Van Halen Story: The Early Years (2003) | Full Movie

[@RocknRollAddicts]

Man, what a time it must have been to hear these guys for the first time. My dad still owns most of their early albums on vinyl and we still listen to them to this day. Van Halen forever!

[@fred4033]

It was wicked. Dude, did we get in trouble in those days.

[@RocknRollAddicts]

@@fred4033 I bet! Just seems like things were different back in those days, in a very good way

[@damone70]

​@@RocknRollAddicts What, are you a zoomer? Lol

[@RocknRollAddicts]

@Conway Twitter True, I just mean that it had to have been very cool to hear them for the first time. There was nothing like them when they first came out and there never was again.

[@Texasbluestunes]

It was sick! I was just a kid when they first came out, I’m 50 and never get tired of hearing or covering Van Halen

[@joeflanagan1603]

The soundtrack of my youth. Rest well, the mighty Van Halen....

[@michaelroecker4315]

Sounds of mine 2 Joe.....There will never be another time or tunes 2 equal what the fuck WE had.

[@joeflanagan1603]

Absolutely, my Friend!!!

[@thejoseyscottrocks]

Okay

[@jamesvicker65]

The vh simbol was drawn on my book cover and spay painted on rhe overpass. They had so much energy to share

[@lacypittman970]

Good Group

[@companyemail7631]

My high school years would have never been the same without van halen. 🐐

[@michaelshuey9670]

I drew the VH symbol on everything!

[@stevenmatthewdesimas5978]

@@michaelshuey9670 Hell Ya !!!!

[@MrOccyc]

That’s the straight church yo

[@raiderrich8355]

Same here..saw them live like 5 times while in high school

[@davidoverstreet2875]

Same here brother. Class of 84. Those years, and the marijuana, was the best. Not to mention the alcohol, mushrooms, and cocaine.

[@mrsx7944]

So happy I was old enough to live through the golden era of MTV. Entire generations got to experience the same things all at once. All you had then was MTV, and radio stations. And there was great music coming out all the time from EVERY genre. This younger generation will never know that kind of cohesiveness.

[@custosnocte1528]

100% ! We WERE the collective GEN-X. This Gen now is individual, everybody doing their own thing online and devices, not that they are bad, just different. WE experienced the magic together. I love the way you wrote that. thanks. Was there with you. Best times were ours and will not return.

[@daniels2368]

Im 31, and got lucky to live on the edge of it all, but still pissed I wasn't there in the 80s, with my temperament and such i definitely Belonged and would have thrived harder... but oh well! New things can always happen. I just hate technology and what it's done too music and enjoyment...

[@custosnocte1528]

Too many individual options anymore. Too many people all doing their own thing, like you said. Same with movies. It was better to go with your date / spouse, or friends to the pictures and experience it collectively. This is what's wrong with the world today. This is why America is polarized and we watch it get worse every year. No one knows anyone these days. Collective Heart and Collective Soul is what we need.

[@glenchadwick420]

@@daniels2368 I'm 60 y/o and I agree. This generation will never get to experience that chill that ran through our bodies when the stadium lights went out at the beginning of the show and the first guitar note strung. The screams of anticipation of knowing how lucky you were to be at that place that very moment. The rhythm of the magical live drums being played. The real voice of the band, not a voice put through a filtering device to enhance it. Seeing the lead guitarist hit every note that's on the record..We were so fortunate to experience this in our 80's concerts. Concerts I saw were Van Halen, 38 Special, Kiss, Arero Smith. I remember them like yesterday and when I need a pick me up in life I reach for a CD of these concerts and my mind takes me back to that thrill and goosebumps that formed all through me all over again. I have never stirred away from 80's rock. It's still the best music till this day that I ever heard. Today's generation thinking is so messed up that they think destroying everything is what concerts are supposed to be. Concerts are no longer where you introduce yourselves to everyone seated around you and become friends and have one huge party amongst your group. Then get their info and stay in touch hoping to see them again at another upcoming concert.

[@daniels2368]

@@custosnocte1528 for sure brotha..

[@davidoverstreet6900]

I distinctly remember the first 4 songs that were debut in early 1978 as a twelve-year-old, especially Jamie's Crying, Running with the Devil and Ice Cream Man. I clearly remember listening to Ice Cream Man when it first debuted, and thinking "What a great intro!", and how the band just jumped in and kicked ass, and I also love the way the song ended. I also remember Eruption. I also remember hearing the release of the single Jump, in January of 1984 for the first time in Navy boot camp in Orlando, Florida, before the official release on the 1984 album.

[@KevMac58]

The Original Van Halen will always be my favorite Rock band ever. I was very Fortunate to witness them live in 1979 and will never forget that show!!! Thanks David, Alex, Michael and Eddie.

[@andyrigby5010]

I saw them live in 1978 in Manchester, UK, supporting Sabbath on the Never Say Die tour, they blew Sabbath off the stage!! I still have the bootleg of VH at that gig!

[@KevMac58]

@@andyrigby5010 that's awesome Andy. What a great band and the kids today have no idea what a great time it was to be alive and be a kid then.

[@andyrigby5010]

@@KevMac58 absolutely mate :)

[@buddywilliams5650]

@@KevMac58 I'm 36 what choice did we have? None.. if I could have been 20 in 1975 I would do it. But, that's life. I don't and won't listen to today's gag me music.

[@KevMac58]

@@buddywilliams5650 That's why I'm so happy I grew up with all of the great music people.I was 10 in 1976. i hitchhiked to the van halen show when I was 14 years old with my best friend 25 miles away and we had a great time. Hope your day is good. Take care

[@williamblair9597]

These guys did it the way everyone else wishes they could have done it.

[@massapower]

EXACTLY!!!😎👍🏻

[@ladyrose3285]

And Gene Simmons, Bill Acoin were wrong that Van Halen would not be a success.

[@candacehandyside-qb3oi]

I’ll never forget hearing their first album for the first time! Awesome!! Van Halen will always be incredible.

[@merriemisfit8406]

Unlike any other rock band of the time, Van Halen to me was the light shining at the end of the excruciating dark-days-of-disco tunnel.

[@chrisdicarlo9825]

Every time I watch concert footage of Roth era Van Halen, I say to myself “their could not have been a better, more fun place to be on earth, than at that show, at that time”! Good Lord they were great!!

[@calvincooley1074]

My 1st concert VH 84 ar the HARA ARENA Dayton, Ohio. I was 15 amd I couldn't agree more!

[@annablu]

I’m 48 but wish I could have witnessed them way back in the beginning. Thanks for sharing

[@markrosenquist8259]

Van Halen was always a great time! Saw them with Dave 3 times and once with Sammy. Sammy was good but didnt compare to Dave live. IMO

[@annablu]

@@markrosenquist8259 i agree Mark I was not fortunate to see them with David Lee Roth but it was still a performance I would have loved to see them in the days David would do his “ moves “ n what not . Take care !

[@markrosenquist8259]

@@annablu Thanks Anna! You too

[@haroldfadorka3816]

Watching the early beginnings of Van Halen is moving. Alex clearly has a profound love for his late brother Edward. I feel sorry for Alex having lost his dear brother. Since the loss of Ed, we are now seeing and hearing more of Wolfgang. It turns out he's a well rounded musician and an excellent singer. What I admire most is he speaks his mind very effectively and he sure doesn't suffer fools.

[@silverspringsifayefaye866]

I agree. My heart breaks for Alex. WVH has grown into an amazing young man. Very gifted musician and speaks his truth. I’m sure Ed is very, very proud of him 🎸 ❤️

[@BruceStephan]

Sammy Hagar accused him and Edward about only being about the money . Al pulled out of a tribute to his brother once Sam tried to get involved and now look who's selling out to Edward's legacy ? Sam and Mike .

[@Errcyco]

What Eddy did to Michael Anthony… TWICE, was unforgivable. What made it worse was Mikey went with it both times cause he loved the fans. Eddy forced him to sign over all his rights to the band to tour.. then when he signed it he fires him. Then hires his fat kid. The fans obviously didn’t respond well.

[@BeeUndercover]

1979...my first overseas vacation from Holland to Los Angeles, where I was introduced to the music of Van Halen. They really got me! ^_^

[@strangequark420]

1984 was my first concert. My 15th birthday in February. My mother gave me the ticket as my gift. I will never forget it. The bourbon, Eddie's solo, the bass ... the best.

[@MrPERPS]

Holy sh1t,,,that is ridiculous,,,shut up

[@MrLaurak12]

1984was my only van Halen concert. Right up front!

[@ordinalkirk]

My first concert too! I was 16. What an introduction!

[@Errcyco]

Man.. my first concert was Korn in 1998 when I was 13. It was fun but I really wish I had a cooler first concert story. Why couldn’t I have got into a Bjork or NIN show first lol.. Korn became a parody of themselves and has made the same terrible album for twenty five years now. But their first two are so good I still tolerate them.

[@therocknrollgeezersshow6680]

We were so fortunate to live in the era of the mighty Van Halen.

[@wbrockstar9550]

I couldn't agree more therocknrollgeezersshow

[@Kykid78]

Grew up in 70’s and 80’s. Been to over 100 concerts. Van Halen was the only one where I was wasn’t 100% sure I’d get out alive.

[@UnchainedEruption]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

[@misterschubert3242]

But what a way to go, huh?

[@MrSean03839]

​@@UnchainedEruptionIt was a good thing. :)

[@antknee5556]

They were without a doubt a wild time. Saw them in '79'. Valerie Bertinelie was sitting in a chair side stage right where Eddy played. DLR jumped into the crowed and was carried around the whole front 10 rows and he ended up back on his feet on the stage. Security was going apeshit cause the kids were climbing over the wall to get to the stage. They must have had 30 security guys there right in front on the stage between the wall. Girls were taking off their shirts and throwing them. It was definitely a wild show. Ranks right up there as one of the best I've ever seen.

[@abrarahmed1888]

Saw VH in 1978 , Lewisham Odeon, London, supporting Black Sabbath. Had never heard of the band before then. After their blistering and mind blowing set Black Sabbath was an anti-climax. My friends and I looked at each other and wondered what had hit us. Even after all these years I can honestly say that was the most exciting WTF experience of my life and can never be bettered

[@anthonyamicay375]

Pllp

[@abrarahmed1888]

@@anthonyamicay375 ?

[@williamroark]

“Mean Streets”……….. then along came Valerie……… Eddie CHANGED!!!!…………… forever!!!

[@ms.sandolla1755]

Sabbath said WTF, too...

[@mikekittrell9059]

So thankful to have come up in the late 70's and through the 80's. Best era of music EVER!!!!!!!

[@frankbalazs8816]

I REMEMBER GOING TO CONCERTS FOR $14.50 HIGH ON ACID AND MY LID OF WEED!!! RED ROCK OPIUM!!! DIO VH OZZY FOGHAT !!! THE GOOD OLD DAYS!!! 70S N 80S!!! IM 56!! THESE KIDS TODAY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT FUN IS!!! LMFAO

[@wanderdworld]

I grew up trying to copy everything Ed did. I plàyed for hours and hours, took lessons for six years. I would lose my mind when a new album came out. He was so talented, so full of life. We had blowout parties where we would do an entire set of nothing but VH songs. Back in the day you had to buy teenie bopper magazines to see what these beasts were up to. First time I saw them March of 1984 in philly. I was in heaven, Greatest show ever. If you were there I believe on the forth. You remembé a drunk at the top of the steps being held by security. Yelling Van Halen. That was my buddy from Nazareth😂😂🤣 The world feels different knowing we are never getting a new Van Halen àlbum. RIP KING EDWARD, YOU ARE MISSED!!!

[@paulprinzing8306]

Thank you elderly Van Halen and David Lee Roth and Theo von and all the music producers out there that help the bands maintain a steady workload for the future thank you very much my name is Paul prinsing and AKA Paradise Paul I'd appreciate a post

[@paulprinzing8306]

0p this is Paul Murray printing AKA Paradise Paul and your music Van Halen is the tops I grew up in those times myself and Huntington Beach

[@paulprinzing8306]

All right cream p always did I follow you in your music for a long time I'm 56 right now and I feel like I'm just 18 when I hear the music played I hope we never lose the music what it means to us and how it affects us in our lives I'd like to say for a start I play guitar and I like to get permission to play your music please reply

[@seangrexa4707]

That was my first show (VH Philly Spectrum) 1984! I had confirmation that night and wore my VH shirt under my gown! Off to the show asap! I remember rumors that parts of the Panama video was filmed that night? Peace!

[@Twobarpsi]

Are you close to ABE?

[@davidoverstreet2875]

They came out of nowhere, took the rock and roll World by storm, and ruled it from 1978 until 1984. Period. I distinctly remember hearing Jamie's Crying, Running With the Devil, and Ice Cream Man For the first Time In 1978 on my older brothers radio in our bedroom as an 11 year old kid. The kings of rock and roll at that time. The good looks, the charisma, the riffs, the wild life. They were the epitome of it all. Nobody could touch them on a musical or popularity level. I was in Junior and Senior High School at that time and this was one of my favorite bands, along with Ozzy Osbourne, Rush, Journey, AC DC, the Cars, Scorpions. Having said that, no one, absolutely no one, impacted the Rock and Roll mainstream like Van Halen did with their debut and successive albums, including Rock icons Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. They instantly became THE rock and roll Gods, and grandly and proudly and justly held that title for six glorious years. And I'm so blessed to have been a teenager at that time.

[@jamesvicker65]

So you must be like 56 years old. Man i miss that time. Everything wss new and fresh. Free of politics

[@popwarner8029]

@@jamesvicker65 I seen them in 1980 Fresno California. Selland Arena. 1980 Invasion Tour and they Rocked. Awesome. I was 16 Good Times

[@elinino5275]

They came out of SoCal. That's not "no where"

[@davidoverstreet2875]

@@elinino5275 I can tell you're young and naive. It's a cliche, meaning they were relatively unheard of except for locally, before they put out their first album. Before their first album, no one had heard of Van Halen nationally.

[@bryanbrennan2827]

I saw VAN HALEN AND VAN HAGAR. THE shows were awesome,i ll never forget them. I wish Eddie had gone to germany for his cancer,he d still be here.

[@barrywainwright3391]

Sammy Hager you mean

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

The ultimate rock band with the ultimate guitarist and ultimate front man.

[@bobolson7610]

Damn good memories... What great times. I loved Van Halen! Rest in peace Eddie.

[@ranman5491]

He had been resting for the last 25 years, doing nothing but pissing off all of his fans with absolutely no new music. The only thing he accomplished in the past 25 years was ruining his marriage to Valerie and letting all of his teeth rot. There will be no new music now, but at least he has an excuse. No new music, so it's just like he is still alive.

[@coldwinter5710]

@@ranman5491 OMG...This is a really messed up response! Clearly you don't know that much about Edward. How about the "hugely successful" guitar & amp company Ed started & ran (that will continue to be run by one of his best pals & son Wolfgang). All of the guitars that Ed has donated to his favorite charity, Mr. Holland's Opus, to help other kids with less means experience the instrument. Their last album, with new material, also came out in "2012". Regarding Ed's teeth, (his smoking & drinking at the time certainly didn't help) but they were permanently affected by the chemo & radiation he needed to receive to his mouth & throat areas due to his cancer diagnosis. Before bashing someone, you might want to do just a tad bit more homework on your subject.

[@jeffreydavis9794]

Daaaaaam good times!!!!!!!!!!

[@bodhi8297]

Great doc about one of the hottest acts the music industry has ever seen. RIP Eddie Van Halen

[@kelleymariejones6388]

😩😩😩😩😩

[@adamboynton7726]

RIP Edward Van Halen. You have been the soundtrack to so many peoples young lives. There is a new era of this special unique song writing and talent and his name is Wolfgang. Watch what this young man does. It will be lightening in a bottle just like his dad and uncle. God Speed EVH.

[@TheSpawnacus]

Naw....Wolf is cool but mellow, not a grand arena player like his dad. He will do ok and in time stop and enjoy life. Why work if you don't have to ?

[@douglasgault5458]

I fist saw them at a house party & several months latter they were all over LA. And by mid 74 it was good luck getting in. These guys had a monstrous following.

[@RickHawkDavison]

RIP Eddie, your boy is rockin his thing. Maybe one day he will feel ok playing his dads music, but he is what you asked him to be.... Him. God bless Wolfgang, and all VH, LOVE YA DIAMOND.

[@DVincentW]

INDEED you are correct.

[@whitelion1111]

1:37-1:39 "we work real hard to do what we were doing" thank you VH, you served me well

[@mkaylor121]

My family is from Costa Mesa and they played my dads backyard all the time. My dads house was a party house. My dad was good friends with Alex Van Halen

[@jimmyc6686]

Thats pretty cool

[@davidelmer1423]

that must of been so damn cool for your dad, great memories.

[@MrPERPS]

A lot of people would love to have been in that backyard,,,,damn

[@rongohring2185]

Awesome

[@laraleyendecker2885]

That's kick ass!!

[@LinusFeynstein]

There will never be a band like this again.

[@acgillespie]

Sure there will be. There shall be many throughout eternity. There will never be the 1980s again though.

[@LinusFeynstein]

@@acgillespie well if you are heading in that direction... Maybe Eddie is jamming now with Jimmy and Wolfgang (Mozart) in a parallel universe...

[@chicovoylez3216]

@@LinusFeynstein You mean HELL?

[@LinusFeynstein]

@@chicovoylez3216 of course

[@Townsendcat2]

Ed was awsome but not the best!!!!!yenge melmstein is the best ever!!!!

[@rickmartin2168]

When VanHalen the first album came out we had it day one. It was the great blizzard of 78 that year. We prepared for the Storm. Got all the goodies.... food and Liquor 🥃 for the long haul. It's a good thing to we were snowed in for about 4 day's. We listened to the album, played card's, got drunk and listen to VanHalen for three Days straight. 😆 We had never heard anything like it. That's when we all became fan's for life. 🎸🎸🥁🎸🥁🎸

[@monkeygamenow3731]

Im 18 and i wished i could have seen their shows:( But all i can say is, is that im grateful for all of their albums and RIP to the greatest guitar player of all time!

[@fenixfp40]

I was fortunate enough to see VH 3 times supporting Sabbeth in the UK. Couldn't believe Eddie could reproduce the album. Still trying to play his stuff. RIP Eddie.

[@fearsomename2745]

No band can beat the Mighty Van Halen, Diamond Dave the best frontman to ever grace a stage. Eddie Van Halen your music will live forever. Rest in peace.

[@fearsomename2745]

@Mike O'Lynn Nope.

[@roberthall6560]

@@fearsomename2745 ... Man your a Dumbass

[@fearsomename2745]

@@roberthall6560 It's you're, idiot.

[@TheJpep2424]

LOL No

[@humanactivated1017]

You guys just haven't seen any of the new stuff from Justin Bieber , Van Halen hasn't sold even close to Beiber . Look at how many followers on KZbin Beiber has compared to old Van Halen . Van Halen just can't compete .

[@fearsomename4517]

No band can beat the attitude and swagger of early Van Halen. I lived it, all of it. I have the battle scars to prove it.

[@dennisbailey2216]

Never forget my friend come to my house and telling me you have to hear this. And it was their first album and from that point on they were my favorite band. Seen them 5 times and even seen them with Sabbath the first time and Sammy the last time. Never be a better band in my opinion,and never a better guitar player than Eddie. R.I.P.

[@gwwasham]

Van Halen rocked and Roll Tide.

[@MrTravisBickleJnr]

I’m not even a Van Halen fan but totally enjoyed that. RIP Eddie

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I was nine when 1984 came out. I actually heard the whole album at my cousin's house. I became obsessed with the guitar after that.

[@drralph100]

Incredible I've been following VH since 1978 when I saw them for the first time when I was 18. I have to say I learned more about VH tonight than I had learned in the last 40 years.

[@evanabbott2737]

🤘

[@victoriaislander]

I saw them in the 70's, not sure exactly the year, they were the front for black Sabbath, their first concert in Nashville. It was absolutely awesome! I actually saw them twice as the 1st one black Sabbath didn't play due to circumstances lol so we all got a rain check for the following Friday.

[@robertblair4647]

Out of over 200 concerts in my life, VH in the 1980s was the best IMO. VH1 changed everything ❤

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

You never been to a AC⚡DC concert. 🎸

[@robertblair4647]

@@AlwaysAwesome001 YES! Sooo good! I've seen them 4 times. Heard a rumor they might play the Superbowl!!!

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

@@robertblair4647 You still think VH was best? Ok. 🙄

[@-KingOfKhaos]

@@AlwaysAwesome001Well having seen both AC⚡️DC and VanHalen several times myself, it’s a close call, but I also think VanHalen (pre-Hagar) edges out over AC⚡️DC. Don’t get me wrong, both are incredible, but there was something about Eddie and Alex that just was incredible.

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

@@-KingOfKhaos Not even close. ⚡ Van Halen brothers well documented dicks.

[@doodlebob3758]

As highly regarded as Van Halen were and are, Dave's screams and squeals are STILL criminally underrated. Still mystifying how he was able to do it consistently in his prime. He lost it around 1988, but I wonder if that technique would be able to be carried through a full career.

[@Nautilus1972]

WTF? Skyscraper came out in '88. That was his best solo album.

[@markl5998]

If Dave didn't smoke cigarettes he would probably still be able to do some of the bashee screams he used to

[@akfreed6949]

Oh , I dunno . His screaming in Me Wise Magic was awesome .

[@mattmacarthur520]

Yeah man Dave was still young and in his prime in the 80s and early 90s ! His first 3 solos albums are all killer !

[@canatolakhoemini6728]

UNDERRATED??!! IVE NEVER heard anyone not say Dave isn't the greatest. With all due respect, I am not sure if you understand the meaning of underrated. It doesn't mean the criminally greatest of all time! Lol.

[@richardremick1639]

Thank god I saw them as a teenager in 1984 before Dave bailed 80’s was and still shaped my mind Van Halen made us coooler than cool 😎

[@chrish7]

I remember as a kid people talking about a big rock star that still lived at his parents house in 1980 right down the street from me in Pasadena. Hard to believe it was this guy Eddie Van Halen.

[@tyorbs6277]

I was so hurt and shocked when I heard Eddie passed away and I couldn’t listen to another Van Halen song without crying my eyes out knowing that he’s gone RIP Eddie Van Halen

[@mrsx7944]

It's so sad. He was so young. He was so adorable in his day.

[@quantumpotential7639]

Now wayyyy. He's gone? What happened.

[@DrewMIATL]

I had always wished I could meet him and ask him how he played certain songs on guitar. Damn. RIP to the king.

[@syndicateproductionstarana4925]

Hes human.We all die.

[@5hadœwbånnedbyyou]

@@quantumpotential7639 Cancer. Everybody knows it was the decades of cigarette smoking. Bless his Soul.

[@jochenbecht6191]

God bless Eddie and all VH fans around these planet.

[@makiavelli999]

Van Halen worshipped Satan.

[@godzillasimpson8357]

Wtf no they worshiped girls and coke. Who needs satan all they do is bleed and cut.

[@briankelly2337]

it became clear that Dave's voice after 10 years of belting it out was going, and when it goes, it goes, kinda like a major league hitter, once its over, its over. He knew that and figured his voice would never last another 10 years so it was time to do something he still could do, entertain. 79 -83 Van Halen was the best band around period, they were second to none....Miss Eddie's playing more then anything, he was the man.

[@recordfishhunter9234]

I was 15 years old in 1978 when Van Halen's first album came out when I heard that s*** I was just freaking blown away my neighbor bought the album and played it loud and it was freaking awesome never heard anything like it !

[@paulaporter778]

Neighbors gettin' crazy 'bout the noise next door.....

[@reprintranch]

@@paulaporter778 It's a major violation...

[@intertubicular]

This was awesome! Van Halen certainly paid their dues in becoming one of the greatest Rock bands in the world.

[@TOCC50]

Everything was covered in the VH logo growing up, I saw their logo a hundred times a day 😅

[@mpmphilpott]

I met two brothers in 1982 in Midland Texas. They were from California and told me Van Halen played at their sister's wedding in 1976. Naturally, I didn't believe them, but they had the photo album to prove it. Van Halen in their parent's back yard jammin' hard. Those were the days my friend!

[@ENDINGWOKENESSNOW]

I’ve always been a Van Halen fan but I have to say in the last year I have really listened to them for the first time. I gotta say it doesn’t get much better for an opening of an album than ‘You’re No Good’ on VHII. The fact that Eddie could open that tune up with those haunting riffs is just amazing. I don’t miss Eddie at all, I have him and the band with me everyday. You take away Ed and listen it’s good but man oh man, Ed brought the fire and Alex teed it up for Michael and Roth blew it over the fence. What a fucking band. Hell listen to Beat It (Michael Jackson for anyone under a rock) and as short as that guitar solos is in that song, it’s awesome. It made that song. Remove Michaels vocals and get to that solo and you’re saying damn that’s a good song. I was lucky enough to see the early years lineup and that was some experience. Grab a Van Halen record today, throw it on the turn table and crank it up! Just sit and listen, take it in and appreciate greatness.

[@AJ-es5yd]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@RonTimmonsM1]

I can't imagine being Alex and losing the one person you spent more time with than anyone in earth. The one person that was your Right Hand. The one person that was integrated into your soul. Yeah I pray for peace and comfort for anyone who misses Ed. But more than anyone, Alex. I can't help but wonder if he will play live again. My whole musical existence is from Van Halen.

[@marcrichard7251]

I remember I got my new career with The Detroit Edison CO. and I was 29 years old and Van Halen was at the top in about 1984…. Plus the Detroit Tigers won the World Series! What a great era….and so when I listen to Van Halen it takes me back and I feel young again….

[@nijo5427]

What was that, a 35 and 5 start? Most amazing beginning to a season in my lifetime. As memorable as Van Halen was for their music. Stay young at heart Marc!

[@marcrichard7251]

@@nijo5427 Thanks Ni Jo….

[@kathrynjordan8782]

The Original Van Halen is my favorite Rock band! They will remain my favorite Rock band of all time. After the 1984 album, Van Halen took a turn for the worse. David Lee Roth was the best vocalist that Van Halen ever had. Rest In Peace Eddie! You're lightening up the heavens with your guitar.

[@jonny555ive]

DLR, the best vocalist Van Halen ever had ????? Hahaha.... NO Sammy blew him out of the water EASILY ! Dave was a showmen, that's it.

[@dpixvid]

My great uncle(Hartley) said he knew the Van Halen boys in the Pasadena neighborhood because he went to their recitals and Eddie had his paper route! He was a tree surgeon in Pasadena & died at age of 95 back in the nineties I believe. Cool.

[@326cher]

David Lee Roth's instincts are 100% right on for a successful rock band!! I loved Eddie, Alex, and Michael, but David made it fun!!!

[@makiavelli999]

After David Lee Roth left the band it was all downhill from there. JUMP is a single that is top 5 in rock history. But I am sick of it. Skip it very time. 1984 is so friggin Van Halen at its best.

[@cstevens1472]

@@makiavelli999 David left to fuel his ego, it was Eddie who brought the band ahead, he’s a guitar legend. I didn’t know who David lee Roth was until a few years ago, but I’ve known Eddie since I was a little kid.

[@UKSportsFan]

@@cstevens1472 ...if you didn't know who David Lee Roth was until a few years ago, then you were still a kid not long ago. One thing's for sure, you weren't a fan...and probably not even alive...when Roth left the band. The music changed, the style changed, and the attitude changed. The whole direction changed...and that was truly unfortunate for fans who had been there from the beginning.

[@cstevens1472]

@@UKSportsFan Yes correct, I am a child. However, let's stress the fact that my father saw it fit to teach me the gospel of Eddie instead of egomaniac Dave's. The direction changed for the better in my opinion, although it's really subjective mate.

[@ronriver9495]

@Andrew Flowers ur a dumbass it's about a girl

[@GaryLaaks1]

Undoubtedly a member of the top 10 club of best bands ever. Love/d Van Halen. RIP Eddie.

[@TonyMcNew-m1c]

I was blessed to have been able to see VAN HALEN in the 70s on 4 different occasions. And it was mind blowing every single time. The greatest guitar 🎸 player ever in my book Eddie van Halen. RIP bro.

[@leezee2894]

I first saw Van Halen in 1978 they backed up ZZ Top when i heard EVH play he blew me away as well as the entire band i never heard anything like them before the loss of EVH was just devastating to me but Eddies spirit will never die his music and his legacy will live on generations to come will know who he was !!

[@adamjones142]

What a great documentary on the mighty Van Halen. Devastated by the loss of Eddie!! But seeing this lets me know his music and impact on guitar 🎸 will last forever. so glad I was able to see Van Halen through all the different stages of their career. And no matter what they always rocked the house. RIP Eddie !!!!! Peace to all i

[@hazor777]

WHY THE FUCK is your same comment posted under 3 different names? KInda dumb , dont you think?

[@muhammadindra9090]

RIP King EVH...my music man forever....💖

[@annetteprince7536]

Good music is truly timeless. It’s not who is listening to what. It’s about what sounds good and what deserves a second listen

[@Confidentk9sCa]

All 4 of them were incredibly talented together. I wish I’d been able to see them live on my island at Victoria, BC but I was too young back then. Just grateful to be able to enjoy their music when it came out and then their MTV videos later were the most fun and interesting of anything that came out back then.

[@craigmartini6917]

My uncle went to that show in Vic for the WACF tour, and he came back a different person. I remember him talking about it, and he said he'd never seen or heard anything like it ever........he still stands by those words 40+ years later.

[@livemusic8248]

When I first heard :Dance the Night Away" while in school I was impressed. I would listen that song for hours a day, hit repeat on my CD player. Years later still listen to the song and yes maybe an hour or more. As for the Frontman battles both brought their own game, had strong voices, David ha more energy, while Sammy played instruments, to of been on stage side by side been impressive presence. One amazing act, I miss Eddie R.I.P., gone but not forgotten!

[@riverraisin1]

VH broke out at the right time in my rock and roll life. I was an Aerosmith freak in the 70's, but they were well on their way downhill when Van Halen's debut album came out. It blew me away and I was an instant convert. Was fortunate to see them in 1979, their first headline tour, at Detroit's Masonic Temple. I had seat # 110 near the sound board, about 10 rows back in a 4,400 seat auditorium. I remember the concert vividly.

[@JosephJLopez-bo3jr]

I was a freshman in high school when Van Halen put out there first self-titled Album, I picked up playing guitar 3yrs before, but really got into it when I heard EVH playing, the tandem picking is what blew my mind and my finger tips!! Rest In Paradise EVH!🖤🎶🎼🎸🤘🙏

[@TOCC50]

Too bad Eddie was a major chain smoker

[@jimjoe9945]

Did he believe in the Lord?

[@tugginalong]

Great music, great show, great band and best guitarist of a generation.

[@davideckes7408]

I remember sitting in the school bus playing Van Halen from my new boom box. Cassette tape collection was awesome. 80’s baby 💪👉🇺🇸

[@eriksixx1226]

I really had eternal love for VH when Eddie put that guitar with Dimebag at his funeral.

[@ENigma-um8zw]

My last live show before the pandemic (Feb 2020 St Paul) shutdowns in the US of events was seeing David Lee Roth live, he could and can still bring it when He wants. I still have confetti in my car from the show. (Opened/Featured for KISS, but I went for DLR) it was great. He was the only one playing those original Van Halen tunes live and no one better than the original himself. Sounded way better than many had led me to believe. Was so awesome to see him do his thing and the continued effect of what that music can do for people. I can’t wait to get back to seeing and supporting and doing live shows again! Peace and Love everyone, RIP Eddie Van Halen, long live LIVE Rock n Roll!

[@ccampbell7214]

Long live rock and roll!!🤘

[@patguitare]

Thanks so much for producing this! A great memory for this guitarist as a young man! In 1978, at 16 years old, I dropped the needle on that first album and absolutely could not believe what my ears were trying to tell me. I thought, "How in the hell is he getting those sounds? Damn...is that even a guitar? 'Eruption' was a total transcendence to my ears...was it a synthesizer? Was it a guitar? How the fuck is he doing that? The pinch harmonics on the middle section of 'You Really Got Me'... When VH II came out in 1979, there was a little local music store in my hometown of Rowland Heights in So Cal. I can't remember the name of that little store....wish I did! I'd ride my bike there a couple times a week to hang out and listen to what they played on the stereo. One day, the guy working that day said, "Hey...we've got the new Van Halen album, you wanna hear it? I said, "Fuck yeah...." I was the only one in the store at that moment. I grabbed a stool and positioned myself in the middle of the room so I could get the effect of both speakers. What I heard that afternoon was pure magic! Seeing this doc brought back so many memories of listening and learning from King Edward and the band...I never thought of myself as a copier, but I learned a lot of VH songs, riffs, and lead breaks to improve myself as a guitarist. Later, in the early 80s, my interests gravitated to more of the European hard rock sounds of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Scorpions. You know, two guitar bands. Van Halen, the band, and Edward were so great and wrote the book of what a hard-rockin band should sound like! The fun, the party-hearty attitude they exuded could not be topped. The recent announcement of Sammy getting together with Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, and Jason Bohnam brought me back to revisit Van Halen, although it was the early years that brought me here. I did get to see them on the 1980 Invasion Tour and the Diver Down Tour with DLR. Afterward, I saw them with Sammy on the 5150 tour as well! All Hail KING EDWARD!

[@metalheadjayeff8232]

There will NEVER be another greater than THE MIGHTY VAN HALEN ❤😊

[@pookiepookie8669]

My brothers and I used to sing Happy Trails after a little acid. Roy and Dale! Everyone sing and wave you hand by your face, "Happy traiiiillllllsssss" . . . then the laughing starts. Love VH! Getting old sucks. RIP EVH!

[@Laurenavan]

God wanted to hear some Van Halen from the original E.V.H. so he called Eddie back home. REST IN PEACE Eddie, we love you.

[@jeffclark6988]

Yes the King is gone..to a better place.. RNR heaven!

[@iceman06611]

Actually the antichrist sacrificed him.

[@lakeliving2013]

Eddie Van Halen!!.... Will be often emulated.. But never Duplicated!! One of the ultimate Immortals... His music will live on, and far Beyond, himself. Still mourning you my friend. ⚡🎸

[@MR-xf8xg]

I want to know what kind of deal Keith Richards has got going

[@edwardlagrossa1246]

What? God couldn't hear Eddie here?

[@reidfarrill3917]

I saw them in Toronto at Maple Leaf Gardens in the early 80's. I had never seen such energy. It was truly incredible to see. By 1984 it was big and polished and still spectacular but my preference was the 1980 to 1983 period before "Jump" & "Panama" chart hits. The early days were based soley on raw energy, great playing and charisma. Fame and success had not yet altered the band. Everything began to change after the 1984 album.

[@brucegehlen1243]

I already miss the brilliance that was Eddie, rest in peace 😅 maestro

[@randypullman1155]

It was an unbelievable time for rock music.

[@w.allencaddell6421]

Remember when KZbin had no commercials? Wasn't great?

[@rdgfx3]

Google is not your friend.

[@birdlawofphilly6701]

Still don’t cuz we pay premium eh(what was your internet free back then and your devices too??nope. Pay please for it be cuz better than cable and the only reason for internet really)

[@Cleme21]

Get premium.

[@BlowinFree]

Get premium or ad blocker. I did. I couldn’t stand watching woke adverts

[@mysticchicken6292]

I saw VH in Tampa, FL in 1978 when I was in high school. I think they opened for Bad Company, but VH was unforgettable. They had so much energy! They were really blowing up then & everyone had their first album. I remember we had a really good local radio station back then that gave them a lot of play. Historic band!

[@davidmatela9868]

That’s awsome Very lucky to have seen them 78!!!

[@davekinghorn9567]

20 years later In 98 David Lee Roth Opened for Bad Company in San Jose.

[@canttouchthis6439]

Dave was best lead singer for Van Halen hands down. Davids voice lured you into his world and you wanted more more more.

[@tg-pm6np]

but he was a dikhead to everybody . thats why they kiked him in thenutz and fukd him in the ass🤣

[@canttouchthis6439]

@@tg-pm6np you are a nasty human

[@josephwimmer8546]

I saw them play at a backyard party in county area Monrovia , sheriff called before they became famous

[@canttouchthis6439]

@@josephwimmer8546 now that's kool

[@michelledonnan404]

Best band ever.I still listen to Can Halen to this day.Totally rock

[@caramanico1]

Great summary - VH was Eddie's homemade guitar tone, Alex's snare sound and the fabulous harmonies / backing vov,.

[@mr.zzyzzx6136]

You are forgetting Roth's showmanship and his natural ability to throat sing. Name another singer who can do that. I can, but you've never heard of him.

[@dariodiclaudio9372]

There hasn't been a band or any artistic movement in the world that has influenced me as much as Van Halen. I miss Eddie terribly. David Lee Roth is and will always be the epitome of the rock and roll frontman. He's also one of the GREATEST songwriter in Rock.

[@paulmc3457]

The falsetto of Michael Anthony was definitely an integral part of the Van Halen sound.

[@andrejz8954]

afaik, 95% his lines were full voice

[@Mike-oz5pp]

True but EVH was also responsible for those Tremendous melodic background vocals

[@dukenukem7137]

I’m sa NBC I’ll

[@jonny555ive]

Agreed 👍👍

[@kbtube8125]

@@andrejz8954 a true tenor.

[@andifisaytoyoutomorrow0]

Zeppelin is my favorite band, however by the time VH came around Zeppelin had run its course, and there seemed a void for the throne of the greatest rock band. For me VH filled that void, and now many years later those two are still my favorites, hands down. Thanks for the memories.

[@ilper1625]

Hey the throne is due to her majesty QUEEN. No doubt about it ever.

[@NAETEMUSIC]

I remember seeing clips of this strewn across youtube 10 years ago, so glad the full thing is finally here in official form.

[@12mrmajestic]

The Silver Tone Sears amp is one of the most sought after vintage amps out there. In the 70's I had a friend and that's all he talked about and with good reason. He bought one and yes it was sweet.

[@phosphorescentscotsman]

Nice to hear J.J. Jacksons' friendly voice again. I liked that dude. 😊

[@Itelkner]

J.J. was a great interviewer. Loved music, knew his stuff, did his homework, and had great rapport with his interviewees.

[@sandraeasley7838]

JJ and Eric Clapton have a great album

[@harolddburke4726]

When I heard the bands first album I thought it was so hard core. They got famous so fast. I would hear them on the radio and at friends houses . Some bands take a little while to get deserved recognition. Van Halen was flying high from the first album. Interesting video for me to find out how they got there . They had great friends and family and a following out in Pasadena before I ever heard of them. With all the work they put in I now understand how they could walk into the spotlight like they owned it. Because they did own it ! I think Van Halen sounded majestic ! Great video !

[@dukedukeshire7378]

Cf

[@jamesrozine8102]

Still can’t believe Ed is gone R.I.P. great video!

[@mikeys7536]

“House of Pain” was always my favorite track on 1984. Now I know why - it was written in the early days.

[@Ever443]

I know I’m gonna catch sh!t for this comment, but I enjoyed both eras of Van Halen music. Each fit the time period they were a part of. Simply great band

[@mariovucko3582]

Truly well said.

[@ponzo1967]

Who cares about that tribal shit, good music is good music and if someone wants to whine because they don't like the change then that's on them. Sammy did some great work with Van Halen 🎸

[@wbrockstar9550]

Yeah it blows my mind how there were so many fans that were hung up on the Roth fronted Van Halen only eventhough the Hagar fronted Van Halen had more #1's,a better vocalist with a huge range,treated the other three members like the rockstars instead of himself, never forgot the words to songs,was a great improviser if needed and who's talent & solo success was what earned him the job vs Roth that was allowed into the band primarily only because he had a PA they were renting from him which they would not have to continue paying to rent if they allowed him to join (which in & of itself was unbelievable) Roth may have been a great frontman visually speaking,but that was the only contribution he made IMO.

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

That observation is absolutely 100% correct.

[@18Macallan]

True👍

[@andyclark3615]

I remember hearing "Dance the Night Away" on the radio for the first time in 1978 at 13 years old. The next time I heard them on the radio, was 2 years later when they released the album "Women and Children First" and the single cut " And the Cradle Will Rock" came blaring out of the radio. I knew right then and there I absolutely HAD to have that album! Up til that time, I had never heard a guitar make sounds anywhere near as unique and more distinctive as did that guitar in Edward's hands.

[@peytoncappitelli5864]

Would have been 79

[@DrewMIATL]

I can’t even imagine what it was like hearing those records for the first time on the radio back in the day

[@DetVen]

First time I heard Van Halen was walking into an ice arena in the summer of 1978 for the first day of hockey camp...it was early in the morning and all the kids were there with their dads waiting to sign in and drop their kids off and Atomic Punk was playing loudly over the speaker system...I was like, what is this??? Well, the whole week it was 6 hours a day of on and off ice hockey training and the rink workers jammed that Van Halen album at various times throughout the day...I asked my older sister about Van Halen and she knew who they were and got the album and I became a huge Van Halen fan. Then when Van Halen 2 came out, I liked that album even more and the girls OMG, the girls loved Van Halen! The summer of 79 was all about girls and Van Halen lol.

[@lylecheeverii3323]

E.V.H....cool

[@eduardomiotto]

I was 13 in 1983 when I went to a Van Halen show on their only tour here in Latin America. (Porto Alegre, Brazil) An experience that changed my life! Big fan to this day! Awesome video!

[@Davan1331-x1p]

Found their first album when I was young. Always been a favorite.

[@13soulz]

Thanks for the memories and unforgettable concerts! May you rest well EVH

[@RickHawkDavison]

Van Halen brothers was love.. God bless Wolfie.. He's his dads boy, love and dream. 200% himself, love seeing where he's going. Watch!

[@jaysantos536]

Wolf Boy is 200% of EVERY body. Dude needs to put down the Triple Whoppers with Cheese and 20" pizzas.

[@RickHawkDavison]

AND THE BAND PLAYS ON.... FOREVER!

[@zareththealchemist8982]

I loved VH. Saw them when they fronted for Black Sabbath. Loooong time ago. The most amazing energy, ever - and I saw hundreds of concerts in Philly way back when. The most annoying thing about this video was the commercials every three minutes. I suspect that if the band was in a hotel room watching this, they would have thrown the computer out the window of the hotel.

[@DrewMIATL]

I always said that if I could time travel, I would go to the late 70s or early 80s and see VH

[@ABoyandHisDog-pd3lb]

Eddie not only did the solo on Beat It, he rearranged the song a bit differently and MJ apparently loved it even more after hearing Ed's new take.

[@frankG335]

I was at the last performance, I'm pretty sure. They had sold out a world tour and my friend and I went, and paid a lot to be very close to the stage. They were on FIRE. I couldn't believe what great shape they were in - Eddie was still running and sliding on his knees while playing, David Lee Roth did his leaps and showmanship and did a double sword spinning gymnastics thing, with real swords spinning do fast you could hardly see then, which took extreme discipline over decades ro Master, as well as sobriety or he could have lost control of it and killed himself or someone else. They had 6 pack abs and you could tell they had gotten into amazing shape for the tour. Their last. And I was surprised that David Lee Roth was back singing with them! Valerie Bertenelli was in the front row, so emotional and so supportive even though she was Eddie's ex... They had 2 band busses, one for David and one for the Van Halen men, I assume. Then they had to cancel the rest of the tour! I never found out if someone relapsed or if Eddie got bad news about his cancer. I felt soooo lucky to see them at the top of their game in their last performance or near last. Another great thing was how at home I felt, being among my own generation and culture, near Pasadena, so a lot of the people were literally from where I had grown up and had been seeing Van Halen since they lived in Pasadena and played in a garage to small audiences. I couldn't believe if when I heard that Eddie had DIED! IT SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE! Rest in Peace, Rock God.

[@97stratocaster21]

Damn. Cool story. Made me tear up. I never got to see them live, with any line-up.

[@andyhamilton8940]

There’s no way. I saw them on their last tour also and none of that was going on. Men in their sixties aren’t capable of those acrobatics.

[@jamesmick8653]

You were not at their last show.

[@AGHORNATH18]

Diamond Dave sucked at that show. Thank the gods I did not pay good money for that! I'll keep my memories as an 11 year old boy in 82.

[@xyzlne]

My friend used to have them live on a cassette tape when they were playing live on a weeknight at club in LA and at the time called themselves Mammoth.