. It's heavy, SINISTER-feeling vibe was great for working out at that time - powerful motivation!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The title is definitely a fair warning.

[@TheJohnnyCotts]

Die-hard VH fans regularly regard Fair Warning as the best VH album ever despite it being the lowest seller of the Dave era.

[@michaelbeale518]

It's a great album

[@pappawmiked2162]

Alex Van Halen is the most underrated drummer in the business. Seen Van Halen a dozen times. Not Sen n better unless it was Rush. Yep, they both had the best drummers ever!

[@jbacker1190]

I was just noticing this, checking out some classic VH this past weekend. Alex's drumming on VH II was incredible!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We have to give a shoutout to the rhythm section crew!

[@rogerdeahl9629]

RIP Gordon Lightfoot. 😢 Love all 5 songs listed today. Cabo Wabo. Hagar fun at it's best! 5150 -- police term for criminally insane. Which is what we all are at some point. A fave VH tune of mine is Runaround. But there are so many great VH tunes with both Sammy and Dave. Thanks Professor! Keep on Wabo-in. 😅

[@ProfessorofRock]

So sad. Great artist. Legend.

[@RBS_]

"...5150 -- police term for criminally insane...which, is what we all are at some point....." ....ya know me ALL too well, don'cha, Rog!?? ...ha-HAA!!

[@rogerdeahl9629]

@@RBS_ 🤣🤣🤣😳

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I always wondered what 5150 symbolized. It’s a very interesting tidbit.

[@hbofbyu1]

The Sammy Hagar era seemed to have more traditional song construction with better lyrics. But with David Lee Roth they were the show - like a teenager with the whole world as a possibility and breaking new ground.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I think that's a good explanation.

[@RBS_]

...'tis true.....Diamond Dave was the show-Pony, but Sammy made them a BAND..... David was the "College" Years, Sammy was the "1st Good Job w/ benefits" era.....

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

DLR wanted everyone to give him some show!

[@thomaswallace7337]

Sammy took them to the next level. Roth would have been happy singing broadway tunes.

[@dyer2cycle]

@@RBS_ DLR era was literally my late middle school/high school years...I graduated in 1984...the Sammy era was my coming of age and young adult years...since I was a late bloomer and enjoyed my young adult years more than my high school years, I guess it isn't any surprise that my favorite version of VH was the Sammy years..well, there are other reasons, too, but really, I do like all versions of VH that has EVH in it...even the (gasp) VH III to some extent....

[@robster7316]

There'll never be another like King Edward. A master of self expression on the guitar and one of many musical giants we have lost in recent years. (This year isn't starting out any better, either). Fortunately, we can continue to marvel at their talents long after they're gone. Thanks, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hey Robster! Have a great Tuesday!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We will never forget this guitar virtuoso.

[@dyer2cycle]

"This Year isn't starting out any better"...well, unfortunately, every year is going to get progressively worse, I fear.."time marches on".. :(

[@tysondog843]

"A master of self expression on the guitar" is a perfect way to put it, but many don't realize his tonality, rhythm and melodic Mastery was the key to the sound, and the Hardest to replicate. He was 2nd to none in that regard.

[@robster7316]

@@tysondog843 Absolutely! Great points. Eddie really had it all.

[@DC8091]

Bottoms Up will always be my fav VH song!!! (Take your Whiskey Home not far behind)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great songs!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Both rock.

[@talbotdarren]

My hidden gem pick for Van Halen is "Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do" from the very underrated Balance album. The guitar riff is mesmerizing and the vocals are top notch.

[@brentc6595]

Awesome song!!

[@dyer2cycle]

Me, too!! I thought I would be the only person to mention that song!..most guys will mention one of the songs with DLR screeching in it...

[@sleddheadxp800r]

Feelin is probably best song on balance

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Fun song!

[@saltpeter7429]

Great tune. And HUMANS BEING from the Twister motion picture soundtrack was a delicious offering from that era.

[@liquidmagma]

Hang 'em High is criminally underrated guitar work from Eddie. Speed and rhythm unparalleled.

[@tshouse2782]

LOVE that song!

[@jmelvin901]

Hard to pick a single gem when every single song in the library means something to you, but for me it has always been "In a Simple Rhyme" off of Women and Children First. This song showcases all the talents of every member of the band. Starts off as a sweet ballard (before power ballards even existed) and transforms into classic VH rock.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Ballard is a type of firearm rifling.

[@dyer2cycle]

"Ballard"? I think you mean "Ballad"...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What’s a “ballard”? Oh man, I am dying over here. Smited. Smote. Slain. 😝

[@jmelvin901]

My bad. Meant ballad.

[@Krullmatic]

Love Take Your Whiskey Home! That Eddie groove is just phenomenal!

[@chrisallen8301]

Summer Nights from 5150 is one of my “turn up to 11” favorites. Unchained is another one that I love. There are so many to choose. Best American rock band ever.

[@jimbingham9329]

Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) has always been a favorite of mine from the DLR days. Cabo Wabo or Poundcake from the Sammy era.

[@DC8091]

Imagine if Randy Rhodes lived, he & EVH would of had an unimaginable competition for “#1” for decades, pushing each other to create unimaginable guitar excellence

[@ProfessorofRock]

No joke!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He would definitely be feeling the noize.

[@PaulSteinmayer]

My favorite five from VH: 5. I'll Wait from 1984; 4. Right Now from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge; 3. Jamie's Cryin' from Van Halen; 2. You're No Good from VHII; and my #1. Outta Love Again from VHII - in my opinion, the most underrated Van Halen track of all time!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good list!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ll Wait is a treasure.

[@michaelhawkes5110]

Love I’ll Wait! Co- written by Michael McDonald!!!

[@chestrockwell8328]

Anyone else get goose bumps after each time Adam announced the featured song title? What a blessing to have grown up with VH, to have seen them in concert several times and with all three lead singers (yep, there was a brief third). And to have a Cabo Wabo vacation to Sammy's place, going there definitely brings the lyrics to life.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I need to travel to Cabo Wabo!

[@mattwarbuckle]

5150 is one of my favorite songs of all time. Gives me chills every time! So glad you brought it up!

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks Matt!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a great song.

[@dyer2cycle]

Yes, it's great...and I think "The Inside" from 5150 is a great often overlooked song...I think it epitomizes the chemistry between Eddie and Sammy at the time, really, it's what the song is about...kick ass guitar riff and killer vocals from the Red Rocker on that one...

[@dyer2cycle]

@Sub if you are against antifa and BLM If you think it is "Lite", you need to give the albums a deeper listen and not just focus on the "singles"..F.U.C.K. and Balance in particular have a lot of material that is anything but "Lite"...

[@bradcsuka5054]

Fair Warning IS the hidden gem of the VH catalog. Yes, VH1 was the seminal album (and one of the best debut albums of all time) but Fair Warning was VH at its most creative, grittiest and unfiltered. Simply an amazing album from start to finish.

[@jerryoxley1827]

I love this band to this day. It doesn't matter who sings, it doesn't matter who does the writing. They were phenomenal from beginning to end. My five: 5150, Humans Being, Panama, Mean Street, and Blood and Fire. There are so many more I could list here. I miss Eddie so much to this day.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They have so many! They’re like the Beatles: classic band we couldn’t survive without.

[@jgauthier3275]

That's like asking which child I love more... I LOVE OF OF THEM!

[@halweiss8671]

I was always able to pick which child I loved more. The really sad thing is that it wasn’t even one of my own children. (Kidding, of course.)

[@ChristinaT5150]

So true, too hard to choose just one!

[@GLHS592]

Great choices. Here are a few I think are hidden gems: Romeo Delight Outta Love Again Push Comes to Shove Hang 'Em High Big Bad Bill (world's greatest rock clarinet solo) Girl Gone Bad House of Pain The Dream is Over Spanked

[@reprintranch]

FINALLY somebody mentions "Girl Gone Bad." Thank you. Arguably the most epic VH track out of the entire catalog, and that's saying a lot.

[@YYZ1166]

It's been a long time since I've heard Little Guitars. Proof of Eddie's brilliance.

[@edzeljereza8234]

Word. Diver Down was such an underrated VH record.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The song is definitely known for its guitars.

[@coinraker6497]

I still like Montrose better than I ever liked Van Hagar.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Both great for their own reasons.

[@coinraker6497]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 never liked Van Hagar.....for my own reasons. 😉

[@JTrsqdiver]

My 5er Gem list for =\//-/= is: 1. Dance The Night Away 2. Hear About It Later 3. Drop Dead Legs 4. Sucker In A 3 Piece 5. Aftershock Van Halen is my absolute favorite band. Musically, nobody else comes close. EVH’s creativity & innovation is phenomenal. They’ve had 3 singers & I can honestly say that I enjoy every “version” of the band. Each version brought something unique & new to their catalog. Dave had the stage performance, Sammy had the voice, and Gary had the songwriting. Mikey’s bass & harmonizing background vocals gave the band a strong core. Alex’s drums paired perfectly w/ Eddie and provided a rhythm that was unmistakably his own. Wolf brought back & resurrected the band, and because of his efforts we got 2 more albums from the band (studio & live). I would also like to tack on an additional bonus track to my list: *6. “Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)” … from Diver Down, because this track go back in time to the “Big Band” era of the 30s & 40s & also features Eddie’s & Alex’s Dad playing the clarinet.

[@markgoodwin5074]

I've always thought Van Halen 2 was under appreciated. There are some really great songs on that album. Light up the Sky, Women in Love, Beautiful Girls all rock.

[@edryba4867]

The cold ending on “Beautiful Girls” made it LOTS of fun for radio guys like me! And you could always tell if the guy on the air was really good when the kiss sound effect on the end would get turned WAY up by the jock so you could hear it over the first couple of notes of the next song! That’s artistry on the equipment!

[@jennyjenny4501]

EVH is the standard by which other guitar players are measured. He was a true prodigy! RIP Gordon Lightfoot.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen to both...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We are losing our HEROES. I still can’t get over losing Harry Belafonte last week. Ugh…dammit 2023!

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Gordon Lightfoot died yesterday.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@DDKaraokeOutlaw Right!

[@scottburton9701]

Sammy Hagar is incrediblly talented-He's about to embark on a fairly extensive tour.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Tears for Fears is also having a concert like right next to where I live in a few months. 😊

[@Gerisheng]

I'm glad you picked 5150. I've really fallen back in love with this song recently. I just can't get enough of the whole (chorus? Pre-chorus?) part that starts "Always one more, you're never satisfied..." And yes, great drums on this song!

[@thefiercesiren]

Diamond Dave took off his shirt and threw it at this teen girl who was standing in the front row back around 1980. My mom threw it out (ouch). My frontest ftont row concert ever until Willie Nelson just a few years ago. Willie threw out his bandana and I caught it. Mom is still around and defnitely not throwing that out :)

[@robertdupuy7995]

I split both eras. My Dave 5 is Out of love again Little dreamer Take your whisky home Push comes to shove. The solo is his best Drop dead legs the tone on that is the holy grail Sammy 5150 Mine all mine the vocal harmonies are other worldly The dream is over had so many great elements the intro riff the solo Amsterdam that riff is just nasty goodness Take me back it felt like the direction they might have continued in. And we never got to sample it.

[@ericstelzman5190]

Anybody here want to see a colab with Extra History on The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Is that another channel?

[@ericstelzman5190]

@@ProfessorofRock Yes, it's part of Extra Credits.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’d love to see POR do “If You Could Read My Mind.” R.I.P. Gordon.

[@jeffandrewstv]

Not sure “hidden”, But it wasn’t a single. “Drop dead legs”. Guitar work is indescribable

[@jason698]

Eddie Van Halen's solo on the song 5150 live from Tokyo Japan 89' is absolutely killer

[@timw4369]

van halen always sounded best as a semi garage band that just jams. When they went to keyboards and mellow sounds that was the end. Sorry sammy it was too polished for me. Van Halen was always best as a hard drums and blazing guitars the rest just sounded way to polished

[@ronsorage78]

I don't get why people fight over which is better. Why not have THE....BEST....OF....BOTH.....WOOOORLDS. 😆

[@michaelrochester48]

Professor I hope you will do a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot probably one of the top five Canadian musicians of all time

[@michaelsingletary4526]

RIP GL. Hey Sammy you awake, WTF Eddie what you want

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

😆

[@liquidmagma]

Sounds like the beginning of Dream Another Dream. "Psst, hey man, wake up..."

[@Doadab13]

I’m a 70s 80s rocker. Sammy was my first concert. When he joined van hallen, I was in heaven.

[@mjb12141963]

It's got to be Panama for me. The year 1984 to me was the best year of music.

[@mazterford]

All of them..its the soundtrack of my life…

[@paulrindahl2500]

Holy Sh*t!! You hit them all. EXCELLENT LIST

[@RC32Smiths01]

Sometimes, an idea for a great song comes at the most random of times, that you can't help but get to it even when you should be sleeping haha! Cheers as always

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Always a pleasure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It can be so cheesy we wouldn’t even know it! 😆

[@randycruel]

5. In Simple Rhyme 4. Mine All Mine 3. Girl Gone Bad 2. The Dream is Over 1. 5150

[@ColtraneTaylor]

You have 3 of my faves there, 421.

[@daves6710]

Love the list! Personally, I would swap Mean Streets out for Drop Dead Legs. Still to this day I can’t get enough of that riff. A riff that no one could make sound like Eddie could. For me, Drop Dead Legs is the exclamation point on VH with DLR.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good stuff.

[@justinbrundage689]

Five tasty deep cuts: Dirty Movies (Fair Warning), Girl Gone Bad (1984), The Full Bug (Diver Down), Light Up The Sky (VHII), I’m The One (VH).

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Drop Dead Legs? 🔥

[@daves6710]

Drop Dead Legs off 1984

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Roth begat Sammy

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

💯

[@mikepalmer1971]

How this channel does not have a million subs is beyond me.

[@felixramirez6898]

God keep blessing You , Brother .

[@teresawestervelt908]

Loved Sammy as the solo Red Rocker, “Your Love is Driving Me Crazy,” still love that song. When he joined VH is when I became a fan. DLR was just too much for me to tolerate with his attitude and flamboyance, but he definitely could sing. I always need to cherry pick songs containing DLR where I liked everything when Sammy joined.

[@happy_jcg]

THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING LITTLE GUITARS!!! It is one of if not my favorite Van Halen tune. It just hits me every time I hear it!!!

[@captainwhoopass]

Runnin' with the Devil will always be close to the top of my list. But, in addition to it, I Black and Blue and Drop Dead Legs rank very high when I think about how great the band performed on a single song.

[@paulwalsh2344]

Runnin' With the Devil" and , "Jump" are my favorites , but... "Drop Dead Legs", "I'll Wait" and "Top Jimmy" are up there with "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "Panama", "Pretty Woman", "You Really Got Me", "Jamie's Cryin'", "The Cradle Will Rock", "Why Can't This Be Love", "Right Now" IMHO...

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Sucker In A 3 Piece - OU812 Crossing Over -Balance (B-side) Judgement Day - Carnal Knowledge Good Enough - 5150 Little Guitars - Diver Down On Fire - debut Fools - W.A.C.F. Dirty Movies - Fair Warning Girl Gone Bad - 1984 Bottoms Up - VH 2 China Town - A.D.K.O.T. Ballot Or The Bullet- 3(Fight Me!) 😄

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

I can't pick just one, so here's my Hagar fiver: 1. Aftershock/Feelin' (tie) from Balance; 2. 5150 from the album of the same name; 3. Mine All Mine from OU812, provided it's live or the bass is boosted a bit; 4. Judgement Day from F.U.C.K.; and 5. Learning to See off of Best of Both Worlds.

[@tayloriginals999]

Little Guitars has always been one of my favorite Van Halen songs.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Mine too. It’s awesome.

[@philking6444]

If I had to pick 5 and this is tough so I will pick 5 from each era. Starting with Dave, 5 I'll wait, 1984. 4 Big Bad Bill(is Sweet William Now) featuring Jan Van Halen. Diver Down 3 Everybody Wants Some, Women and Children First. 2 Your No Good, Van Halen 2. #1 Eruption, Van Halen. Now Sammy's. 5 From the Inside, 5150. 4 Mine All Mine, OU812. 3 Seventh Seal, Balance. 2 Black and Blue, OU812. #1 316 Live, Right here Right now. Boy that was a tough one.

[@stephenhobbs4753]

Back in the mid-eighties when I was 17 to 18, all the DLR AND Sammy's solo stuff was practically glued inside my jam box, with little deviation... Great times with great music...

[@jeffclark6988]

Got married in a small old church. Brought a small 200w pa and played classic rock tunes of our fav bands...after wife n i said i do we walked out of the church to "I'm the one" cranked as a buddy of mine rang the big church bell like he wanted the whole city to know we got married...lotsa friends said was coolest wedding ever! Good time🍻😂👍 Still in love and still crankin VH!

[@boboneill4828]

5-Romeo Delight off Women & Children. I know the law friend! 4-Push Comes to Shove off Fair Warning. Just sitting around ‘anything in that bottle?’ This is one of those nights feeling down ‘it’s been 40 days and 40 nights since someone used my first name’ just felt very human. 3-Can’t Get This Stuff No More from Best of Volume 1. Welcome back classic DLR…’got me a date with a supermodel I know I know I figured f**k it’ part of why I dig it is because I thought it meant DLR was back! 2-I’m The One from Van Halen. Brash and smokin ‘we came here to entertain you leaving here we aggravate you, don’t you know it means the same to me’ lol! 1.Fools from Women and Children. Starts off DLR wailing ‘oooh oooh’ then chunk chunk chunk the fuse is lit and Eddie erupts! 6 minutes of a wide range of perfection! ‘Why behave in public if you’re living on the playground’ Why indeed! That’s my top 5 hidden gems!

[@lizardskinard3485]

#3 - Diver Down. #2 - Women & Children First. #1 - Fair Warning. Sammy had some great contributions to the sound.... I'm old school I guess....

[@dyer2cycle]

..I'm happy to see a copy of Survivor's "Eye Of The Tiger" album there in the background..there was so much more to this record than just the title track.."Children Of The Night", "Ever Since The World Began" , "I'm Not That Man Anymore" are standouts...and IMHO, the next album, while not a big seller, was even better, "Caught In The Game" album...the title track is great, has a great riff, plus "Slander", "Jackie Don't Go", "Ready For The Real Thing", and "Half Life" are great tracks, plus, the real gem on the album, and IMHO, Survivor's "Santa Anna Winds"..give this epic track a listen, it's got it all..awesome guitar riffs, great piano work, great lyrics, great drum work, and awesome vocals. I wish the Professor Of Rock would do a segment on Survivor, they were an extremely talented group of musicians, in both their Dave Bickler and Jimi Jamison fronted versions. I think their earlier work is particularly great, very underrated, underappreciated band unfortunately only known for 3 or 4 hits..they were so much more than that. Anyone doubting Dave Bickler's vocal prowess should give "Nothing Can Shake Me From Your Love" from their debut album "Survivor" a listen...

[@thestrum71]

Just a few weeks ago I made our 10-year old twins listen to Eruption. They know about guitars. I play live for 35 years. One of them asked me 'dad what is this??' I answered ' this is Eddie from Van Halen' He answered me back: 'No, it's Van Alien' completely blown away....

[@jagsnumberone88]

I always found it interesting that Fair Warning is the least commercially successful album, but it often comes in first or second in polls with Van Halen fans of their favorite album (with the first one). Unchained, Mean Streets, So This is Love?, Hear About it Later, Push comes to shove, etc. Of course, I probably could do such a list for every VH album (both eras). The song 5150 (specifically, the live version from Live Without a Net DVD) is in my top 2 songs of VH (with Unchained). It's hard to call any VH song a hidden gem, because as fans we know every song as if it was a top ten hit/lol.

[@seansherrod8725]

When it comes down to the two different eras of The Mighty Van Halen it’s ALL about the “L” words… The Sammy years gave them “Longevity” But it was the DLR years that made them “Legendary”!!! That’s REAL TALK from Sean Sherrod a DIE HARD fan since 1979!!!

[@tysondog843]

Well there's going to be Many different '5 hidden gems', as there So much to choose from, and such a range of sounds, years and 3 singers... For me, 1/ Take your whiskey home. And for the same reasons you said. 2/ Romeo Delight. Dave showing off vocally, Tapping harmonics in the intro, 70's metal vibe with volume swells to add texture, a crazy sonic solo, then the after solo grove... 3/ Drop Dead Legs. What a Riff, just Eddie showing up everyone with rhythm mastery. Then the Solo to end, sounding like a story all of it's own. 4/ Summer Nights. Sammy showing range, feeling and keeping it cheeky. Eddie showing off in the intro, then a rhythm groove that you can't sit still through. Mike showing off why he is the Man when it comes to backing singing. 5/ A.F.U. (Naturally Wired). Eddie producing another Killer intro, killer grooving rhythm and Sammy's screams "Wired" get your hair standing up. On a different day, there's at least another 10 VH songs that might slip in and out of this list... Hands down My favorite Band.

[@NickFromDetroit]

Unchained & So This Is Love tied for my favorite VH song. With Everybody Wants Some right behind. Who can not tap their foot and swing their hips to those songs? Fourth would be their version of You Really Got Me. And fifth would be Hot For Teacher, mostly for Eddies’ solo. Honorable mentions: Beautiful Girls for the best example of Diamond Dave’s vocals. Bottoms Up is just a fun song.

[@shagrabs]

Wow, great fiver. I would almost every track you mentioned. I would put D. O. A from VH 2 So this is love? Fair Warning Ice cream man VH 1 Everybody want some, women and children 1st Apolitical blues. Ou812

[@CUtigerz97]

Great list of under acknowledged VH songs. Mean St is one of my fav VH albums. Hard rockin gut punching rock!. I think I'd have to drop Cabo and put in The Full Bug. That song would get Christopher Reeve tapping his toe! My 16yo is a huge VH fan! Wears his VH shirt proudly to school. Glad I could pass the torch. Waiting to tell my grandkids about Eddie Van Halen! I was 13 when 1894 came out. Reinforcing his status as a guitar god. Nobody has dethroned him yet! RIP Eddie!

[@Another_Broke_Musician]

I've seen a lot of great songs on others people's lists but several got/get a lot of radio play here. So my list is songs that didn't get on the airwaves in Memphis. Hey Professor. Five is too small for VH. In A Simple Rhyme Dirty Movies When Push Comes to Shove Big Bad Bill Is Sweet William Now Little Dreamer And why not - my favorite covers of VH tunes Light Up the Sky - Dug Pinnick, Yngwie Malmsteen, Billy Sheehan & Vinne Colaiuta (I'd never heard him ROCK like this!) I like this verson more than the original Loss of Control - Mr. Bungle

[@KimoVegas]

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a bad VH song, This includes Humans Being from the TWISTER soundtrack and even when Gary Cherone sang Fire In The Hole with VH for the LETHAL WEAPON franchise AND on VHIII.

[@ericingram7864]

As a kid (born in 73) I didn't get exposed to VH until we got Mtv, and the first VH I heard was Jump. I bought 1984 in the summer of 85 with lawn mowing money. And then in no time 5150 came out. I was hooked. I had to discover the back catalog later, but grew up on 5150 and OU812, so for me, there are 2 VH's. I like one and love the other. I've said it a million times, DLR was a great showman, but his voice was mediocre at best. Hagar was and still is 10x the vocalist. There is not a Roth era album I can listen to front to back, many many singles that jam, but 5150 and OU812 are complete albums for me.

[@konaono]

1. I was working at Charro's restaurant in Haena Kauai when I first heard "Running with the Devil" 2. Sammy was becoming a neighborhood icon in the Inland Empire California. 3. My childhood acquaintance (loved my home grown) Jim Darby (Wild Side) recorded the debut album at Eddies 5150 studio and actually lived with Ed and Valery's and told me how Ed would even wear his guitar at the dinner table. Andy Johns engineering (The Who ... Led Zeppelin ... Wild Side) 3. I left my life in Hawaii at the opportunity to be on the Van Halen tour with Wild Side the opening act. The famous Andy Johns alcohol problem delayed the Wild Side release missing out on supporting VH. 4. My father was the lead architect for San Bernardino California and the designer of the structures that was the "US Festival" that headlined Van Halen. 5. Still waiting for # 5 to happen! 😊 However the US Festival is considered by many of the performing artists to be the best venues ever!

[@edwardcowardin4014]

I talked with Sammy on Maui few months after I saw Van Halen on Oahu Hawaii. They did 3 shows. Sammy asked me which show I saw. I said the last one. He said he thought it was the best. I said I sure enjoyed it. Talking with Sammy was like talking with a friend I'd known for years. He was so down to earth. I said I listened to him with Montrose and mentioned the song Bad Moater Scooter and Sammy said that was the first song he ever wrote. Talking with Sammy is like talking with an old friend. Love the RED ROCKER!!! ALOHA BROTHER!!!!!!

[@dyer2cycle]

Me, (1): "Right Now"..(2):"Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do"...(3): too many candidates to pick just one...

[@dagazkenaz]

5. The Full Bug 4. Source of Infection 3. Hang 'em High 2. 5150 1. Drop Dead Legs I've never found a stereo system that can play Drop Dead Legs loud enough.

[@wishingb5859]

Pleasantly surprised with your list of 5. To me, that means you are a fan of the band. I think most of the masses would say: Jump, Panama, Dance The Night Away, Why Can't This Be Love, and Hot For Teacher

[@paulasusan63]

I love your choices!😊

[@tahoemike5828]

Ice Cream Man. Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) And The Cradle Will Rock Everybody Wants Some I'm The One Ain't Talkin' Bout Love I love Sammy solo, and with Montrose, and I like the Van Hagar stuff, but with VH; I am team Dave all day.

[@CoondawgPD]

Once Eruption hit we all sat around on every album saying 1 thing…..”How is he playing that!”. I always wished Eddie would have done a blues album. Listen to Eddie picking around when DLR popped himself in the face in the late night street concert for Jimmy Fallon. Incredible, amazing licks. Gotta say Unchained is my fave though

[@kellysmith2303]

Hers my 5: 5. I’m On Fire 4. All Fired Up. 3. Cabo Wabo. Tie for #1: Unchained & Full Bug. I could listen to only these 5 songs for the rest of my life and be a happy camper! RIP EVH

[@aprilrich807]

I’ve been a VH fan forever. While DLR was fine to listen to, I just couldn’t take seeing and watching him. The Sammy era, however was/is completely intoxicating for me. All that being said, I have no words to express how much I miss Eddie.

[@akfreed6949]

Any song from Edward's favorite album , FAIR WARNING . That's when Van Halen became more than just some cover-tune band .

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

I Love your fiver Adam! So many people always pick the same old songs but your list is one of a true fan. I always, always loved Little Guitars for how fun it was. It made me happy. I loved Diver Down and that song was one of the main reasons. It and Women and Children First as well as Fair Warning were the Van Halen albums I listened to the most. Take your Whiskey Home is an all time favorite and for the reasons you described. DLR at his best. Mean Streets is electric mayhem. I love it. I would have to add Dirty Movies to the fiver and probably nudge out Cabo Wabo. But I would keep 5150. That song even more than Dreams and Best of Both Worlds and Summer Nights had me jumping up on my bed and air guitaring and air drumming. Pure Joy!

[@classicreaction5340]

My favorite hidden gem from VH would be "Secrets" from the Diver Down album. Very unique, laid back, blues tune with a really chilled vibe to it. It's very different from most VH songs from the era. I hated it when i was a teenager, but now that I'm knocking on 50's door I totally love it.

[@greghornbacher8079]

"5150" and "OU812" is my all-time favorite VanHagar albums 'Dreams' a great song. 'Unchained' good tune Roth era. too many good VH songs to choose from.

[@danielwolski873]

Mean Street is one of their best, totally agree.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Daniel!

[@robertcook792]

Very good choices for hidden gems here. A couple that I like are VH 2 Women in love. The intro on this song is unbelievable,unteachable,something outta this world kinda like a UFO. And Diver Down, Hangem hi, Man these songs were such a gift, and we have them for eternity! Thanks Eddie for sharing your gift. Rest easy!

[@AntonXul]

For me it’s “Atomic Punk” from their 1st album. It has become my favorite Van Halen song followed by your # 1 on this video, “Means Streets”. Those 2 songs are bad ass and just rock!

[@saltpeter7429]

Light up the Sky .Or D.O.A . On VH II, that's for sure my favorite of their albums. And to think Dimebag Darrell would be burried with that black and yellow frankenstrat from the backside of the record. A bittersweet validation and recognition. Those guys will be hero's for all time.

[@averyce2]

My "not so" hidden gems during the Van Hagar era are 5150 & Finish What You Started. My "not so" hidden gems during the DRL era are Love in a Simple Rhyme, Secrets, & Girl Gone Bad.

[@scottlowell493]

I hate Van Halen gate keepers. DLR! NO! Sammy! I like both eras for different reasons. Saw them live in both eras. To be honest, the show I saw with Sammy (live without a net) was better than the 1984 performance when DLR left out all kinds of signature parts live. DLR phoned in his parts. Sammy nailed everything. He left nothing out. Meanwhile, I have no problem blasting either era of Van Halen from my sound systems.

[@rickd-guitar]

My five: Dreams, Drop Dead Legs, I'm the One, Runaround, Everybody wants some. That's tonight. Tomorrow it will change.

[@mjcs6399]

I loved DLR VH when I was young. I liked Van Hagar, but significantly less. Being a musician, I moved on to listening to a lot of other stuff, progressive, jazz fusion, heavier metal and so on. I loved that stuff too and still listen to it, but as I get older, I find my cycling back to VH, and what I've concluded having gone through this epic musical journey is that all music makes contributions, but VH is as a band and EVH is as a guitarist, hands down the COOLest ever. Just an amazing sound, signature and singular. Others were louder, faster, more technical, more progressive, whatever, but none match the unique artistry, in this regard, of Van Halen.

[@RodZZilla]

I worked in a bar during college in the mid to late 1980's. We hadn't upgraded to CD's yet. Still had mix tapes. I made one that started with Cabo Wabo. Titled the tape Don't Draw The Line, Cause I Can't Walk It. This was a few years after my Glug Glug Vroom Vroom award from the local law enforcement.

[@edryba4867]

I’ve always thought OU812 was missing a few characters. Someone in California has a license plate that’s even better - “OICU812”!

[@lewiscrow]

In no particular order, my hidden gems 5 would be You're No Good, Happy Trails, Intruder, Push Comes to Shove, and Mean Streets.